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STATE  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 


DOCUMENTS 


RELATING  TO 

The  Masonian  Patent 

1630-1846, 

INCLUDING  THE 

Charter  of  the  Council  of  Plymouth,  of  Date  Nov.  3,  1620,  the 
Various  Grants  and  Patents  to  John  Mason,  the  Records  and 
Miscellaneous  Papers  of  the  Masonian  Proprietary,  with 
Numerous  Other  Papers  Constituting  a Part  of  the 
Documentary  History  of  the  Patent  and  the  Titles 
Claimed  under  It,  Arranged  in  Chronological 
Order,  with  Citations  to  Other  Documents 
and  Authorities  Relative  to  the  Same 
.Subject,  and  Complete  Indexes. 


VOLUME  XXIX. 

Town  Charters,  Volume  VI. 
Masonian  Papers,  Volume  III. 


ALBERT  STILLMAN  BATCHELLOR, 

Editor  of  State  Papers. 


CONCORD: 


EDWARD  N.  PEARSON,  PUBLIC  PRINTER. 

1896. 


Boston  college  library 

CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 


JOINT  RESOLUTION  relating  to  the  preservation  and  publication  of 
portions  of  the  early  state  and  provincial  records  and  other  state 
papers  of  New  Hampshire. 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court 
convened: 

That  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be  hereby  authorized  and  empowered, 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council,  to  employ  some  suitable  person 
— and  fix  his  compensation,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury 
not  otherwise  appropriated — to  collect,  arrange,  transcribe,  and  superin- 
tend the  publication  of  such  portions  of  the  early  state  and  provincial 
records  and  other  state  papers  of  New  Hampshire  as  the  Governor  may 
deem  proper  ; and  that  eight  hundred  copies  of  each  volume  of  the  same  be 
printed  by  the  state  printer,  and  distributed  as  follows  : namely,  one  copy 
to  each  city  and  town  in  the  state,  one  copy  to  such  of  the  public  libraries 
in  the  state  as  the  Governor  may  designate,  fifty  copies  to  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Historical  Society,  and  the  remainder  placed  in  the  custody  of  the 
state  librarian,  who  is  hereby  authorized  to  exchange  the  same  for  similar 
publications  by  other  states. 

Approved  August  4,  1881. 


PREFACE. 


In  the  introduction  which  preceded  the  principal  text  in  volumes  twenty- 
seven  and  twenty-eight  of  this  series  of  state  publications,  which  were  also 
designated  as  Masonian  Papers,  particular  attention  was  called  to  two  ele- 
ments in  New  Hampshire  history,  viz. : — the  controversy  over  the  boundary 
between  this  province  and  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  the  con- 
troversy over  the  Masonian  claim  in  its  various  forms  and  aspects.  No 
less  essential  to  an  apprehension  of  correct  theories  as  to  the  develop- 
mental history  of  the  province  is  a recognition  of  the  inter-relation  of 
these  two  controversies,  the  identity  of  interests  involved  in  them  and 
which  were  constantly  moving  upon  events,  and  were  potent  in  the 
accomplishment  of  the  most  important  results  exhibited  in  the  building 
of  this  commonwealth.  A collection  of  the  documents  relating  to  the  for- 
mer subject,  the  boundary  line  controversy,  is  given  in  volume  nineteen  of 
this  series.  The  papers  there  presented  and  the  authorities  cited  afford 
the  material  for  the  study  of  this  subject,  or  direction  as  to  where  it  is 
accessible,  with  reference  to  the  probable  requirements  of  investigators. 

A similar  collection  of  documents  relating  to  the  Masonian  claim,  its 
origin,  its  persistent  prosecution  in  varying  degrees  of  vigor  and  success, 
both  in  the  courts  of  the  province  and  in  those  of  the  mother  country,  its 
status  and  character  as  a factor  in  political  and  business  affairs,  the 
changes  in  its  proprietorship,  the  eventual  qualified  recognition  of  its 
validity,  and  its  relations  with  the  fundamental  titles  to  a large  part  of  the 
territory  included  within  the  present  boundaries  of  the  state,  has  long 
been  a recognized  desideratum  in  the  documentary  history  of  the  province 
and  state. 

In  so  far  as  this  deficiency  had  been  already  met  in  the  volumes  of  this 
series  previously  published,  the  result  was  necessarily  fragmentary  and 
desultory.  Documents  presented  in  the  earlier  volumes,  edited  by  Dr. 
Bouton,  were  for  the  most  part  those  found  in  the  state  archives.  Inci- 
dentally with  the  material  of  later  volumes,  largely  legislative  and  execu- 
tive journals,  papers  relating  to  the  Masonian  claim  are  incorporated,  and 
are  of  unquestioned  importance  as  constituting  parts  of  the  entire  body  of 
Masonian  documents.  The  editors  of  the  early  volumes  containing  these 


IV 


PREFACE. 


papers  were  at  a serious  disadvantage  owing  to  the  fact  that  a considerable 
part  of  the  documents  which  may  be  described  as  Masonian,  were  in  pri- 
vate custody  and  inaccessible  as  regards  public  examination  and  use. 

In  1746,  if  it  be  permissible  to  recite  here  facts  of  such  common  knowl- 
edge, a number  of  gentlemen  of  the  province  obtained  a conveyance  of  the 
Masonian  title  by  purchase  from  John  Tufton  Mason,  an  heir  sixth  in 
descent  from  John  Mason,  the  original  proprietor.  With  the  muniments 
of  title,  a valuable  and  interesting  mass  of  documents  passed  to  the  new 
proprietors.  They  were  not  a corporation  in  the  sense  in  which  the  term 
is  now  used,  but  rather  an  organized  association  of  joint  owners.  They  had 
a recording  officer,  and  a record  of  their  transactions  was  continued  until 
all  the  lands  of  the  proprietary  had  been  disposed  of  and  their  business 
concluded.  The  early  history  of  this  title  includes  a number  of  patents. 
The  collection  of  these  papers  given  in  this  volume  is  as  complete  as  mod- 
ern investigation  in  American  and  foreign  archives  has  made  practicable. 
For  convenience  and  completeness  of  record  the  charter  to  the  Council  of 
Plymouth  is  given  first  place  in  the  order  of  arrangement.  The  body  of 
this  volume  is  divided  into  two  parts,  the  first  containing  the  several 
patents  and  other  instruments  above  referred  to  as  constituting  the  basis 
of  the  title  of  John  Mason  to  that  portion  of  New  England  established  as 
the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  second  containing  the  records 
of  the  associated  proprietors,  with  accompanying  documents  of  a general 
nature  relating  to  the  title  in  its  various  stages  and  conditions  of  progress 
in  its  own  history  and  in  the  history  of  the  province  and  state. 

It  will  be  noted  that  many  papers  relating  to  this  subject,  which  have 
appeared  in  previous  volumes  of  the  state  publications  and  which  are 
accessible  in  other  places  of  reference  and  custody,  are  described  and  cited 
in  their  proper  consecutive  order.  It  must  be  remembered  that  the  early 
history  of  the  Masonian  title  is  largely  involved  in  the  history  of  the  begin- 
nings of  the  settlement  of  the  New  Hampshire  towns  and  of  the  province. 
Hence  all  the  histories  of  that  period,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  New  Hamp- 
shire distinctively,  or  to  New  England,  with  any  special  reference  to  this 
province  or  to  its  early  towns,  are  indispensible  as  commentaries  on  and 
treatment  of  the  principal  subjects  of  these  documents.  Equally  impor- 
tant, in  the  same  connection,  are  a number  of  conspicuous  biographies  of 
men  of  large  influence  in  the  early  years  of  New  England  and  New  Hamp- 
shire. Of  the  former  class  the  work  of  Dr.  Belknap  is  still  without  a rival 
as  an  authority  upon  the  period  of  which  he  treats  ; and,  of  the  latter  class, 
are  the  admirable  biographies  of  John  Mason  and  John  Wheelwright,  the 
former  the  work  of  Mr.  Tuttle  and  Mr.  Dean,  and  the  latter  from  the  pen 
of  Governor  Bell.  Upon  an  examination  of  these  narratives  and  of  the 


PREFACE. 


V 


Masonian  documents,  it  will  be  observed  that  the  history  of  the  title  is 
traced  through  periods  in  which  it  was  a remarkably  active  element  in  the 
progress  of  events,  while  in  other  intervening  periods  it  would  seem  to 
have  been  comparatively  quiescent  and  obscure.  Such  an  interval  fol- 
lowed the  death  of  John  Mason  in  1635.  In  the  years  immediately  prior 
to  the  establishment  of  the  province  in  1679  and  until  the  death  of  Robert 
(Tufton)  Mason,  grandson  of  the  proprietor,  in  1688,  this  subject  was  of 
overshadowing  importance  in  the  political  concerns  of  the  people,  in  their 
courts,  and  indeed  in  respect  to  the  immediate  title  to  and  possession  of 
the  homes  which  they  had  established. 

The  establishment  of  the  province  government  was  due  to  the  activity 
and  influence  of  Robert  (Tufton)  Mason  in  the  revival  of  the  Masonian 
claim.  This  influence  dominated  the  selection  of  royal*  appointees  for  the 
administration  of  the  province  and  their  conduct  in  office.  The  heirs  of 
Robert  Mason,  being  minors,  allowed  the  people  a respite  from  the  agita- 
tion and  further  enforcement  of  their  rights  for  the  time  being.  This 
period,  however,  was  of  short  duration.  In  1691  their  title  was  trans- 
ferred to  Samuel  Allen  by  a valid  conveyance,  as  it  was  considered,  the  ' 
formality  of  docking  the  entail  by  fine  and  recovery  in  the  court  of  king’s 
bench  in  England  having  been  observed  and  pursued,  the  lands  which 
were  the  subject  of  the  proceeding  being  considered  by  a fiction  of  law  as 
lying  in  England,  in  the  parish  of  Greenwich. 

Many  years  later  the  validity  of  this  proceeding  was  questioned,  and  it 
was  treated  as  invalid,  both  on  technical  and  material  grounds. 

Mr.  Allen  procured  a commission  as  governor  of  the  province  in  1692. 
The  prosecution  of  his  claim  (for  a time  after  that  date  known  as  the  Allen 
title)  was  thereupon  energetically  renewed  and  persistently  continued  dur- 
ing succeeding  administrations  in  the  province  until  the  death  of  Thomas 
Allen,  in  1715,  son  and  heir  of  the  governor.  Another  interval  of  subsidence 
of  the  agitation  of  this  interest  ensued.  The  forceful  activity  of  the  Masons 
seems  to  have  been  transmitted  from  generation  to  generation.  The  next 
revival  of  their  efforts  to  enforce  the  title  emanated  from  John  Tufton 
Mason,  advantage  having  been  taken  of  the  defect  in  the  Allen  title  before 
adverted  to,  and  the  entail  having  now  been  docked  in  the  local  courts  of 
this  jurisdiction.  A sequence  of  this  movement  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Mason 
was  the  sale  to  a number  of  gentlemen,  who,  in  the  parlance  of  the  present 
day,  might,  perhaps,  be  termed  a syndicate.  The  personal  character,  the 
financial  resources,  the  social  and  political  connections  of  these  men,  and 
the  well-conceived  method  of  their  association  afforded  the  Masonian  title 
a status  which  it  had  never  before  gained  and  occupied  with  the  people  and 
with  the  several  departments  of  government  in  the  province.  The  associ- 


VI 


PREFACE. 


ation  controlled  resources  which  enabled  them  to  formulate  far-reaching 
plans  and  to  carry  them  into  successful  execution.  They  manifested  sing- 
ular wisdom  and  tact  in  their  dealings  with  the  people,  both  in  individual 
and  political  relations.  It  was  inevitable  that  they  should  sooner  or  later 
encounter  antagonisms  of  a potential  and  dangerous  character.  Men  of 
less  influence,  less  wealth,  and  less  steadfastness  of  purpose,  men  less 
closely  identified  with  the  various  forces  which  moved  upon  the  opinions 
of  the  masses  and  influenced  the  attitude  of  courts  and  the  action  of  legis- 
latures, would  have  failed  in  this  enterprise,  long  discredited  and  still 
burdensome,  hazardous,  and  unpromising.  Their  administration  of  their 
rights  as  successors  to  the  Masonian  interest  was  judicious  and  concilia- 
tory. 

However  promising  the  outlook  may  have  been  for  the  new  proprietary 
in  the  early  years  of  their  administration,  the  future  was  pregnant  of  diffi- 
culty. The  historic  line  which  was  supposed  to  bound  their  grant  on  the 
west  and  northwest  may  be  traced  on  the  map  which  accompanies  volume 
twenty-six  of  this  series. 

In  almost  forty  years  succeeding  1746,  the  course  of  affairs  with  them 
was  comparatively  uneventful.  Soon  after  the  Kevolution,  however,  and 
at  almost  one  and  the  same  time,  they  were  assailed  from  two  directions. 
The  Allen  claim  was  revived  with  much  apparent  determination,  and  an- 
other and  adverse  construction  of  the  terms  of  the  patent  in  relation  to  the 
specifications  of  boundaries  was  asserted  on  behalf  of  the  state.  The 
nature  of  both  claims  is  fully  disclosed  in  the  records  and  documents 
which  follow.  The  proprietary  did  not  resort  to  protracted  litigation,  or 
prolong  the  issue  in  the  legislature.  Compromises  were  effected,  both 
with  the  state  and  the  Allen  interests,  but  only  by  a very  large  outlay  on 
the  part  of  the  proprietary.  The  state’s  contention,  advanced  in  the  gen- 
eral court,  was  that  there  was  no  warrant  for  the  assumption  that  the 
Masonian  boundary  on  the  northerly  and  westerly  sides  was  a curved  line. 
The  running  of  a straight  line  between  the  two  terminal  points  of  this 
curved  line  marked  off  a considerable  area,  which,  in  the  state’s  construc- 
tion of  the  terms  of  the  patent,  would  belong  to  the  public  instead  of  to  the 
proprietary.  The  deed  of  the  state  to  the  proprietors,  June  18,  1788,  and 
the  deed  of  the  Allen  heirs  to  the  proprietors,  January  28,  1790,  will  be 
found  hereinafter  on  pages  340  and  345,  respectively. 

From  this  time  onward  to  the  conclusion  of  the  record,  the  history  of  the 
proprietary  and  of  the  Masonian  title  pertains  mainly  to  the  routine  of 
business,  resulting  finally  in  the  disposal  of  their  holdings  and  a practi- 
cally complete  execution  of  their  undertakings  with  respect  to  the  territory 
included  in  the  Masonian  patents. 


PREFACE. 


Vll 


A few  years  since,  Mr.  William  M.  Sargent  of  Portland,  Me.,  who  was 
engaged  in  the  examination  and  transcription  of  records  for  the  publica- 
tions known  as  “York  Deeds”  and  “Maine  Wills,”  discovered,  in  the  cus- 
tody of  Moses  A.  Stafford  of  Kittery,  an  ancient  sheep-bound  folio  manu- 
script of  eighty-four  pages,  which,  for  nearly  two  centuries  had  been  in 
the  custody  of  descendants  of  Lieut. -Gov.  John  Usher.  The  book  contains 
certified  copies  of  many  documents  relating  to  the  Masonian  claim.  Mr. 
Sargent  is  of  opinion,  based  on  careful  investigation,  that  these  papers 
were  used  in  the  trials  of  the  cases,  Mason  v.  Waldron,  at  New  Castle, 
1683,  Allen  v.  Spencer,  at  Wells,  1704,  Allen  v.  Waldron,  at  Portsmouth, 
1707. 

This  collection  contained  several  valuable  additions  to  be  made  to  the 
published  literature  of  subjects  of  which  they  treat.  Several  of  these 
papers  are  incorporated  in  this  volume,  with  special  designation  of  the 
source  from  which  they  were  obtained. 

No  record  or  copy  of  the  conveyances  made  in  mortgage  or  in  some 
other  form  for  the  security  of  Lieut. -Gov.  Cranfield,  of  which  mention  is 
made  by  Dr.  Belknap  (History  of  New  Hampshire,  Farmer’s  edition,  p.  96), 
has  been  discovered,  though  diligent  search  has  been  made  in  the  land  and 
court  records  in  this  country  and  in  England. 

The  greater  part  of  the  documents  here  presented  are  from  the  collection 
which  came  to  the  custody  of  the  state  from  Bobert  Cutts  Peirce  of  Ports- 
mouth in  1891.  This  has  supplied  material  which  has  been  the  basis  and 
principal  feature  of  the  three  volumes  now  published  and  designated  as 
“Masonian  Papers.”  Two  of  these  volumes  were  devoted  to  the  township 
charters  issued  by  the  Masonian  proprietary,  while  the  papers  of  a more 
general  nature,  pertaining  to  the  subject,  were  reserved  to  this,  the  third 
volume  of  the  Masonian  series. 

In  relation  to  the  two  grants  of  New  Hampshire  and  Mason ia  to  Capt. 
John  Mason,  both  of  date  April  22,  1635,  the  student  of  these  documents 
should  read  the  note  of  explanation  on  pages  216-218  of  Tuttle  and  Dean’s 
life  of  “Capt.  John  Mason,”  published  by  the  Prince  Society,  1887. 

The  plan  adopted  for  this  work  has  not  contemplated  the  incorporation 
of  numerous  or  extensive  explanatory  and  historical  notes.  It  has,  how- 
ever, required  methodical  and  logical  arrangement  of  the  material,  fidelity 
in  the  transcription  and  in  the  imprint,  and  the  addition  of  accurate  and 
exhaustive  indexes,  whereby  every  feature  of  the  collection,  every  material 
fact,  and  every  name,  may  be  readily  and  certainly  found  and  made  avail- 
able to  those  who  have  occasion  to  consult  the  work. 


A.  S.  BATCHELLOR. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Council  of  Plymouth  Established,  Nov.  3,  1620  . . ■ . 3 

Grant  of  Mariana,  March  9,  1621-2  .......  19 

Grant  of  Maine,  Aug.  10,  1622  ........  23 

Wheelwright  Deed,  May  17,  1629  . . . . . . 28 

Grant  of  New  Hampshire,  Nov.  7,  1629  ......  28 

Grant  of  Laconia,  Nov.  17,  1629  .......  33 

Description  of  Laconia  .........  38 

Letter,  Thomas  Eyre  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  May,  1631  ...  38 

Grant  of  Piscataway,  Nov.  3,  1631  .......  39 

Note  of  Patent  to  Gorges  and  Mason,  Nov.  4,  1631  ....  43 

Invoice  of  Goods,  Nov.  17,  1631  . . . . . . 1 44 

Invoices  and  Accounts  .........  45 

Invoice  of  Goods,  April  18,  1632  .......  45 

Letter  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  Dec.  5,  1632  .....  47 

Names  of  Mason’s  Stewards  and  Servants  .....  48 

Letter  from  Ambrose  Gibbons,  June  24,  1633  .....  49 

Property  at  Newichwannock,  July,  1633  ......  49 

Covenant  between  Walter  Neal  and  Charles  Knill,  July  1,  1633  . 50 

Letter,  Gibbons  to  the  Company,  July  13,  1633  ....  51 

Four  Towns  Laid  Out,  August  13-20,  1633  .....  52 

Agreement  for  Division  of  Property,  Dec.  6,  1633  ....  55 

Allotment  of  Capt.  Mason’s  Part  by  the  Council  of  New  England, 

Feb.  3,  1634  • 55 

Gorges  and  Mason  to  Wannerton  and  Gibbons,  May  5,  1634  . . 55 

Capt.  Mason  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  May  5,  1634  ....  56 

Gibbons  to  Mason,  Aug.  9,  1634  .......  57 

George  Vaughan  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  Aug.  20,  1634  ...  59 

Lease  of  New  Hampshire  to  John  Wollaston,  April  18,  1635  . . 59 

Grant  of  New  Hampshire  and  Masonia,  April  22,  1635  ...  62 

Grant  of  New  Hampshire  and  Masonia,  April  22,  1635  ...  64 

Transfer  from  Wollaston  to  Mason,  June  11,  1635  ....  66 

Itoyal  Charter  to  Mason,  Aug  19,  1635  ......  69 

Deed,  Gorges  to  Mason,  Sept.  17,  1635  ......  85 


X 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


John  Mason’s  Will,  Nov.  26,  1635  88 

Vaughan  to  Gibbons,  April  10,  1636  .......  96 

Lease  to  Francis  Matthews,  Oct.  1,  1637  ......  97 

Anne  Mason  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  May  22,  1638  ....  98 

Richard  Rogers  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  March  2,  1647  ...  98 

Joseph  Mason’s  Protest  against  Richard  Leader,  July  4,  1651  . 99 

Deposition  of  Biles  and  Mason,  May,  1652  .....  99 

Petition  of  Robert  Mason  .........  100 

Abstract  of  Mason’s  Title  .........  104 

Report  on  Mason’s  Petition  ........  104 

Opinion  of  Sir  Geoffrey  Palmer,  Nov.  8,  1660  .....  106 

Summary  of  Mason’s  Title,  March  5,  1674-5  .....  107 

Report  of  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General,  May  17,  1675  . . . 108 

Judges’  Report  ...........  109 

Letter  from  King  to  Massachusetts  Government,  March  10,  1675-6.  Ill 

Depositions  of  Edward  Johnson  and  William  Seavey,  Aug.  25  and 

Sept.  3,  1676  112 

Extract  of  Letter  from  Gov.  Leverett  to  the  Lord  Chancellor,  Oct. 

22,  1677  112 

Petition  of  Mason  and  Gorges  for  Separate  Government,  Jan.  9, 

1677-8  112 

Letter  from  the  King  to  the  Massachusetts  Government,  July  24, 

1679  112 

Petition  of  Robert  Mason,  Aug  6,  1680  ......  116 

Letter  from  the  King  to  the  Massachusetts  Government,  Sept.  30, 

1680  116 

King’s  Instructions,  Oct.  1,  1680  . . . . . . . 118 

Appointment  of  Richard  Otis  as  Steward,  March  22,  1680-1  . . 120 

Richard  Chamberlain’s  Report  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  May  16, 

1681 120 

Letter,  Council  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  King,  May  31,  1681  . 120 

Petition  of  Robert  Mason  against  the  Council,  Nov.  10,  1681  . . * 120 

Mason’s  Offer  to  the  King,  1681-2  .......  647 

Surrender  of  Revenues  to  the  King,  April  1,  1682  ....  648 

Extract  from  Gov.  Cranfield’s  Commission,  May  9,  1682  . . . 120 

King’s  Proclamation,  June  23,  1682  .......  121 

Answer  of  Elias  Stileman,  Nov.  15,  1682  .....  123,  649 

Answer  to  Mason’s  Claim  .........  651 

Nathaniel  Weare’s  Complaint  ......*.  123 

Statement  of  Richard  Chamberlain,  1683  ......  124 

Letters  from  Gov.  Cranfield  to  the  Commissioners  ....  124 

* 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  XI 

Deed,  Mason  to  George  Broughton,  April  12,  1683  ....  124 

Certificate  of  Gov.  Cranfield,  Sept.  24,  1683  .....  126 

Mason  vs.  Vaughan,  1683  .........  127 

Conveyance,  Mason  to  Lyford,  Oct.  29,  1683  .....  129 

Robert  Mason’s  Waiver,  Dec.  5,  1683  ......  131 

Proclamation  about  Deeds,  Feb.  17,  1683-4  .....  131 

Statement  of  Walter  Barefoot,  Nov.  6,  1684  . . . . . . 132 

Petition  of  Inhabitants  against  Mason,  1685  .....  132 

Papers  in  Mason  vs.  Wiggin  and  Nutter,  1685  .....  132 

Deed,  Wonalancet  to  Jonathan  Tyng,  Oct.  10,  1685  . . . 132 

Depositions  about  Mason  Property,  1685  ......  134 

Deed,  Mason  to  Usher,  Lidgett,  and  McCarty,  April  15,  1686  . . 138 

Verdict  against  William  Vaughan  Confirmed,  Nov.  19,  1686  . . 141 

Judgment  for  Costs  against  Vaughan,  Dec.  10,  1686  . . . 142 

Samuel  Allen’s  Agreement,  Oct.  14,  1690  ......  143 

Fine,  &c.,  against  John  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  ....  145 

Sale  of  Mason  Possessions  to  Samuel  Allen,  April  27,  1691  . . 148 

Robert  Tufton  Mason’s  Will,  Oct.  21,  1692  .....  153 

Robert  Tufton  Mason’s  Commission  as  Attorney-General,  May  28, 

1695  155 

Fine  and  Recovery  in  the  Couuty  of  Kent  .....  155 

Statement  of  Henry  Langster,  May  10,  1699  .....  157 

Letter,  Bellomont  to  Lords  of  Trade,  June  22,  1700  . . . 158 

Complaint  against  James  Menzies,  Feb.,  1700-1  ....  158 

Permission  to  Withdraw  Papers  in  Horn  vs.  Dow,  Aug.  13,  1700  . 158 

Mortgage  of  New  Hampshire,  Allen  to  Usher,  Oct.  14,  1701  . . 159 

Governor’s  Speech  and  Answer,  Feb.  10,  1703-4  ....  162 

Deposition  of  Robert  Pike,  May  29,  1704  ......  163 

Meeting  of  Committee  on  Allen’s  Claim,  June  4,  1704  . . . 164 

Convention  to  Consider  Allen’s  Claim,  May  3,  1705  . . . 164 

Deed,  Allen  to  Hobby,  Aug.  28,  1706  ......  167 

Case,  Allen  vs.  Waldron,  Aug.  12,  1707  ......  172 

Address  of  the  House  to  Queen  Anne,  1707-8  .....  172 

Address  of  the  Governor,  Council,  and  House  to  the  Queen,  Dec. 

6,  1709  172 

Record  of  Birth  of  John  Tufton  Mason,  1713  .....  172 

Mason  Genealogy  ..........  172 

Letter,  Oliver  Noyes  and  Elisha  Cooke  to  Lt.-Gov.  Vaughan,  Jan. 

30,  1715 173 

Extract  from  Lt.-Gov.  Vaughan’s  Speech,  1716  ....  173 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  11,  1716-17  ....  173 


xii  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  12,  1716-17  ....  174 

Council  Records,  Jan.  17,  1716-17  .......  174 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  17,  1716-17  ....  174 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  May  15,  1717  .....  174 

House  Journal,  Oct.  12,  1717  ........  175 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  May  7,  1718  .....  175 

Memorial  of  John  Hobby,  Nov.  22,  1726  ......  175 

Council  and  Assembly  Record,  Nov.  23,  1726  .....  176 

House  Journal,  Nov.  24,  1726  ........  176 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Nov.  24,  1726  .....  177 

House  Journal,  Nov.  29,  1726  ........  177 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Nov.  30,  1726  .....  177 

Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason,  June,  1738  .....  177 

Opinions  of  John  Read  and  Robert  Auchmuty,  June  16,  1738  . . 178 

Deposition  of  Mary  Manfield,  June  27,  1738  .....  181 

Depositions  of  Martha  Trefethen  and  Deborah  Jones,  June  27, 

1738  182 

Certificate  and  Depositions,  1738  .......  183 

Certificate  and  Depositions,  1738  .......  187 

Mason’s  Quitclaim  Deed  to  Massachusetts,  July  1,  1738  . . . 189 

Josiah  Willard  to  Francis  Wilks,  July  24,  1738  ....  193 

Tripartite  Agreement,  April  6,  1739  .......  193 

Massachusetts  Committee  to  Interview  John  Tufton  Mason,  June 

29,  1739  197 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Oct.  30,  1744  .....  197 

House  Journal,  Dec.  19,  1744  ........  197 

Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason,  Feb.  18,  1745  ....  198 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Feb.  22,  1745-6  ....  199 

House  Journal,  May  7,  1746  ........  199 

Lease,  Mason  to  Wibird  and  Solly,  May  16,  1746  ....  200 

Indenture  for  Docking  the  Entail,  May  17,  1746  ....  202 

Recovery  by  John  Wentworth,  1746  .......  205 

House  Journal,  July  29,  1746  ........  212 

House  Journal,  July  30,  1746  ........  213 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  July  30,  1746  .....  213 

Deed,  Mason  to  Proprietors,  July  30,  1746  .....  213 

Proprietors’  Quitclaim  to  Towns,  July  31,  1746  ....  216 

House  Journal,  July  31,  1746  ........  218 

Council  aud  Assembly  Records,  July  31,  1746  .....  218 

House  Journal,  Aug.  1,  1746  ........  219 

House  Journal,  Aug.  1,  1746  ;.......  219 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Xlll 


House  Journal,  Aug.  2,  1746  ........  219 

House  Journal,  Sept.  19,  1746  ........  220 

Report  of  House  Committee,  Aug.  12,  1746  .....  220 

Answer  of  Proprietors  to  Committee,  Sept.  4,  1746  ....  221 

Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Sept.  6,  1746  .....  224 

House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1746  ........  224 

House  Journal,  Dec.  11,  1746  ........  225 

List  of  Legislative  Events  ........  225 

Draft  of  Deed  of  Sale  to  the  Province,  May  15,  1747  . . . 226 

House  Journal,  Aug.  20,  1747  ........  227 

Answer  of  Proprietors  to  the  Assembly,  June  1,  1748  . . . 227 

House  Journal,  June  4,  1748  ........  230 

Information  from  Joseph  Blanchard,  1748  .....  231 

Deposition  of  Margaret  Pastree,  July  25,  1748  ....  232 

Joseph  Blanchard’s  Obligation,  Nov.  5,  1748  .....  232 

Letter  from  Joseph  Blanchard,  Nov.  30,  1748  .....  233 

List  of  Petitions  for  Grants,  Dec.  7,  1748  . . . . . . 234 

Letter  to  John  Tufton  Mason  ........  237 

Thomas  Packer’s  Protest,  March  1,  1748-9  .....  247 

* 

Power  of  Attorney  to  Jackson,  Livermore,  and  Parker,  June  14, 

1749  ....  .......  247 

Letter  from  Joseph  Blanchard,  June  26,  1749  .....  249 

Motion  for  Amendment  of  Writ  .......  249 

Letter  from  John  Tufton  Mason,  Sept.  15,  1749  ....  251 

Story  of  the  Purchase  from  Mason  .......  253 

State  of  Mason’s  Title  .........  263 

Deed,  Mason  to  Proprietors,  Sept  30,  1749  .....  274 

Benjamin  Pratt  Asks  for  Information,  Jan.  5,  3 749-50  . . . 277 

Report  of  Committee  on  Importing  Settlers,  July  2,  1750  . . 278 

Mason’s  Power  of  Attorney  to  Proprietors,  Dec.  12,  1750  . . 279 

Letter  to  John  Thomlinson,  March  7,  1750-1  . 280 

Letter,  Gov.  Wentworth  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  March  23,  1750-1  . 281 

Letter,  Thomlinson  to  Peirce,  July  24,  1751  .....  281 

Letter  about  Masonian  Title,  Oct.  16,  1751  . ...  . . 283 

Letter,  Atkinson  to  Thomlinson,  Oct  19,  1751  .....  283 

Letter  from  John  Thomlinson,  March  6,  1752  .....  288 

Receipt  for  Papers,  Sept  4,  1753  .......  289 

Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King,  1753  .......  289 

Opinions  of  Nicholas  Fazakerley,  May  21,  1754  ....  300 

Judgment,  Buswell  vs.  Ordway,  June  5,  1754  .....  301 

Letter,  Atkinson  to  Thomlinson,  Jan.  27,  1758  ....  302 


XIV 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


\ 


Mortgage,  Clements  to  McHard,  Sept.  22,  1758  ....  302 

Letter,  Atkinson  to  Tkomlinson,  May  13,  1763  ....  304 

Letter,  Atkinson  to  Thomlinson,  1763  ......  305 

Deed,  McHard  to  Proprietors,  Aug.  13,  1766  .....  305 

John  Quigley’s  Certificate,  Sept.  17,  1767  .....  306 

James  Ricliey’s  Request  .........  306 

Deposition  of  Jonathan  Farwell  and  John  Kendall,  Oct.  13,  1767  . 307 

Instructions  to  Robert  Fletcher,  June  1,  1769  .....  308 

House  Journal,  March  21,  1771  .......  309 

House  Journal,  March  22,  1771  .......  309 

Letter  from  John  Quigley,  March  26,  1771  .....  309 

Minutes  of  Meeting,  May  1,  1771  .......  310 

Report  from  John  Shepard,  Jr.,  Aug.  24,  1773  ....  310 

Proxy,  Peirce  to  Atkinson,  Sept.  30,  1773  .....  311 

Directions  for  Surveyor  .........  312 

Jonas  Minot  to  George  Jaffrey,  May  3,  1780  .....  313 

Defence  against  Allen  Title,  April  12,  1785  .....  313 

Rough  Drafts  of  Warning  to  Allen  Heirs  ......  320 

History  of  the  Title,  and  Caution  .......  327 

Request  of  Elijah  Frink,  Aug.,  1785  ......  334 

Protest  against  the  Curve  Line,  Sept.  1,  1785  .....  334 

Petition  of  Towns  in  Hillsborough  County,  May,  1786  . . . 335 

Petition  of  Inhabitants,  June,  1786  .......  335 

Petition  from  the  Heirs  of  Allen,  June  12,  1786  ....  335 

Report  of  Committee  on  Unimproved  Lands,  Jan.  19,  1787  . . 335 

Act  for  Ascertaining  Waste  Lands,  Jan.  16,  1787  ....  335 

Act  to  Quiet  Land  Purchasers,  June  28,  1787  .....  336 

Protest  of  Masonian  Proprietors  .......  338 

List  of  George  Jaffrey’s  Lots,  March  21,  1788  .....  338 

Terms  of  Compromise  with  the  State,  June  2,  1788  ....  340 

Act  for  Sale  of  Lands  to  the  Proprietors,  June  17,  1788  . . . 654 

Deed,  State  to  the  Proprietors,  June  18,  1788  .....  340 

Act  for  Levying  Taxes,  June  18,  1788  ......  655 

Report  of  Proprietors’ Committee,  Sept.  5,  1788  ....  342 

George  Jaffrey’s  Bond,  Feb.  20,  1789  ......  343 

Deed,  Allen  Heirs  to  Proprietors,  Jan.  28,  1790  ....  345 

Draft  of  Memorial  of  George  Jaffrey,  Jan.  3,  1791  ....  351 

Petition  of  Mary  Tufton  Mason,  Dec.  7,  1791  .....  361 

John  Peirce’s  Statement,  Aug.  30,  1792  ......  361 

Vote  of  the  House,  Dec.  15,  1792  .......  363 

George  Jaffrey  to  William  Plumer,  June  5,  1794  ....  363 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  XV 

Oliver  Peabody  to  George  Jaffrey,  July  12,  1794  ....  372 

Deed,  Woodbury  Langdon  to  the  Proprietors,  Aug.  15,  1795  . . 372 

N.  Dane  to  George  Jaffrey,  Feb.  5,  1798  ......  373 

Jeremiah  Smith  to  George  Jaffrey,  April  29,  1800  ....  374 

Act  for  Holding  Meetings  in  Portsmouth,  June  10,  1803  . . . 374 

Deposition  of  Ebenezer  Towle,  Oct.  6,  1803  .....  376 

Depositions  of  Jeremiah  Bacon  and  Samuel  Gunnison,  Oct.  6, 

1803  378 

Deposition  of  Joseph  Blanchard,  April  7,  1804  ....  381 

Deposition  of  John  Stearns,  April  13,  1804  .....  384 

Joseph  Blanchard  to  John  Peirce,  April  15,  1804  ....  375 

Jotham  Bindge’s  Journal  .........  385 

Records  of  the  Meetings  of  the  Proprietors  .....  401 

Appendix. 

Mason’s  Offer  to  the  King,  1681-2  .......  647 

Surrender  of  Revenues  to  the  King,  April  1,  1682  ....  648 

Answer  of  Elias  Stileman  to  Mason’s  Claim,  Nov.  15,  1682  . . 649 

Answer  to  Mason’s  Claim  .........  651 

Act  for  Sale  of  Lands  to  the  Proprietors,  June  17,  1788  . . . 654 

Act  for  Levying  Taxes,  June  18,  1788  ......  655 

Index  ............  659 


\ 


. 


PART  I 


The  several  patents  and  other  instruments  constituting  the  basis  of  the 
title  of  John  Mason  to  parts  of  that  portion  of  New  England  established  as 
New  Hampshire. 

Records  and  documents  of  a general  nature  relating  to  the  Masonian 
Patent  in  New  Hampshire. 


[ Council  of  Plymouth  Established , Nov,  3 , 1620. ] 

[Mason ian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  1.] 

James  by  the  Grace  of  Gocl  of  England  Scotland  France  & Ire- 
land defender  of  the  Faith  &c 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  Come  Greeting 
Whereas  upon  the  humble  petition  of  diverse  of  our  well  dis- 
posed subjects  that  Intend  to  make  plantations  in  the  Parts  of 
America  between  the  Degrees  of  thirty  four  & forty  five  We 
According  to  our  princely  Inclinations  favoring  their  worthy  dispos- 
sitions  in  hope  thereby  to  advance  the  InlargnP  of  Christian  Relig- 
ion to  the  Glory  of  Almighty  God  as  also  that  by  that  means  to 
stretch  out  the  bounds  of  our  Dominions  and  to  replenish  those 
deserts  with  People  Governed  by  Laws  and  Magistrates  for  the 
more  peaceable  Commerce  of  all  that  in  time  to  come  shall  have 
Occasion  to  Traffique  into  those  Territories ; Granted  unto  Sr 
Thomas  Gates,  Sr  Geo:  Summers  Knights,  Thomas  Haman  Raleiyl 
Gilbert  Esqrs  & other  their  asociats  for  ye  more  speedy  Accomplish- 
mt  thereof,  by  Our  Letters  Pattents  being  dated  ye  10th  day  of  April 
in  the  fourth  year  of  our  Reign  of  England  france  & Ireland  & of 
Scotland  the  Fortieth,  free  Liberty  to  devide  themselves  into  two 
several  Collonies  ye  one  called  ye  first  Collony  to  be  undertaken  & 
advanced  by  Certain  Knights  Gentlemen  & Merchts  in  & about  our 
City  of  London  ; the  other  called  the  second  Collony  to  be  under- 
taken & advanced  by  Certain  Knights  Gentlemen  & Merchts  & their 
associats,  in  or  about  our  Citties  of  Bristol  Exon  & our  Town  of 
Plymouth  & other  places  as  in  & by  our  Letters  pattents  amongst 
other  things  it  Doth  & May  more  at  large  appear — 

And  whereas  since  that  time  upon  the  humble  petition  of  the  s(i 
Adventures  & planters  of  the  s'1  first  Collony  we  have  been  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  make  them  one  distinct  & In  tire  Body  by  them- 
selves giving  unto  them  their  distinct  Lymetts  and  bounds,  and  have 
upon  their  like  humble  request  Granted  unto  them  diverse  Liberties 
priviledges  Enlargm*9  & Immunities  as  in  & by  our  several  Letters 


4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


pattents  it  doth  & may  more  at  Large  appear,  Now  for  as  Much  as 
we  have  been  in  Like  manner  humbly  petition’d  unto  by  our  Trusty 
& well  beloved  Servant  Sr  fferdenando  Gorges  Knight  Capfc  of  our 
ffort  & Island  by  Plymouth  & by  Certain  the  principle  Knighs  & 
Gentlemen  Adventurers  of  the  sd  second  Collony  & by  diverse  other 
persons  of  Quallyty,  who  now  Intend  to  be  their  Associats  diverse 
of  wch  have  been  at  great  & Extraordinary  Charge  & sustained 
Many  Losses  in  seeking  & discovering  a plase  fitt  & Convenient  to 
Lay  the  foundation  of  a hopefull  plantation,  & have  diverse  years 
past  by  Gods  Assistance  & ther  own  Endeavours,  taken  actual  pos- 
sesion of  the  Contenen4  hereafter  mentioned  in  our  Name  & to  our 
use  as  Sovereign  Lord  thereof,  & have  settled  already  some  of  our 
people  in  places  agreeable  to  there  desires  in  those  parts,  & in  Confi- 
dence of  Prosperous  success  therein  by  the  Continuance  of  Gods 
divine  blessing  & our  Roy  all  permission  have  resolved  in  a more 
plentiful  and  Effectual  Manner  to  prosecute  the  same — And  to  that 
Purpose  and  Intent  have  desired  of  us  for  their  better  Incouragm4 
and  satisfaction  therein,  and  that  they  may  Avoyde  all  Confusions, 
questions  or  differences  between  them  selves  & those  of  the  said  first 
Collony,  that  we  would  likewise  be  Graciously  pleased  to  make  Cer- 
tain adventurers  intending  to  Erect  and  & Establish  Fishery  trade  & 
Plantations  within  the  Territories,  presincts  & Lymmits  of  the  said 
second  Collonv,  & their  Successors  one  several  distinct  & intire  bodv, 
& to  grant  unto  them  such  Estate  Liberties,  priviledges,  Enlargmts 
& Immunities  there  as  are  in  these  our  Letters  pattents  hereafter 
particularly  Expressed  & Declared;  & for  as  much  as  we  have  been 
Certainly  given  to  understand  by  diverse  of  our  good  subjects  ytfc 
have  for  these  Many  years  past  Frequented  these  Coasts  & Territo- 
ries, between  the  Degrees  of  forty  and  forty  Eight  y4  there  is  no  other 
ye  Subject  of  any  Christian  King  or  state  by  any  authority  from  their 
sovereign  Lords  or  princes  actually  in  Possession  of  any  of  the  Lands 
or  presincts  whereby  any  right  Claim  Intrest  or  title  may  might  or 
ought  by  y4  means  accrue  belong  or  appertain  unto  ym  or  any  of  ym  & 
also  for  y4  we  have  been  further  given  Certainly  to  know  y4  wthin  these 
late  years  there  hath  by  Gods  visitation  reign’d  a wounderfull  pleague 
together  wth  Many  Terrible  slaughters  & Murders  committed  amongst 
ye  savage  & brutish  people  there  heretofore  Inhabiting  in  a manner 
to  ye  utter  devastation  distinction  & depopulation  of  y4  whole  Terri- 
tory, so  yfc  there  is  not  left  for  many  Leagus  together  in  a manner  any 
y4  do  claim  or  Challenge  any  kind  of  Intrest  therein  nor  an}7  other 
Supr  Lord  or  sovereign,  to  make  Claim  there  unto  whereby  we  in  our 
Judgm4  are  pers waded  & satisfied  y4  ye  appointed  times  come  in  wch 
Almighty  God  in  his  Great  goodness  & bounty  towards  us  & our 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


5 


people  hath  Thought  fit  & determined  yt  those  Large  & goodly  Ter- 
ritories deserted  as  it  were  by  their  natural  Inhabitants  should  be 
possessed  & Enjoyed  by  such  of  our  subjects  & people  as  heretofore 
have  & hereafter  shall  be  by  his  mercy  & favor  & by  his  powerfull 
Arm  be  directed  & Conducted  thither:  In  Contemplation  and  serious 
Consideration  whereof  we  have  thought  it  fit  according  to  our  Kingly 
duty  so  much  as  in  us  Lyeth  to  second  & follow  Gods  sacred  will  ren- 
dering reverend  thanks  to  his  divine  majtie  for  his  Gracious  favour,  in 
Lying  open  and  revealing  ye  same  unto  us  before  any  other  Christian 
prince  or  State  by  wch  means  without  offence  & as  we  trust  to  his 
Glory  we  may  wth  boldness  go  on  to  the  settleing  of  so  hopefull  a 
work  which  Tendeth  to  ye  reduceing  & Conversion  of  such  Savages 
as  remain  wandering  in  disolation  & distress  to  Civil  Soceity  & Chris- 
tian Religion,  to  ye  Inlargm1  of  our  own  Dominions  & ye  advancnfi 
of  ye  fortune  of  such  of  our  good  subjects  as  shall  willingly  Intrest 
them  selves  in  the  sd  Employnfi  to  whom  we  Cannot  but  give  singuler 
Commendations  for  their  so  worthy  Intentions  and  Interprise,  we 
therefore  of  our  Especial  grace  meer  motion  &■  Certain  Knowledge 
by  ye  advise  of  ye  Lords  & others  of  Our  privy  Council  have  for  us 
our  heirs  & successors  granted  ordained  & Establish’d  & in  & by  these 
presents  do  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  grant  ordain  & Establish  yl 
all  Circuit  Contenent  presincts  & Lymmits  in  america  lying  & being 
in  the  breadth  from  forty  degrees  of  Northerly  Latitude  from  the 
Equanoctial  L}7ne,  to  forty  Eight  degrees  of  ye  sd  Northerly  Latitude, 
& in  Length  by  all  the  Breadth  aforesd  thro’  The  Main  Land  from 
sea  to  sea  with  all  the  seas  rivers  Islands  Creeks  Inletts  ports  & 
havens  within  the  Degrees  presincts  and  Lymmitts  of  the  said  Lati- 
tude & Longetude  shall  be  the  Lymmitts  and  bounds  & presincts  of 
the  second  Collony  & to  the  End  y‘  the  said  Territories  may  forever 
hereafter  be  more  particularly  & Certainly  knowen  & Distinguised 
our  will  & pleasure  is  that  ye  same  shall  from  hence  forth  be  nomi- 
nated term’d  & called  by  ye  Name  of  New  England  in  America  & 
by  yl  name  of  New  England  in  America  the  s'1  Circuits  presincts 
Lymmits  Continent  Islands  & places  in  America  aforesaid  We  do  by 
these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  Successors  Name  call  Erect  found  & 
Establish  & that  by  that  Name  to  have  Continuance  forever,  and  for 
the  better  Plantation  ruling  & Governing  of  the  aforesaid  New  Eng- 
land in  America  we  will  Ordain  Constitute  Assign  Lymmit  & 
Appoint  for  us  our  heirs  & successors.  We  by  the  advise  of  the 
Lords  & others  of  the  said  Privy  Councill  do  by  these  presents 
ordain  Constitute  Lymmit  & appoint  that  from  henceforth  there 
shall  forever  hereafter  in  our  Town  of  Plymouth  in  the  County  of 
devon  on  body  Pollitick  & Corporate  wch  shall  have  perpetual  Sue- 


6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


cesion  which  shall  Consist  of  the  Number  of  forty  persons  & no 
more  which  shall  be  & shall  be  Called  &knowen  by  the  Name  of  the 
Council  Established  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of  Devon  for  plant- 
ing ruling  ordering  and  Governing  of  New  England  in  America 
and  for  that  purpose  we  have  at  and  by  the  Nomination  & Request 
of  the  Said  Petitioners;  Granted  Ordained  Establish’d  & Con- 
firm’d and  by  these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  do 
Grant  Ordain  Establish  & Confirm  our  right  Trusty  & right  well 
beloved  Cozens  & Councellors  Lodowick  Duke  of  Lenox  Lord 
Steward  of  our  house  hold  George  Lord  Marquis  Buckinham  our 
high  admiral  of  England  James  Marquis  Hambleton  William 
Earl  of  Pembrook  Lord  Chamberline  of  Our  houshold  Thomas 
Earl  of  A rr undell  & our  right  Trusty  & right  well  beloved. 
Cozen  William  Earl  of  Bath  And  Our  right  trusty  & right  well  be- 
loved Cozen  & Councillor  Henry  Earl  of  south  hampton  and  our 
right  trusty  & right  well  beloved  Cozen  William  Earl  of  Salsburv  & 
Robtfc  Earl  of  Warwick  & our  right  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John 
Viscount  Haddington  & our  right  Trusty  & well  beloved  Councellor 
Edward  Lord  Zouch  Lord  Warden  of  our  Cinque  ports  and  our 
Trusty  and  well  beloved  Edmond  Lord  Shieffeild  Edwd  Lord  Gorges 
and  our  well  beloved  Sr  Edw(l  Se}Tmore  Knfc  and  Barron1  Sr  Robtfc 
Mansfeild  Sr  Edwd  Zouch  our  Knight  Marshal  Sr  Dudley  Diggs  Sr 
Thomas  Row  Sr  Fardenando  Georges,  Sr  Francis  Popham  Sr  Jn° 
Brooks  Sr  Thomas  gates  Sr  Richd  Haukings  Sr  Richd  Edgcom  sr  Allen 
Apsly  Sr  Warwick  Hales  Sr  Richd  Catchway  Sr  Jn°  Boucher  Sr  Na- 
than1 Rich  Sr  Edw:  Giles  sr  Giles  Mompasson,  Sr  Tho:  Worth  KiP  & 
our  well  beloved  Mathew  Sutcliffe  dean  of  Exeter  Rob1  heath  Esqr 
recorder  of  our  Citty  of  London  Henry  Bourcher  Jn°  Drake  Ranleigh 
Gilbert  Geo:  Chidly  Tho:  Hammon  & John  Argal  Esqrs  to  be  in  & by 
these  presents,  We  do  appoint  them  to  be  the  first  Modern  & present 
Council,  Established  at  Plym°  in  the  County  of  Devon,  for  the  plant- 
ing ruling  ordering  And  Governing  of  New  England  in  America  & 
yl  they  and  the  Survivours  of  them  & such  of  the  survivours  & sur- 
vivor of  them  shall  from  time  to  time  Elect  & Choose  to  make  up  the 
aforesd  Number  of  forty  ^sons  when  & as  often  as  any  of  the  mor  any 
of  their  successors  shall  happen  to  decease,  or  to  be  remov’d  from  be- 
ing of  the  sd  Council  shall  be  in  & by  these  presents  Incorporated  to 
have  a perpetual  succession  forever  in  Deed  ffact  & Name  & shall  be 
one  body  Corporate  & pollitique  & that  those  & such  sd  persons  & 
their  successors  & such  as  shall  be  Elected  & Chosen  to  succeed  them 
as  aforesd  shall  be  & by  these  presents  are  & be  Incorporated  Named 
& called  by  the  name  of  the  Council  Established  at  Plymouth  in  the 
County  of  Devon  for  the  planting  ruling  & Governing  of  New  Eng- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


7 


land  in  America  and  them  the  sd  Duke  of  Lenox  Marquis  Bucking- 
ham, Marquis  Hambleton  Earl  of  Penbrook  Earl  of  Arundel  Earl  of 
Bath  Earl  Southampton  Earl  of  Salsbury  Earl  of  Warwick  Viscount 
Haddington  Lord  Zouch  Lord  sheffeld  Lord  Georges  S1  Edwd  sey- 
more  sr  Robfc  Mansfeild  Sr  Edw:  Zouch  Sr  Dudly  Diggs  sr  Tho:  Row 
Sr  fferdenando  Gorges  Sr  Francis  Popham  Sr  Jn°  Brooks  sr  Tkoh 
Gates  Sr  Richd  Haukings  Sr  Richd  Egcom  Sr  Allen  Apsly  S1'  Warwick 
Heale  Sr  Richd  Catchway  sr  Jn°  Boutchei  Sr  Nathn1  Rich:  s1  Edw: 
Giies  Sr  Giles  Mompesson  sr  Tho:  Worth  Knts  Math  Sutclife  Robert 
Heath  Henry  Bourcher  Jn°  Drak  Ranleigh  Gilbert  Geo:  Chidly  Tho: 
Haman  & Jn°  Argal  Esqrs  & their  Successors  one  body  Corporate  and 
pollitique  in  Deed  & in  Name  by  the  Name  of  the  Council  Establish’d 
at  Plym0  in  ye  County  of  Devon  for  planting  ruling  & Governing  of 
New  England  in  America  We  do  by  these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  & 
successors  really  and  fully  in  Corporate  Erect  ordain  Name  Consti- 
tute & Establish  & yt  by  ye  same  name  of  the  sd  Council  they  & their 
successors  forever  hereafter  be  incorporated  Named  & Called  & shall 
by  the  same  Name  have  prpetual  Succession  And  further  We  do 
hereby  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  grant  unto  the  said  Council  Es- 
tablish’d at  Plym0  that  they  & their  Successors  by  the  same  Name  be 
& shall  be  & shall  Continue  ^jJsons,  able  & Capable  in  the  Law  from 
time  to  time  & shall  by  that  Name  of  Council  aforesd  have  full  power 
& authority  & Lawful!  Capacity  & ability  as  well  to  purchase  take 
hold,  receive,  Enjoy  & to  have  to  them  & their  successors  forever  any 
Lands  Mannors,  Tenements,  Rents,  royalties,  prviledges,  Immunities, 
Reversions,  annuities  hereditaments,  Goods  & Chatties  whatsoever  of 
or  from  us  our  heirs  & successors  & of  or  from  any  other  person  or 
persons  whatsoever  as  well  in  & within  this  our  Realm  of  England  as 
in  & within  any  other  place  or  places  whatsoever  or  wheresoever  & 
the  same  Mannors,  Lands,  Tenements  & hereditaments,  Goods  or 
Chatties  or  any  of  them  by  the  same  Name  to  allien  & sell  or  to  do 
Execute  ordain  & perform  all  other  matters  & things  whatsoever  to 
the  sd  Incorporation  & plantation  Concerning  & belonging;  and  fur- 
ther our  will  & pleasure  is,  yfc  the  sd  Council  for  the  time  being  & 
their  successors  shall  have  full  power  & Lawfull  Authority  by  the 
name  aforesaid  to  sue  & be  sued,  to  Impleade  & be  Impleaded 
answer  & to  be  answered  unto,  in  all  Manner  of  Courts  or  places 
that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  within  this  our  realm  & else  where 
as  well  Temporal  as  Spiritual  in  all  Manner  of  Suits  and  matters 
whatsoever  and  of  what  nature  or  kind  whatsoever  such  suits  or 
Actions  be  or  shall  be  And  our  will  & Pleasure  is  yl  the  said  forty 
persons  or  the  Greater  Number  of  them,  shall  & may  from  time  to 
time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  at  their  own  will  & pleasure  Accord- 


8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ing  to  the  Laws,  ordinances  & orders  of,  or  by  them,  or  by  the  Greater 
Part  of  them,  hereafter  in  Manner  & form  in  these  Presents  men- 
tion’d, to  be  agreed  upon,  to  elect  & chuse  amongst  themselves,  one 
of  the  said  forty  Persons  for  the  time  being,  to  be  President  of  said 
Councel  which  President  so  elected  & chosen,  we  will,  shall  continue 
and  be  President  of  ye  said  Councel  so  Long  time  as  by  the  Orders 
of  the  said  Councel  from  time  to  time  be  made  as  hereafter  is  men- 
tioned shall  be  thought  fit,  and  no  longer,  unto  which  President  or  in 
his  absence  to  any  such  person  as  by  the  orders  of  ye  said  Council 
shall  be  thereunto  a Pointed  Wee  do  give  Authority  to  give  Order 
for  the  Warning  of  the  said  Councel  & summoning  the  Company  to 
their  meetings  and  our  will  & pleasure  is  that  from  time  to  time 
when  & so  often  as  any  of  the  sd  Council  shall  happen  to  Decease  or 
to  be  removed  from  being  of  the  said  Council  that  then  and  so  often 
as  the  survivors  of  them  of  the  said  Council  & no  other  or  the 
Greater  Number  of  them  who  then  shall  be  from  time  to  time  left 
& remaining  and  who  shall  or  the  Greater  Number  of  which  yt  shall 
be  Assembled  at  a publiek  Court  or  meeting  to  be  held  for  the  said 
Company  shall  Elect  or  Choose  One  or  more  other  person  or  persons 
to  be  of  the  said  Councel  and  which  from  time  to  time  shall  be  of  the 
said  Council  so  that  the  Number  of  forty  persons  of  the  said  Council 
may  from  time  to  time  be  supplyed ; provided  always  that  as  well  the 
persons  herein  Named  to  be  of  the  said  Council  as  every  other  Coun- 
cillor hereafter  to  be  Elected  shall  be  presented  to  the  Lord  Chan- 
celler  of  England,  or  to  the  Lord  high  Treasurer  of  England,  or  to  the 
Lord  Chamberline  of  the  house  hold  of  us  Our  heirs  & successors, 
for  the  time  being,  to  take  his  & their  Oath  & Oaths  of  a ChancelE 
or  Councellr  To  us  our  heirs  & successors  for  the  sd  Company  & Col- 
lony  in  New  England,  & further  we  will  & Grant  by  these  presents, 
for  us  our  heirs  & successors  unto  the  sd  Councel  & their  successors 
that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  and  Enjoy  forever  a Com- 
mon seal  to  be  Engraven  according  to  their  Discription,  and  that 
it  shall  be  Lawfull  for  them  to  Appoint  what  other  seal  or  seals 
they  shall  think  most  meet  & nessessary  either  for  their  use  as  they 
are  one  united  body  Incorporate  here  as  for  the  publiek  of  their  Gov- 
ernrs  & Ministers  in  New  England  aforesd  whereby  the  said  Incorpo- 
ration May  or  shall  seal  any  manner  of  Instrument  touching  the  same 
Corporation  and  the  Mannors,  Lands,  Tenements,  Rents,  Reversions, 
Annuities,  hereditaments,  Goods,  Chatties,  affairs  & any  other  things 
belonging  unto  or  in  any  wise  appertaining  touching  or  Concerning 
the  said  Council  And  their  successors  or  Concerning  the  said  Corpo- 
ration or  plantation  in  & by  these  our  Letters  pattents  as  aforesaid, 
founded  Elected  & Established  and  we  do  further  by  these  presents 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


9 


for  us  & our  heirs  and  successors  Grant  unto  the  Councel  & their  suc- 
cessors that  it  shall  & may  be  Lawfull  to  & for  the  said  Councel  & 
their  successors  for  the  time  being  in  ther  Discressions  from  time  to 
time  to  admit  such  & so  many  person  & persons  to  be  made  free  & 
Enabled  to  trade  & Traffique  unto  within  & in  New  England  aforesaid 
& to  every  part  or  parcel  thereof  or  to  have  possess  or  In  joy  any  Lands 
or  heriditaments  in  New  England  aforesaid,  as  they  shall  think  fit 
according  to  the  Laws  Orders  Constitutions  & Ordenances,  by  the 
said  Council  & their  Successors  from  time  to  time  to  be  made  & 
Established  by  Virtue  of  & according  to  the  true  Intent  of  these 
presents  & under  such  Conditions  reservations  & agreemts  as  the  said 
Councel  shall  set  Down  Order  & direct  & not  other  wise,  and  further 
of  our  special  grace  Certain  knowledge  & meer  Motion,  for  us  our 
heirs  & Successors,  We  do  by  these  presents  give  & grant  full  power 
& authority  unto  the  said  Councel,  that  the  Said  Councel  & their  Suc- 
cessors, for  the  time  being  or  the  greatest  part  of  them,  shall  & may 
from  time  to  time  nominate  make  Constitute  & Confirm  by  such 
Name  or  Names  stile  or  Stiles  as  to  them  shall  seem  good  & like  wise 
to  revoke  discharge  Change  & alter,  as  well  all  & singuler  Governrs  offi- 
cers & Ministers  wch  hereafter  shall  be  by  them  thought  fit  & needfull 
to  be  made  or  used  as  well  to  attend  the  buisness  of  the  sd  Company 
here  as  for  the  Governm1  of  the  Sd  Collony  & plantations,  and  also  to 
make  ordain  & Establish  all  manner  of  orders  Laws  Directions  In- 
structions formes  & Cerimonies  of  Governm1  & Magistrycv  fit  & Nes- 
sessary  for  & Concerning  the  Governm1  of  the  said  Collony  & Planta- 
tion so  always  that  the  same  be  not  Contrary  to  the  Laws  & Statutes 
of  this  our  realm  of  England  & the  same  at  all  times  hearafter  to 
abrogate  revoke  or  Change  not  only  within  the  presinct  of  said  Col- 
lony but  also  upon  the  seas  in  going  & Coming  to  & from  ye  said  Col- 
lony as  they  in  their  good  discressions  shall  think  to  be  fi test  for  the 
good  of  the  adventurers  & Inhabitants  there,  and  we  do  further  of 
our  especial  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  & meer  motion  Grant  declare 
& Ordain  that  such  principle  Govern1-8  as  from  time  to  time  shall  be 
authorized  and  appointed  in  manner  & form  in  these  presents  hereto- 
fore Expressed  shall  have  full  power  & Authority  to  use  & Exercise 
Marshall  Laws  & in  Cases  of  Rebellion  Insurrection  & Mutany  in  as 
large  and  ample  a manner  as  our  Leiu18  in  our  Countys  within  our 
realm  of  England  have  or  ought  to  have  by  force  of  their  Commis- 
sion of  Lieutenancy  and  for  as  much  as  it  shall  be  Necessary  for  all 
such  our  Loving  subjects  as  shall  Inhabit  within  the  said  presincts 
of  New  England  Aforesaid  to  determine  to  Live  to  geatherin  the  fear 
and  true  worship  of  Almighty  God,  Christian  peace  & civil  quiet- 
ness, each  with  other,  whereby  every  one  may  with  More  Safty 


10 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


pleasure  & profitt  Enjoy  that  whereunto  they  shall  Obtain  wth  Great 
Pain  & peril  We  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  are  Likewise  pleased 
& Contented  and  by  these  presents  do  give  & Grant  unto  the  s'1 
Council  & tber  successors  & to  such  Governrs  Officers  & Minister  as 
shall  be  by  the  sd  Council  Constituted  & apointed  according  to  the 
Nature  & Lvmmits  of  tlier  offices  & places  respectively,  that  they 
shall  & may  from  time  to  time  forever  hereafter,  wthin  the  presincts 
of  New  England,  or  in  the  way  by  the  seas  thither  & from  thence 
have  full  & absolute  power  & Authority  to  Correct,  punish,  pardon, 
Govern  & rule  all  such  the  subjects  of  us  our  heirs  & successors  as 
shall  from  time  to  time  adventure  them  selves  in  any  Voyage  thither 
or  that  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  Inhabit  in  the  presincts  & Terri- 
tories of  the  Collony  as  aforesd  According  to  such  Laws  Orders  & 
Ordainances  directions  & Instructions  as  by  the  sd  Councel  aforesd 
shall  be  Establish’d  in  defect  thereof,  in  Case  of  Necessity  according 
to  the  good  discressions  of  the  said  Govern1  & officers  respectively  as 
well  in  Cases  of  Capital  & Criminal  as  Civil  boath  Marrine  and  others 
for  always  as  that  ye  sd  statutes  ordinances  & proceedings  as  near  as 
Conveniently  may  be  agreeable  to  the  Laws  Statutes  Govern^  & 
pollicy  of  this  our  realm  of  England,  & further  more  if  any  person 
or  persons,  adventurers  or  planters  of  The  sd  Collony  or  any  other  at 
any  time  or  times  here  after  shall  transport  any  money,  Goods  or 
Mrchndize  out  of  any  our  Kingdoms  with  a pretence  & purpose  to  let 
Land,  or  other  wise  dispose  the  same  within  the  Lymmits  & bounds 
of  the  sd  Collony,  and  yet  nevertheless  being  att  sea  or  after  he  hath 
Landed  within  any  part  of  the  said  Collony,  shall  carry  the  same  into 
any  other  Forreign  Country  with  a purpose  there  to  sell  & dispose 
thereof  that  then  all  the  Goods  & Chatties  of  ye  sd  person  So  offend- 
ing & Transported  togeather,  with  the  ship  or  Vessell  wherin  such 
Transportation  was  made  shall  be  forfeited  to  11s  our  heirs  and  sue 
cessors,  and  we  do  further  of  our  Especial  Grace,  Certain  knowledge 
& Meer  Motion,  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for  & in  respect  of  the 
Considerations  aforesaid  & for  Divers  other  good  Causes  & Consider- 
ations us  thereunto  Especially  moveing  & by  the  advice  of  the  Lords 
and  others  of  our  said  Privy  Councell  have  absolutely  given  granted 
and  Confirmed  & by  these  presents  do  absolute^  give  grant  & Con- 
firm unto  the  said  Councell  Called  the  Councel  Establish’d  at  Plym° 
in  the  County  of  Devon,  for  the  planting  ruling  & Governing  of  New 
England,  in  America,  & to  their  successors  forever  all  the  aforesd 
Lands,  Grounds,  Tenemts  presincts,  place,  places,  & Territories,  viz1 
that  aforesd  part  of  America  lying  & being  in  breadth  from  forty  de- 
grees of  Northerly  Latitude,  from  the  Equonoctial  Lyne  to  forty 
Eight  degrees  of  the  said  northerly  Latitude  Inclusively  and  in  length 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


11 


of  and  within,  all  the  Breadth  aforesaid  throughout  the  mean  Lands 
from  Sea  to  Sea,  togeather  also  with  all  the  firm  Lands,  soyles 
Grounds  Havens,  Ports,  rivers,  waters,  fishings  Mines  and  Munerals, 
as  well  Royal  Mines  of  Gold  & silver  as  other  mines  and  Munerals, 
Precious  stones  quarris  and  all  and  singuler  other  Commodities  Ju- 
risdictions, Royalties  priviledges  & preheminences  bouth  within  the 
sd  Tract  of  Land  up  the  main  & also  within  the  said  Islands  & seas 
adjcyning  Provided  always  that  the  sd  Islands  or  any  the  premises 
herein  before  Mentioned  & by  these  present  Intended  & Meant  to  be 
granted  be  not  Actually,  possessed  or  Inhabited  by  any  other  Chris- 
tan  prince  or  state,  or  be  within  the  bounds  Lymmits  or  Territories 
of  that  southern  Collony,  heretofore  by  us  granted  to  be  planted  by 
divers  of  our  loving  Subjects  in  the  south  parts,  To  have  and  to  hold 
possess  & Enjo}^  all  & singuler  the  aforesd  Continent,  Lands,  Terri- 
tories, Islands,  heriditamts  & presincts  sea,  water,  fishing,  with  all  & 
all  manner  their  Commodities,  Royalties,  Liberties,  prehemenences, 
& profits  that  shall  arise  from  thence  with  all  & singuler  ther  appur- 
tenances & every  part  & parcel  thereof,  & of  them  to,  & unto  ye  sd 
Councel  & their  successors  & assigns  forever,  to  the  sole  only  & pro- 
per use  benefit  & behoof  of  them  the  sd  Councel  & their  successors  & 
assigns  forever,  to  be  holden  of  us  our  heirs  & successors,  as  of  our 
mannor  of  East  Greenwich,  in  our  County  of  Kent,  in  free  & Com- 
mon soceage  & not  in  Cuppite,  Nor  by  Knights  Service,  yeilding  & 
paying  therefore  to  us  our  heirs  & successors  the  fifth  part  of  the  oar 
of  Gold,  and  silver,  which  shall  from  time  to  time  and  at  all  times 
hereafter,  shall  happen  to  be  found,  gotten,  had  & obtained  in  all  or 
within  any  the  said  Lands  Lymmits  Territories  & presincts,  or  in  or 
wthin  any  part  or  parcel  thereof  for  or  in  respect  of  all  manner  of 
Duties,  demands  & services  whatsoever  to  be  done  made  or  paid  to 
us  our  heirs  & successors  and  we  do  further  of  our  special  Grace, 
Certain  knowledge  & meer  motion  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  give 
& grant  unto  the  sd  Councel  & their  successors  forever  by  these  pres- 
ents yl  it  shall  be  Lawfull  & free  for  them  & their  Assigns  at  all  & 
every  time  & times  hereafter  out  of  any  our  realms  or  Dominions 
whatsoever  to  take  Load  Carry  and  Transport  in  & into  their  Voy- 
age & for  & towards  the  said  plantation  in  New  England,  all  such 
& so  much  of  our  Loveing  Subjects  or  any  other  strangers  that  will 
become  our  Loving  subjects,  & Live  under  our  allegiance  shall  wil- 
lingly accompany  them  in  the  sd  Voyage  & plantation  with  shiping 
armour  weapons  Ordenance  Munition  powder  & shot  Victuals  & all 
manner  of  Cloathing  Impliments  furniture  Beasts  Cattle  horses  Mares 
and  all  other  things  Necesary  for  the  said  plantation  & for  their  use 
& Defence  & for  Trade  with  the  People  there  & in  passing  & return- 


12 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ing  to  & from  without  paying  or  yeilding  any  Custom  or  Subsidy 
either  Inwards  or  outwards  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for  ye  same 
for  the  space  of  seven  years  from  the  Day  of  the  date  of  these  pres- 
ents Provided  that  none  of  the  said  persons  be  such  as  shall  be  here- 
after by  special  Name  Restrained  by  us  our  heirs  or  successors:  and 
for  there  further  Incouragem4  of  our  special  Grace  & favour  we  do  by 
these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  And  Successors  yeild  & Grant  to  & 
with  the  said  Councel  and  their  Successors  & every  of  them  their 
Factors  & assigns  that  they  & every  of  them  shall  be  free  & quiet 
from  all  Subsideys  & Costoms  in  New  England  for  the  Space  of  seven 
years  & from  all  Taxes  & Impositions  for  the  space  of  Twenty  one 
years  upon  all  Goods  or  Merchandize,  at  any  time  or  times  hereafter 
either  upon  Importation  thither  or  Exportation  from  thence  into  our 
realm  of  England  or  into  any  other  our  Dominions  by  the  Sd  Councel 
& their  successors  their  Deputies  factors  & assigns  or  any  of  them 
Except  only  the  five  pounds  ^ ceu  due  for  the  Custom  upon  all  such 
Goods  and  Merchandizes  as  shall  be  brought  or  Imported  into  our 
realm  of  England  or  any  other  our  Dominions  according  to  the  antient 
Trade  of  Merchants  which  five  pounds  ^ Centum  only  being  paid  it 
shall  be  hence  forth  Lawfull  & free  from  the  said  adventurers  the 
same  Goods  & Merchandize  to  Export  & Carry  out  of  our  sd  Domin- 
ions into  forreign  parts  without  any  Custom  Tax  or  other  duty  to  be 
paid  to  us  our  heirs  or  successors,  or  to  any  other  officers  or  Ministers 
of  us  our  heir  & successors,  provided  y4  ye  sd  Goods  & Merchandize 
be  shiped  out  within  thirteen  months  after  Their  first  Landing  within 
any  part  of  these  Dominions,  and  further  our  will  & pleasure  is  that 
we  do  by  these  presents  Charge  Command  & warrant  & Authorize  the 
said  Councell  & their  successors  or  the  Major  part  of  them  which  be 
present  and  assembled  for  that  purpose  from  time  to  time,  under  their 
Common  seal  distribute  Convey  assign  & sett  over  such  particular 
portions  of  Land  Tenements  & heriditaments  as  are  by  these  presents 
formerly  Granted  unto  each  of  our  Loving  Subjects,  Naturely  born  or 
Denizens  or  other  as  well  adventurers  as  planters,  as  by  the  said  Com- 
pany upon  Commission  of  survey  & distribution  Executed  & return’d 
for  that  purpose,  shall  be  Named,  appointed  & allowed  wherein  our 
will  & pleasure  in  that  respect  be  had  as  well  to  ve  proportion  of  the 
adventurers  as  to  the  Especial  srvice  hazard  Exployt  or  merrit  of  any 
persons  so  to  be  recompensed  advanced  or  rewarded  & we  do  also  for 
us  our  heirs  & Successors  grant  unto  the  said  Councel  and  their  suc- 
cessors & to  all  & every  such  Governr  & other  officers  or  ministers,  as 
by  the  said  Council  shall  be  appointed  to  have  power  & authority  of 
Governm4  & Command  in  or  over  the  said  Collonies  & plantations,  y4 
they  & every  of  them  shall  & Lawfully  may  from  time  to  time  & at 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


13 


all  times,  hereafter  forever,  for  their  several  Defence  safely  incounter 
Expulse  repell  & resist,  by  force  of  Arms  as  well  by  sea  as  by  Land, 
& always  & means  whatsoever  all  such  person  or  persons  as  without 
the  special  Lycence  of  the  said  Councel  & their  successors  or  the 
greater  part  of  them  shall  attempt  to  Inhabit  within  the  sd  several 
presincts  & Lymmits  of  the  said  Collony  & plantation  & also  all  & 
every  such  person  & persons  whatsoever  as  shall  Enterprize  or  at- 
tempt at  any  time  hereafter  distinction,  Invasions  detteriment  or  an- 
noyance to  the  said  Collony,  & plantation  & that  it  shall  be  Lawfull 
for  the  said  Councel  and  their  successors  & every  of  them  from  time 
to  time  & at  all  times  hereafter  as  they  shall,  full  power  & authority 
to  take  & surprize  by  all  ways  & means  whatsoever  all  & every  such 
& persons  whatsoever  with  their  ships,  Goods  & other  furniture  Traf- 
faquing  in  any  harbour  Creek  or  place  within  the  Lymmits  or  bounds 
of  said  Collony,  & plantation  & not  being  allowed  by  the  sd  Councel 
to  be  adventurers  or  planters  of  the  said  Collony:  and  of  our  further 
royal  favour  we  have  Granted  for  us  our  heirs  & successors,  we  do 
Grant  unto  the  said  Council  & their  successors  that  the  said  Territo- 
ries Lands  rivers  & places  aforesd  or  any  of  them  shall  not  be  Visited 
frequented  or  traded  into  by  any  other  of  our  Subjects  or  the  subjects 
of  us  our  heirs  or  successors  either  from  any  of  the  parts  & havens 
belonging  or  appertaining  or  which  shall  be  long  or  appertain  unto  us 
our  heirs  or  successors  or  to  any  forreign  prince  state  or  pottentate 
whatsoever  & therefore  we  do  hereby  for  us  our  heirs  & successors 
Charge  Command  prohibit  & for  bid  all  y®  subjects  of  us  our  heirs  & 
successors  of  what  degree  & quality  soever  they  be  yt  none  of  ym  di- 
rictly  or  indirectly  Presume  to  vissit  frequent  Trade  or  adventure  to 
Traffique  into  or  from  the  said  Territories  Lands  rivers  & places 
afores'1  or  any  of  them  other  then  the  sd  Council  and  their  successors, 
Factors,  deputies  and  assigns  unless  it  be  with  the  Lycence  & Con- 
sent of  the  sd  Council  & Company  first  had  & obtained  in  writing 
under  their  Common  Seal  upon  pain  of  our  Indignation  and  Impris- 
onm1  to  their  bodys  dureing  the  pleasure  of  us  our  heirs  or  Successors 
& the  forfeiture  and  Loss  both  of  their  ship  & Goods  whatsoever 
they  shall  be  found  either  within  any  of  our  Kingdoms  or  Dominions 
or  any  the  place  or  places  out  of  our  Dominions  and  for  the  better 
Effecting  of  our  sd  Pleasure  therein,  We  do  hereby  for  our  heirs  & 
Successors  give  & grant  full  power  & authority  unto  the  said  Coun- 
cel & their  Successors  for  the  time  being  that  they  by  themselves 
their  ffactors  Deputies  or  assigns,  shall  & may  from  time  to  time  & 
at  all  times  hereafter  attach,  arrest,  take  & seize  all  & all  manner  of 
ship  or  ships,  goods,  wears  & Merchandize  whatsoever,  which  shall 
be  brought  from  or  Carryed  to  the  places  before  mentioned  or  any  of 


14 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


them  Contrary  to  our  will  & pleasure  before  in  these  presents  Ex- 
pressed, the  Moyatie  or  one  half  of  all  which  forfeiture  we  do  hereby 
for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  give  & grant  unto  the  said  Councel  & 
their  Successors  to  their  own  proper  use  without  Accom1  & the  other 
Moyatie  or  half  part  thereof  we  will  it  shall  be  & remain  to  the  use 
of  us  our  heirs  & Success"  & we  likewise  Have  Condisended  & 
Granted  & by  these  presents,  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  do  Con- 
disend  & grant  to  & with  the  said  Council  & their  Successors  that  we 
our  heirs  or  successors,  shall  not  or  will  not  give  or  grant  any  Liberty 
Lycence  or  authority  to  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever,  to  sail, 
trade  or  Traffick  into  the  aforesaid  parts  of  New  England  without  the 
Good  will  and  likeing  of  the  said  Councel  or  the  greatest  part  of 
them  for  the  time  being  at  any  of  their  Courts  to  be  Assembled,  and 
we  do  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  give  & grant  unto  the  said  Coun- 
cel & their  Successors  that  whensoever  or  so  often  as  any  Custom  or 
subsidie  shall  grow  due  or  payable  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  ac- 
cording to  the  Lymitation  & Appointm*  aforesaid  by  reason  of  any 
Goods  wears  or  Mrchandizes  to  be  shipped  out,  or  any  return  to,  be 
made  of  any  Goods  wears  or  Mrchandize  unto  or  from  New  England 
or  any  of  the  Lands  or  Territories  aforesaid  that  then  so  often  & in 
such  Case  the  Farmers,  Customers  & officers  of  our  Customes  of 
England  & Ireland  & every  of  them  for  the  time  being  upon  request 
made  unto  them  by  the  sd  Councel  their  Successors  Factors  or  assigns 
& upon  Convenient  security  to  be  given  in  their  behalf  shall  give  & 
allow  unto  the  Said  Councel  & their  successors  & to  all  person  or 
persons  free  of  said  Company  as  aforesaid  six  months  time  for  the 
payiffi  of  the  one  half  of  all  such  Customs  & subsidies  as  shall  be 
due  & payable  unto  us  our  heirs  & successors  for  the  same  for  which 
these  our  Letters  pattents  or  the  duplicate  or  the  InrolenT  thereof 
shall  be  unto  our  sd  officers  a sufficient  warrant  & discharge  Never- 
theless our  will  & pleasure  is,  that  if  any  of  the  said  Goods,  wears,  or 
Mrchandizes  which  be  or  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  Landed  & 
exported  out  of  any  of  our  realms  aforesd  & shall  be  sniped  with  a 
purpose  not  to  be  Carryed  to  New  England  aforesd  that  then  such 
payiffi  duty,  Custom,  Imposition,  or  forfeiture  shall  be  paid,  & belong 
to  us  our  heirs  & successors,  for  the  sd  Goods  wears  & Mrchandizes  so 
Fraudently  sough  to  be  Transported  as  if  our  Grant  had  not  been 
Made  nor  Granted,  & we  do  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  give  & 
grant  unto  the  said  Councel  & their  successors  forever,  by  these  pres- 
sents  that  the  said  president  of  the  said  Company  or  his  Deputies, 
for  the  time  being  or  any  two  others  of  the  sd  Councel  for  the  said 
Collony  of  New  England  for  the  time  being  shall  & may  at  all  times 
hereafter  from  time  to  time  have  full  power  & authority  to  minister  & 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


15 


give  the  Oath  and  Oaths  of  Allegiance  & supremacy  or  either  of  them 
to  all  & every  person  or  persons  wch  shall  at  any  time  or  times  here- 
after go  or  pass  to  the  said  Collony  in  New  England,  and  further  that 
it  shall  be  likewise  Lawfull  for  ye  sd  president  or  his  deputy  for  the 
time  being  or  two  others  of  the  said  Councel  for  the  sd  Collony  in  New 
England  for  the  time  being  from  time  to  time  & at  all  times  hereafter, 
to  Minister  such  a formall  Oath,  as  by  their  discressions  shall  be  rea- 
sonably devised,  as  well  unto  any  person  or  persons  Imployed  or  to  be 
Imployed,  in,  for  or  touching  the  sd  plantation  for  their  honest  faith- 
full  and  Just  Discharge  of  their  Service  in  all  Such  Manner  as  shall 
be  Committed  unto  them ; for  tlie  good  & benefit  of  the  said  Com- 
pany Collony  & plantation,  as  also  unto  such  other  person  & persons 
as  the  sd  president  or  his  deputy  with  two  others  of  ye  said  Councel 
shall  think  meet  for  the  Examination  or  Clearing  of  the  truth  in  any 
Case  whatsoever  Concerning  the  said  plantation,  or  any  Buisness  from 
thence  proceeding  or  thereunto  belonging  & to  the  end,  that  no  Lewd 
or  ill  disposed  person,  Sailors,  Souldiers,  Artificers  husbandmen,  La- 
boures  or  others,  which  shall  receive  wears,  apparel  or  other  Enter- 
tainm1  from  the  sd  Councel  or  Contract  & agree  with  the  sd  Councel  to 
go  & to  serve  & be  Imployed  in  the  sd  plantation  in  the  Collony  in  New 
England,  do  afterwards  withdraw,  hide  & Conceal  themselves  or  refuse 
to  go  thither  after  they  have  been  so  Entertained  & agreed  with  all, 
& that  no  person  shall  be  sent  & Imployed  in  the  sd  plantation  of  the 
the  sd  Collony  in  New  England,  upon  the  charge  of  ye  sd  Councel  do 
Misbehave  themselves,  by  Mutinous  seditious  & other  Notorious  Mis- 
demeanors, or  which  shall  be  Imploy’d  or  sent  abroad  by  the  Govern- 
our  of  New  England  or  his  deputy  with  any  ship  or  pinnace  for  pro- 
visions for  the  sd  Collony  or  for  some  discovery  or  other  Buisness  & 
affairs  Concerning  ye  same  do  from  thence  Treacherously,  either  come 
back  again,  or  return  into  ye  realm  of  England,  by  stealth  or  without 
Lycence  of  the  Governr  of  ye  sd  Collony  in  New  England  for  ye  time 
being  & be  sent  Thither  as  Misdoers  or  offenders  & that  none  of  those 
persons  after  they  return  from  thence  being  questioned  by  ye  sd  Coun- 
cel here  for  such  their  Misbehavr  & offences  do  by  Insolent  and  Con- 
temptious  Carriages  in  ye  presence  of  ye  said  Councel  shew  litle 
respect  & reverence  either  to  the  place  or  Authority  in  wch  we 
have  placed  & appointed  yin  & others  for  ye  Clearing  of  their  Lewd- 
ness Committed  in  New  England,  devulge,  Vile  & slanderous  reports 
of  the  Country  of  New  England  or  of  ye  Goverm1  or  state  of  the 
said  plantation  & Collony  to  bring  the  said  voyages  & plantations  into 
disgrace  & Contemp1  by  means  whereof  not  only  the  Adventurers  & 
planters  already  Ingaged  in  the  said  plantation  may  be  exceedingly 
abused  & hindered  & great  Numbers  of  Our  Loving  & well  disposed 


16 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Subjects,  otherwise  well  affected  & Inclined  to  Joyn  & adventure  in 
so  noble  a Christian  & worthy  an  Action  May  be  discouraged  from 
the  same  but  also  the  enterprize  itself  may  be  Overthrown,  wch  can- 
not Miscarry  without  some  dishonour  to  us  & our  Kingdoms  : We 
therefore  for  preventing  so  great  an  Enormious  Abusses,  & Misde- 
meanors do  by  these  present  for  us  our  heirs  & successors  Give  & 
grant  unto  the  said  president  or  his  Deputy  or  such  other  person  or 
persons  as  by  order  of  the  sd  Councel  shall  be  appointed  by  warrant 
under  his  hand  or  hands  to  send  for  or  cause  to  be  apprehended,  all  & 
every  such  person  or  persons  who  shall  be  noted  accus’d  or  found  at 
any  time  or  times  hereafter  to  ffend,  or  Misbehave  themselves  in  any 
of  the  affairs  before  Mentioned  & express’d,  & upon  the  examination 
of  any  such  offender  or  offenders  & Just  proof  made  by  oath  taken 
before  ye  sd  Councel  of  any  such  Notorious  Misdemeanrs  by  ym  to  be 
committed  as  aforesd  & also  upon  any  Insolent  contemptuous  or 
Irreverend  carriage  or  misbehavers  to  or  against  ye  sd  Councel  to  be 
shewed  or  used  by  any  such  person  or  persons,  so  called,  convinced  & 
appearing  before  them  as  aforesd,  yl  in  all  such  cases  our  said  councel 
or  any  two  or  more  of  them,  for  ye  time  being  shall  & may  Have  full 
power  & authority  either  to  bind  them  over  wth  good  sureties  for  then- 
good  behaviour  & further  therein  to  proceed  to  all  Intents  & purposes 
as  it  is  used  in  Other  like  Cases  within  our  realm  of  England  or  else 

at  their  discresions  to  remand  & send  back  the  said  offenders  or  anv 

%> 

of  them  to  the  said  Collony  of  New  England  & their  to  be  proceeded 
against  & punish’d  as  the  Governr  deputy  or  Councel  there  for  the 
time  being  shall  think  Meet  or  otherwise  according  to  such  Laws  & 
ordainances  as  are  & shall  be  in  use  there  for  the  well  ordering  & good 
Goverm1  of  said  Collony  & our  will  & pleasure  is  and  we  do  hereby 
declare  to  all  Christian  Kings,  princes  & states  yl  if  any  person  or 
persons  wch  shall  hereafter  be  of  the  said  Collony  or  plantation  or  any 
other  by  Lycence  or  appointm1  of  the  said  Councel  or  their  success- 
sors,  or  otherwise  shall  at  any  time  or  times  hereafter  robb  or  spoyel 
by  sea  or  by  Land  or  do  any  hurt  Violence  or  unlawfull  hostility  to 
any  of  the  Subjects  of  us  our  heirs  or  successors  or  any  of  the  sub- 
jects of  any  King,  prince,  ruler  or  Govern1-  or  State  being  then  in 
League  amity  with  us  our  heir  & successors,  & that  upon  such  In- 
jury or  upon  Just  Complaint  of  such  prince  ruler  Govern1-  or  state  or 
their  subjects  we  our  heirs  or  Successor  shall  make  Open  proclama- 
tion within  an}7  of  the  ports  of  our  realm  of  England,  Commodious 
for  that  purpose,  that  the  person  or  persons  having  Committed  any 
such  Robbery  or  Spoyle  shall  within  term  Limmited  by  such  a proc- 
laimation  make  full  restitution  or  satisfaction  of  all  such  Injury’s  done 
so  as  the  said  princes  or  others  So  Complaining  may  hold  themselves 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


IT 


fully  satisfved  & Contented  & if  that  the  said  person  or  persons,  hav- 
ing committed  such  Robberry  or  spoyle  shall  not  make  or  Cause  to  be 
made  satisfaction  accordingly,  within  such  time  as  to  be  Limmitted 
that  then  it  shall  be  Lawfull,  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  to  put  the 
said  person  or  persons  out  of  our  allegiance  & protection,  and  that  it 
shall  be  Lawfull  & free  for  all  princis  to  prosecute  with  hostility  the 
said  offenders  & every  of  them,  their  & every  of  their  procures  aiders 
betters  & Comforters  in  that  behalf  also,  We  do  for  us  our  heirs  and 
successors  declare  by  these  presents  that  all  & every  the  persons  being 
our  Subjects,  that  which  shall  go  and  Inhabit  within  the  said  Collony, 
and  plantation,  & every  of  their  Children  & their  posterity  which 
shall  happen  to  be  born  within  the  Li  mm  its  thereof,  shall  have  and 
Enjoy  all  Liberties  and  Franchizes  and  Immunities  of  free  dennizens 
& Natural  subjects,  within  any  of  our  other  Dominions  to  all  Intents 
and  purposes,  as  if  they  had  been  abiding  & born  within  this  our 
Kingdom  of  England,  or  any  other  of  our  Dominions  & Lastly  be- 
cause the  principal  Effects  which  we  Can  desire  or  Expect  of  this 
action  is  the  Conversion  & reduction  of  the  people  in  those  parts  unto 
the  true  worship  of  God,  and  Christian  religion,  in  which  respect  we 
would  be  Loath  that  any  person  should  be  permitted  to  pass  that  we 
susspected  the  superstition  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  we  do  hereby 
declare  that  it  is  our  will  and  pleasure  that  none  be  permited  to  pass 
in  any  Voyage  from  time  to  time  into  the  said  Country  but  such  as 
shall  have  taken  first  the  Oath  of  Supremacy  for  which  purpose  we  do 
by  these  presents  give  full  power  and  authority  to  the  president  of 
the  said  Councel  to  tender,  and  Exhibit  the  said  Oath  to  all  such  per- 
sons who  shall  at  any  [time]  be  sent  or  Imployed  in  the  said  V oyages, 
and  we  also  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  do  Covenant  and  grant  to 
& with  the  said  Councel  & their  Successors  for  the  time  by  these 
presents  that  if  the  Councel,  for  the  time  being,  and  their  Successors 
or  any  of  them  shall  at  any  time  or  times  hereafter  upon  any  Doubt 
wch  they  shall  Conceive  Concerning  the  strength  or  Vallidity  in  Law 
of  this  our  present  grant  or  be  desireous  to  have  the  same  renewed  & 
Confirm’d  by  us  our  heirs  and  successors  with  amendmts  of  such 
Imperfections  and  defects,  as  shall  appear  fit  and  necessary  to  the  said 
Councel  and  their  Successors  to  be  Reformed  amended  in  behalf  of  us 
our  heirs  and  Successors  and  for  the  furthering  of  the  plantation  and 
Goverment  or  the  Increase,  continuing  & fiurishing  thereof,  that 
then  upon  the  humble  petition  of  the  said  Councel  for  the  time  being 
& their  successors  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors,  we  our  heirs  & Suc- 
cessors, shall  & will  forth  with  make  & pass  under  the  great  seal  of 
England  to  the  said  Councel  & their  Successors  such  further  & better 
assurance  of  all  & singuler  the  Lands,  Grounds,  Royalties,  prviledges  &: 
2 


18 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


prmises  aforesaid,  Granted  or  Intended  to  be  granted  according  to  our 
true  intent  & Meaning  in  these  our  Letters  pattents  signified  & de- 
clared or  mentioned  as  by  the  Learned  Councel  of  us  our  heirs  & suc- 
cessors and  of  all  the  sd  Company  & their  successors  shall  in  that  be- 
half be  reasonably  advised  or  devised,  and  further  our  will  & pleasure 
is  that  in  all  questions  and  Doubts  that  shall  arrise  upon  any  diffi- 
culty of  Construction  or  Interpretation  in  any  thing  Contained  in 
these  our  Letters  pattents  they  shall  be  taken  and  Interpreted  in 
most  ample  and  beneficial  Manner,  for  the  said  Councel  & their  suc- 
cessors & every  Member  thereof,  and  we  do  further  for  us  our  heirs 
& Successors  Charge  & Command  all  & singuler  admirals  vice 
admirals  Generals  Command”  & Capts,  Justices  of  the  peace  Majo” 
Sheriffs  Baylifs  Constables  Customers  Controlers  wayters  serchers  & 
all  the  officers  of  us  our  heirs  & Successors  whatsoever  to  be  from 
time  to  time  & at  all  times  hereafter  in  all  things  aiding  & assisting 
& helping  Unto  the  said  Councel  & their  Successors  and  unto  every 
of  them  upon  request  & requests  by  them  to  be  made  in  all  matters 
and  things  for  the  furtherance  & accomplishm1  of  all  or  any  of  the 
matters  & things  by  us  in  & by  these  our  Letters  Pattents  given 
granted  & provided,  or  by  us  meant  or  Intended,  to  be  given, 
granted  & provided,  as  they  our  sd  officers  & the  officers  of  us  our 
heirs  & Successors  to  tender  our  pleasure,  & will  avoide  the  Contrary 
at  their  pen-ills,  and  also  we  do  by  these  presents  ratify  & Confirm 
unto  the  said  Councel  & their  successors,  all  priviledges  Franchises 
Liberties  & Immunities,  granted  in  our  sd  former  Letters  Pattents  & 
not  in  these  our  Letters  pattents,  revoked  Altered  changed  or 
abridged  altho’  express  mentioned  &c 

In  Witness  &c  our  selves  at  Westminster  the  Third  day  of  Novem- 
ber in  ye  Eighteenth  year  of  our  reign — 

^ Bre  de  privato  Sigillo — 

Pro:  Newhamp1  Vera  Copia  from  the  supr  Courts  Record  Com- 
pared 6th  June  1704 — ^ Theo  : Atkinson  Cler — 

Pro:  Newhampr  Vera  Copia  Compared  ye  9th  July  1706 

Theo:  Atkinson  Cler — 

Pro:  Newhamp1  Vera  Copia  Compared  with  what  on  file  in  ye 
Infr  Court  of  Common  pleas,  ye  15th  April:  1707 — 

^ Curm  Henry  Penny  Clr — 

Copy  as  in  file  in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Superiour  Court  of 
Judicature — 

Examin’d  October  3d  1760 — 

^ Geo:  Jaffrey  Cler — 

March  20th  1793  Copy  examined  by 

Nath1  Adams  Clerk 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


19 


[Grant  of  Mariana , March  9 , 1621-2^\ 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book,  Yol.  59,  p.  93.] 

A Grant  of  Cape  Anne  in  New  England  from  the  President  & 
Couneill  of  New  England  to  John  Mason  Esqr 

This  Indenture  made  ye  Ninth  day  of  March  in  ye  19th  yeare  of 
the  Reigne  of  Our  Sovereigne  Lord  James  by  ye  Grace  of  God  King 
of  England,  Scotland,  ffrance  & Ireland,  Defender  of  the  ffaith.  Be- 
tweene  ye  President  & Councell  of  New  England  of  the  one  parte  and 
John  Mason  Gent,  and  inhabitant  of  the  Citty  of  London  of  ye  other 
parte.  Witnesseth  that  whereas  Our  Said  Soveraigne  Lord  King 
James  for  ye  makeing  a Plantac’on  & Establishing  a Colony  or  Col- 
onyes  in  the  Country  called  or  knowne  by  the  Name  of  New  England 
in  America  hath  by  his  Highness  Letters  Patents  under  the  Great 
Seale  of  England  bearing  Date  at  Westminster  the  3d  day  of  No- 
vembr  given  granted  & confirmed  unto  the  Rl  Honble  Lodwick  Lord 
Duke  of  Lenox,  George  Marquies  of  Buckingham,  James  Lord  Mar- 
quiss  Hamilton,  Thomas  Earle  of  Arundell  Robert  Earle  of  Warwick 
Sr  Ferdinando  Georges  Knight  & divers  others  whose  names  are 
expressed  in  the  Said  Letters  Tattents  their  Successors  and  Assignes 
that  they  Shall  be  one  body  politicque  and  Corporate  perpetuall,  and 
that  they  should  have  perpetuall  Succession,  and  One  Common  Seale 
or  Seales  to  Serve  for  ye  Said  Body,  and  that  they  & their  Successors 
shalbee  knowne  called  and  incorporated  by  the  Name  of  the  President 
and  Couneill  Established  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of  Dev’on  for 
ye  Planting  Ruling  & Governing  New  England  in  America  And  alsoe 
hath  of  his  especiall  Grace  certaine  knowledge  meer  motion  for  him 
his  Heirs  & Successors  given  granted  & Confirmed  unto  the  Said 
President  & Couneill  & their  Successors  under  the  Reservac'ons  limit- 
ac’ons  & Declarac’ons  in  the  Said  Letters  Pattents  expressed.  All 
that  parte  & Porc’on  of  the  Said  Country  Now  comonly  called  New 
England  which  is  Scituate  lying  & being  betwixt  the  Latitude  of  40. 
Degrs.  & 48  of  Northerly  Latitude  togeather  wth  the  Seas  & Islands 
lying  wthin  One  hundred  Miles  of  any  parte  of  the  said  Coast  of  the 
Country  aforesaid.  And  alsoe  all  ye  Lands  Grounds  Soyle  havens 
Ports  Rivers  Mines  as  well  Royall  Mines  of  Gold  & Silver  as  others 
Mines  Mineralls  pearles  and  pretious  Stones  woods  quarreys  Marshes 
Waters  fishing  hunting  hawking  fowling  Comodities  & Herediatam*8 
whatsoever  togeather  wth  all  the  prerogatives  Jurisdic’ons  Royal tyes 
priviledges,  franchises  and  preheminences  wthin  any  of  ye  said  Terri- 
toryes  and  ye  precincts  thereof  whatsoever  To  have  hold  possess  & 
enjo}^  all  & Sing'ler  ye  said  Lands  & premises  in  ye  said  Letters  Pa- 


20 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tents  Granted  or  menc’oned  to  be  granted  unto  them  the  Said  Presi- 
dent & Councill  their  Successors  and  Assignes.  To  be  holden  of  his 
Matie  his  Heirs  and  Successors  as  of  his  Highness  Mannor  of  East 
Greenwich  in  ye  County  of  Kent  in  free  & Com’on  Soccage  and  not 
in  Capite  or  by  Knights  Service  Yelding  & paying  to  ye  Kings  Maty 
his  heires  and  Successors  the  one  fifth  part  of  all  the  Oare  of  Gold  & 
Silver  that  from  time  to  time  and  att  all  times  from  the  Date  of  the 
said  Letters  Patents  Shall  be  there  gotten  had  or  Obteyned  for  all  Ser- 
vices Dutyes  or  Demands  as  in  & by  his  Highness  Said  Letters  Patents 
amongst  Divers  other  things  therein  conteyned  more  fully  & at  large 
it  doth  & may  appeare  And  whereas  the  Said  President  and  Councill 
have  upon  Mature  Deliberac’on  thought  fitt  for  ye  better  furnishing 
and  furtherance  of  the  Plantac'ons  in  those  parts  to  appropriate  and 
allotte  to  Severall  and  particuler  persons  diverse  parcells  of  Lands 
wtbin  the  precincts  of  the  aforesaid  granted  premises  by  his  Mats  said 
Letters  Patents,  Now  this  Indenture  further  witnesseth  that  ye  said 
President  and  Councell  of  their  full  free  and  Mutuall  consent  as  well 
to  ye  end  that  all  the  Lands  woods,  waters,  Islands  & fishings  wth  all 
other  the  profitts  and  Comodityes  whatsoever  to  them  or  any  of  them 
and  hereafter  in  These  presents  menc’oned  may  be  wholy  & intirely 
invested  appropriated  Severed  and  Settled  in  & upon  the  Said  John 
Mason  his  heirs  and  assignes  for  Evar,  as  for  divers  Speciall  services 
for  ye  advancem1  of  ye  said  Plantac’on  & other  Good  causes  & consid- 
erac’ons  them  especially  thereunto  moveing  have  given  granted  bar- 
gained Sold  assigned  aliened  Enfeoffed  Sett  over  & confirmed,  And  by 
these  presents  doe  give  grant  bargaine  sell  assigne  alien  Enfeoffed  Sett 
over  & confirme  unto  ye  said  John  Mason  his  heirs  and  assignes,  All 
that  part  of  the  Sea  Coast  of  New  England  being  a great  headland 
or  Cape  & lying  in  ye  Nortliermost  parts  of  the  Massachusetts  Coun- 
try & to  ye  Northeastwards  of  the  Great  River  of  the  Massachusetts 
Stretching  it  Self  out  into  ye  Sea  Eastwards  five  Leagues  or  there- 
abouts and  lying  betwixt  ye  Lat.  of  42  & 43  Degr.  or  thereabouts;  & 
eom’only  called  or  knowne  by  the  Names  of  Cape  Frabigzand  or  Cape 
Anne  wth  the  North  South  & East  Shoares  & Coasts  thereof  the  back 
bounds  thereof  towards  the  Maine  Land  to  begin  at  the  head  of  the 
Next  Great  River  to  the  Southwards  of  the  said  Cape  wch  runns  up- 
wards into  the  Country  of  the  Main  Land  westward  and  Supposed  to 
be  called  Naumkeck  or  by  what  other  Name  or  Names  the  Said  River 
is  or  may  be  called  & soeforth  Eastwards  into  ye  Sea  & to  ye  utter- 
most part  of  ye  Said  headland  or  Cape  & round  about  the  Same  to  ye 
Northwards  and  from  thence  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  the  Next  Great 
River  wch  runns  up  into  the  Maine  Land  Westwards  & Supposed  to  be 

called  Merimack  or  bv  what  other  Name  or  Names  the  said  River  is  or 

«/ 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


21 


may  be  called  & lying  to  the  North  westwards  of  the  said  Cape  & to  the 
farthest  head  of  the  Said  river  from  wcb  period  to  Crossover  land  to 
ye  head  of  the  other  Great  River  wcb  lyes  Southwards  of  ye  aforesaid 
Cape  where  the  perambulac’on  began  & lialfe  way  over  that  is  to  Say 
to  ve  Midst  of  either  of  ye  Said  two  Rivers  wch  bounds  or  limits  the 
aforesaid  lands  both  on  ye  North  & South  thereof  togeather  wth  the 
Great  Isle  or  Island  henceforth  to  be  called  Isle  Mason  lying  Neere, 
or  before  the  Bay  Harbor  or  ye  river  of  Aggawom  togeather  alsoe  wth 
all  the  Seas  Isles  or  Islands  adjoyning  to  any  part  of  ye  precincts  of 
the  Lands  aforesaid  or  lying  wthin  3 Miles  of  any  parte  of  ye  same,  as 
alsoe  all  ye  Lands  Soyle  Grounds  havens  Ports  Rivers  Mines  Mineralls 
pearls  & pretious  Stones  woods  Quarreys  Marshes  Waters  Lakes  fish- 
ings hunting  hawking  ffowling  Com’odityes  & hereditamts  whatso- 
ever wth  all  & Sing'ler  their  appurtenances  togeather  wth  all  preroga- 
tives rights  royaltyes  jurisdictions  priviledges  francheses  prlieminences 
libertyes  Marine  power  as  alsoe  ye  Escheats  and  casualtyes  thereof, 
wth  all  ye  State  right  title  interest  claime  & demand  whatsoever  wch 
the  Said  president  & Councill  & their  Successors  of  right  ought  to 
have  or  claime  in  or  to  the  Said  porc’ons  of  land  & other  ye  premises 
as  is  aforesaid  by  reason  or  force  of  his  Highness  Said  Letters  Pat- 
tents  in  as  free  large  ample  & beneficiall  Manner  to  all  intents  con- 
struc’ons  & purposes  whatsoever  as  in  & by  ye  Said  Letters  Patents 
the  Same  are  amongst  other  things  granted  to  ye  Said  president  & 
Councill  aforesaid  Except  two  ffifths  of  the  Oare  of  Gold  & Silver 
these  presents  hereafter  expressed  wch  Said  Porc’ons  of  Lands  wth 
the  appurten’ces  the  s(l  Jhohn  Mason  with  the  consent  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  Councill  intendeth  to  Name  Mariana. 

To  have  and  to  hold  all  ye  Said  porc’ons  of  land  wth  ye  Great 
Island  henceforth  to  be  called  Isle  Mason  & all  other  Islands  adjacent 
& wthin  three  Miles  thereof  and  all  & Singuler  other  ye  premises  here- 
by Given  granted  aliened  enfeoffed  & confirmed  or  menc’oned  or  in- 
tended by  these  presents  to  be  given  granted  Aliened  enfeoffed  & con- 
firmed wthall  &Sing’ler  ye  appurten'ces  & every  part  & parcell  there- 
of unto  ye  Said  John  Mason  his  heyres  & Assignes  for  ever,  To  be 
holden  of  his  Said  Matie  his  heyres  & Successors  as  of  his  Highness 
Man’or  of  East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  ffree  and  common 
Soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by  Knts  Service  Nevertheless  wth  Such 
exceptions  reservac’ons,  limitac’ons  & Declarac’ons  as  in  the  Said 
Letters  Pattents  are  Expressed  Yeelding  and  paying  unto  Our  Said 
Sovereigne  Lord  the  King  his  heires  and  Successors  the  one  fifth  part 
of  all  ye  Oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  that  from  time  to  time  & at  all 
times  hereafter  shall  bee  there  gotten  had  and  obteyned  for  all  Ser- 
vices Dutyes  and  Demands,  And  also  yelding  & paying  unto  the  Said 


22 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


President  and  Councell  & their  Successors  Yearly  the  Sum’  of  ffive 
shillings  English  Money  or  the  value  thereof  in  fish  or  other  Com’od- 
ityes  of  the  Country  if  it  be  demanded. 

And  the  Said  President  & Councell  for  them  and  their  Successors 
doe  Covenant  & Grant  to  & wth  ye  Said  John  Mason  his  heires  and 
assignes  from  and  after  then  Sealing  & delivery  of  these  prnts  accord- 
ing to  the  purporte  true  intent  & meaning  of  these  prnts  that  he  Shall 
& May  from  henceforth  & from  time  to  time  for  Ever  peaceably  quietly 
have  hold  possess  & enjoy  all  the  aforesaid  porc’ons  of  Land  wth  all 
other  the  Islands  & premises  wth  the  appurten’ces  hereby  before  given 
& granted  or  Menc’oned  meant  or  intended  to  be  hereby  given  & 
granted  & every  part  & parcell  thereof  without  any  lett  disturbance 
or  denyall  trouble  interupc’on  or  evicc’on  of  or  by  the  Said  President 
& Councill  or  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever  claiming  by  from  or 
under  them  or  their  Successors  or  by  or  under  their  State  right  Title 
or  interest,  And  the  said  President  & Councell  for  them  & their  Suc- 
cessors  doe  Covenant  & Grant  to  & wtb  the  Said  John  Mason  his  heires 
and  assignes  by  these  Prnts,  that  they  the  Said  President  & Councell 
Shall  at  all  times  hereafter  upon  reasonable  request  at  ye  only  proper 
Cost  & charges  in  the  Law  of  the  said  John  Mason  his  heyres  and 
assignes  doe  make  performe  Suffer  execute  & willingly  consent  unto 
any  further  Act  or  Acts  conveyance  or  conveyences  assurance  or  assur- 
ances whatsoever  for  the  good  & perfect  investing  assureing  & con- 
veying & Sure  makeing  of  all  the  aforesaid  Porc’ons  of  Land  & 
Islands  and  all  & Sing’ler  the  appurten’ces  to  ye  Said  John  Mason  his 
heyres  & assignes  as  by  him  his  heyres  & Assignes  or  by  his  or  their 
Councell  Learned  in  the  Law  Shall  be  devised  advised  or  required 
And  it  is  further  agreed  by  & beetween  the  said  party es  to  these  Pres- 
ents, And  the  said  John  Mason  for  him  his  heyres  Executors  & Admin- 
istrs  doth  Covenant  to  & with  the  said  President  & Councill  & their 
Successors  by  these  Presents  that  if  at  any  time  hereafter  there  shall 
be  found  any  Oare  of  Gold  or  Silver  wthin  the  Grounds  or  in  any  part 
of  the  said  premises  that  then  he  the  sd  John  Mason  his  heyres  & 
Assignes  shall  yeeld  & pay  unto  ye  said  President  & Councell  their 
success155  and  Assignes  one  fifth  part  of  all  Such  Oare  of  Gold  & Sil- 
ver as  shall  be  found  in  & upon  the  premises.  And  the  Said  John  Ma- 
son doth  farther  covenant  for  him  his  heyres  & Assignes  that  he  will 
Establish  such  a Governnff  in  ye  said  Porc’ons  of  Lands  granted  unto 
him  & the  same  will  from  time  to  time  continue  as  shall  be  agreeable 
as  neere  as  conveniently  may  bee  to  the  Law’s  and  Customes  of  the 
Realme  of  England,  and  if  he  shall  be  charged  at  any  time  to  have 
Neglected  his  Duty  therein  that  then  he  will  reforme  the  same  accord- 
ing to  the  Directions  of  the  President  & Councill.  And  further  that 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


23 


if  ye  said  John  Mason  liis  heyres  or  assignes  shall  at  any  time 
hereafter  alien  these  premises  or  any  part  thereof  to  any  fforreigne 
Nations  or  to  any  person  whatsoever  of  any  fforreigne  Nation  with- 
out the  Speciall  Lycence  consent  and  agreem*  of  the  Said  Presi- 
dent & Councell  their  Successors  & Assignes  that  then  the  parte 
or  parts  of  the  said  lands  soe  aliened  shall  imediatly  returne  back 
again e to  the  use  of  the  Said  President  and  Councill  And  further 
know  yee  that  the  Said  President  & Councell  have  made  Constituded 
Deputed  authorished  & appointed  & in  their  place  & stead  doe  put 
Ambrose  Gibbins  or  in  his  Absence  to  any  other  person  that  shall  be 
their  Governor  or  other  Officr  to  the  President  & Councill  to  be  their 
true  & Lawfull  Attorney  & in  their  name  & stead  to  enter  the  sd  por- 
c’ons  of  Lands  & other  premises  wth  their  appurt’nces  or  into  some 
part  thereof  in  the  Name  of  the  whole  for  them  & in  their  Name  to 
have  & take  possession  & seizing  thereof  & after  such  possession  & 
Seizin  thereof  or  of  some  parte  thereof  in  ye  Name  of  the  whole  Soe 
had  & taken  then  for  them  & in  their  Names  to  deliver  the  full  & 
peaceable  possession  & Seizin  of  all  & Singuler  the  said  granted 
premises  unto  the  said  John  Mason  or  to  his  certaine  attorney  or  Attor- 
neys in  that  behalfe  according  to  the  true  intent  & meaning  of  these 
presents  ratifying  allowing  & Confirming  all  and  whatsoever  their 
said  Attorney  shall  doe  in  or  about  ye  premises  by  these  prsents.  In 
wittnesse  whereof  to  one  parte  of  these  present  Indentures  remaining 
wth  ye  said  John  Mason  the  said  President  & Councell  have  put  their 
Com’on  Seale  & to  ye  other  part  thereof  remaining  wth  ye  said  prsident 
& Councell  he  the  said  John  Mason  have  put  his  hand  & Seale,  Given 
the  Day  & Yeare  first  above  Written. 


[Grant  of  Maine , Aug.  10 , 1622.'] 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book,  Vol.  59,  p.  101.] 

A Grant  of  the  Province  of  Maine  to  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges,  and 
John  Mason  Esqr  10th  of  August  1622. 

This  Indenture  made  the  10th  day  of  August  Anno  Dom : 1622, 
& in  the  20th  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of  Gur  Sovereigne  Lord  James 
by  the  Grace  of  God  King  of  England,  Scotland,  France  & Ireland, 
Deffender  of  the  ffaith  &ca  Betweene  the  President  & Councell  of 
New  England  on  ye  one  part,  and  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  of  London 
knight  and  Captaine  John  Mason  of  London  Esquire  on  y®  other  part 
Wittnessetli  that  whereas  Our  Said  Sovereigne  Lord  King  James  for 


24 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  makeing  a Plantac’on  & Establishing  a Colony  or  Colonyes  in  ye 
Country  called  or  knowne  by  ye  Name  of  New  England  in  America 
hath  by  his  highness  Letters  Patten ts  Under  the  Great  Seale  of 
England  bearing  date  at  Westmr  the  3d  day  of  Novembr  in  the  18th 
Yeare  of  his  Reigne  given  granted  and  confirmed  Unto  the  Right 
Honourable  Lodowick  Duke  of  Lenox  George  Marquiss  of  Bucking- 
ham James  Marquis  Hamilton,  Thomas  Earle  of  Arundell  Robert 
Earle  of  Warwick  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  kn1  and  diverse  others 
whose  Names  are  expressed  in  ye  said  Letters  Patents  their  Succes- 
sors and  assignes  that  they  Shalbe  One  Body  Politique  and  Corpor- 
ate perpetual!  and  that  they  Should  have  perpetuall  Succession  & 
One  Coni’on  Seale  or  Seales  to  Serve  for  the  said  Body  and  that  they 
& their  Successors  Shalbe  knowne  called  and  incorporated  by  the 
Name  of  the  President  & Councill  established  at  Plymouth  in  the 
County  of  Dev’on  for  the  Planting  ruling  & Governing  of  New 
England  in  America.  And  also  hath  of  his  especiall  grace  certaine 
knowledge  & Meer  Mo  Yon  for  him  his  hey  res  and  Successors  given 
granted  & confirmed  unto  the  Said  President  & Councill  & their  Suc- 
cessor under  the  reservac’ons,  limitac’ons,  & declarac’ons  in  the  said 
Letters  Patents  expressed,  All  that  .part  or  porc’on  of  that  Country 
now  com’only  called  New  England  wch  is  Scituate  lying  & being 
between  the  Latitude  of  40,  & 48  Degrees  Northerly  Latitude  to- 
geather  wth  the  Seas  and  Islands  lying  wthin  one  hundred  Miles  of 
any  part  of  the  Said  Coasts  of  the  Country  aforesaid  and  also  all  ye 
Lands  Soyle,  Grounds,  havens,  Ports,  Rivers  Mines  as  well  Royall 
Mines  of  Gold  & Silver  as  other  Mines  Mineralls  pearls  & pretious 
Stones  Woods,  quaryes,  Marshes,  Waters  flashings  hunting,  hawking 
fowling  com’odities  & hereditaments  whatsoever  togeather  wth  all 
prerogatives  Jurisdictions  Royaltyes  Priviledges  ffranchises  & pre- 
heminences  within  any  of  the  said  Territoryes  & precincts  thereof 
whatsoever,  To  have  hold  possess  & enjoy  all  & Singuler  the  said 
lands  & premises  in  the  said  Letters  Pattent  granted  or  menc’oned 
to  bee  Granted  unto  ye  said  President  & Councill  their  Successrs  and 
Assignes  for  Ever  to  be  holden  of  his  Maty  his  heires  & Successrs  as 
of  his  highness  Man’or  of  East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent  in 
free  & common  Soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by  knts  service  Yeelding 
& paying  to  the  Kings  Matie  his  heyres  & Success1-55  the  one  fifth  part 
of  all  Gold  & Silver  Oare  that  from  time  to  time  & at  all  times  from 
the  date  of  the  said  Letters  Pattents  Shall  be  there  gotten  had  or 
Obteyned  for  all  Services  Dutyes  or  Demands  as  in  & by  his  high- 
nes  Said  Letters  Pattents  amongst  divers  other  things  therein  con- 
teyned  more  fully  & at  large  it  doth  appeare,  And  whereas  the  said 
president  & Councill  have  upon  Mature  deliberac’on  thought  fitt  for 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


25 


the  better  furnishing  & furtherance  of  the  Flantac’on  in  those  parts 
to  apropriate  & allott  to  Severall  & particuler  persons  diverse  par- 
cells  of  Lands  within  the  precincts  of  ye  aforesd  granted  phnisses  by 
his  Mats  Said  Letters  Pattents.  Now  this  Indenture  witnesseth 
thaty6  sd  Presdent  & Councill  of  their  full  free  & Mutuall  consent  as 
well  to  the  end  that  all  the  Lands,  woods,  lakes,  rivers,  waters, 
Islands,  & flashings  wth  all  other  the  Traficques  proflits  & Com’- 
odityes  whatsoever  to  them  or  any  of  them  belonging  & here- 
after in  these  presents  menc’oned  may  be  wholly  & intirely 
invested  appropriated  Severed  & Settled  in  & upon  ye  Said  Sr  Ferdi- 
nando  Gorges  & Cap*  John  Mason  their  heyres  & assignes  for  Ever 
as  for  diverse  Speciall  Services  for  the  adVancem*  of  the  Sd  Planta- 
c’ons  & other  good  & Sufficient  causes  & considerac’ons  them 
especially  thereunto  moveing  have  given  granted  bargained  Sould 
assigned  aliened  Sett  over  Enfeoffed  & confirmed  And  by  these  pres- 
ents doe  give  grant  bargaine  Sell  assigne  alien  Sett  over  & continue 
unto  ye  Sd  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  & Cap*  John  Mason  their  heyres  & 
Assignes  All  that  part  of  ye  Maine  land  in  New  England  lying  upon 
ye  Sea  Coast  betwixt  ye  rivers  of  Merimack  & Sagadahock  A to  ye 
furthest  heads  of  ye  said  Rivers  & Soe  forwards  up  into  the  land 
westward  untill  threescore  Miles  be  finished  from  ye  first  entrance  of 
the  aforesaid  rivers  & half  way  over  that  is  to  Say  to  the  midst  of  the 
said  two  Rivers  wch  bounds  & limitts  the  lands  aforesaid  togeather 
w*h  all  Islands  & Isletts  w*hin  five  leagues  Distance  of  ye  premisses 
& abutting  upon  ye  Same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof,  As  also  all 
the  lands,  Soyle,  Grounds,  havens,  Ports,  rivers,  Mines,  Mineralls, 
pearls  pretious  Stones  woods  quarryes  Marshes  Waters  ffishings 
hunting  hawking  fowling  and  other  Com’odityes  & hereditamts  what- 
soever wth  all  & Singuler  their  apurtenences  togeather  wth  all  prerog- 
atives rights  royal tyes  Jurisdictions  Priviledges  ffanchises  libertyes 
preheminces  Marine  power  in  & upon  ye  Said  Seas  & rivers  as  alsoe 
all  escheats  and  casualtyes  thereof  as  flotson  Jetson  lagon  w*b  anchor- 
age and  other  Such  Dutyes  immunityes  Sects  Isletts  & apurtences 
whatsoever  wth  all  ye  estate  right  Title  interest  claime  & demands 
whatsoever  wch  ye  Said  President  & Councell  & their  Successors  of 
right  ought  to  have  or  claime  in  or  to  ye  Said  porc’ons  of  lands 
Rivers  & other  ye  premises  as  is  aforesaid  by  reason  or  force  of  his 
highnes  Said  Letters  Patents  in  as  free  large  ample  & beneficial  1 
man’er  to  all  intents  constructions  & purposes  whatsoever  as  in  & 
by  the  Said  Letters  Patents  ye  Same  are  among  other  things  granted 
to  ye  said  President  & Councell  aforesd  Except  two  fifths  of  ve  Oare 
of  Gold  & Silver  in  These  p’nts  hereafter  Expressed  wch  Said  por- 
c’ons of  lands  w11'  ye  appurten'ces  the  said  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  & 


26 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Cap1  John  Mason  wtb  the  consent  of  ye  President  & Councell  intend 
to  name  ve  Province  of  Maine — To  have  & to  hould  all  the  said  Por- 
e’ons  of  land  Islands  rivers  & premises  as  aforesaid  & all  and  Sing’ler 
other  ye  Com’odytyes  & hereditamts  hereby  given  granted  aliened 
enfeoffed  & confirmed  or  menc’oned  or  intended  by  these  pr’sents  to 
be  given  granted  aliened  enfeoffed  & confirmed  wth  all  & Singular  ye 
appurten’ces  & every  part  & parcell  thereof  unto  ye  Said  Sr  Ferdi- 
nando  Gorges  and  Cap1  John  Mason  their  heyres  & assignes  for  Ever. 
To  be  holden  of  his  Said  Matie  his  heyres  & Successors  as  of  his  High- 
nes  Man’or  of  East  Greenwich  in  ye  County  of  Kent  in  free  & 
Common  Soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by  Knts  Service  Nevertheless 
wth  Such  exceptions  reservac’ons  limitac’ons  & declarac’ons  as  in  ye 
said  letters  Pattents  are  at  large  expressed  Yeelding  & paying  unto 
Our  Soveraigne  Lord  the  King  his  heyres  & Successors  the  fifth  part 
of  all  ye  Oare  of  Gold  & Silver  that  from  time  to  time  & at  all  times 
hereafter  Shall  be  there  gotten  had  & Obteyned  for  all  Services 
Dutyes  & Demands  And  alsoe  Yeelding  & paying  unto  the  Said  Presi- 
dent & Councell  & their  Successors  yearly  the  Sum’  of  Tenn  Shillings 
English  money  if  it  be  demanded.  And  the  Said  President  & Coun- 
cill  for  them  & their  Successrs  doe  Covenant  & grant  to  & wtb  the  Said 
Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Captain  John  Mason  their  heires  & Assignes 
from  & after  the  ensealeing  & delivery  of  these  prsents  according  to 
ye  purport  true  intent  & Meaning  of  these  prnts  that  they  shall  from 
henceforth  from  time  to  time  for  ever  peaceably  & quietly  have  hold 
possess  & enjoye  all  ye  aforesaid  Lands,  Islands,  rivers  & premises 
wth  ye  appurtenences  hereby  before  given  & granted  or  menc’oned 
or  intended  to  be  hereby  given  and  granted  & every  part  & 
parcell  thereof  wthout  any  left  disturbance  dei^all  trouble  inter- 
upc’on  or  Evicc’on  of  or  by  ye  Said  President  & Councill  or  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever  claiming  by  from  or  under  them  or 
their  Successors  or  by  or  under  their  Estate  right  Title  or  Interest, 
And  ye  said  President  & Councill  for  them  & their  Successors  doe 
further  Covenant  & Grant  to  & wth  ye  said  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & 
Cap1  John  Mason  their  heyres  & assignes  by  these  presents  that  they 
ye  said  President  & Councell  Shall  at  all  times  hereafter  upon  reason- 
able request  at  ye  only  proper  Cost  & charges  in  the  Law  of  ve  Said 
Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  their  heyres  & Assignes 
doe  make  performe  Suffer  Execute  & willingly  consent  unto  any  fur- 
ther Act  or  Acts  conveyance  or  conveyances  assurance  or  assurances 
whatsoever  for  ye  Good  & perfect  investing  assuring  & conveying  & 
Sure  making  of  all  the  aforesaid  porc’ons  of  Lands  Islands  rivers  & 
all  & Singuler  their  appurten’ces  to  ye  Said  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & 
Cap1  John  Mason  their  heyres  & Assignes  as  by  them  their  heyres 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


27 


& Assignes  or  by  his  their  or  any  of  their  Councill  learned  in  ye  Law 
shall  bee  devised  advised  or  required,  And  further  it  is  agreed  by  and 
between  the  Said  partyes  to  these  presents  & ye  Said  Sr  Ferdinando 
Gorges  & Captaine  John  Mason  for  them  their  lieyres  Executors 
Administrators  & Assignes  doe  covenant  to  & wth  ye  Said  President 
& Councill  and  their  Successors  by  these  presents  that  if  at  any  time 
hereafter  there  shall  be  found  any  Oare  of  Gold  & Silver  within  ye 
Ground  in  any  part  of  the  Said  premises  that  then  they  ve  said  Sr 
Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  their  h eyres  and  Assignes 
shall  yeeld  & pay  unto  ye  said  President  & Councill  their  Successo™ 
and  Assignes  One  fifth  part  of  all  such  gold  & Silver  Oare  as  shall 
be  found  wthin  & upon  ye  premises  & digged  and  brought  above 
ground  to  be  Delivered  above  ground  and  that  allwayes  within  rea- 
sonable and  convenient  time  if  it  be  demanded  after  ye  finding  get- 
ting & Digging  up  of  Such  Oare  as  aforesaid  wthout  fraud  or  covin  and 
according  to  ye  true  intent  and  meaning  of  These  Presents.  And 
ye  Sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  doe  further  covenant 
for  them  their  heyres  & Assignes  that  they  will  Establish  Such  Gov- 
ernm13  in  ye  Sd  Porc’ons  of  lands  and  Islands  granted  unto  them  & ye 
same  will  from  time  to  time  continue  as  shall  be  agreeable  as  nere  as 
may  be  to  ye  Laws  & Customes  of  ye  realme  of  England  and  if  they 
shall  be  charged  at  any  time  to  have  neglected  their  Duty  therein 
that  then  they  will  reforme  the  same  according  to  ye  Directions  of 
the  President  & Councill  or  in  Defaulte  thereof  it  shall  be  Lawfull 
for  any  of  ye  agreived  inhabtants  or  Planters  being  tennts  upon  ye 
Said  Lands  to  appeale  to  ye  Cheif  Courts  of  Justices  of  ye  President 
& Councill  And  ye  said  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason 
doe  covenant  & grant  to  & wth  ye  said  President  & Councill  their 
Success18  & assignes  by  these  presents  that  they  ye  said  Sr  Ferdinando 
Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  shall  & will  before  ye  expirac’on  of  three 
yeares  to  be  accompted  from  ye  day  of  ye  Date  hereof  have  in  or 
upon  the  said  porc’ons  of  lands  or  some  pfc  thereof  One  fforte  wth 
a competent  guard  & ten  famillyes  at  ye  least  of  his  Mats  Subjects 
resident  & being  in  & upon  ye  same  premises  or  in  default  thereof 
shall  & will  forfeite  & loo?e  to  the  said  President  & Councill  the  sum’ 
of  One  hundred  pounds  Sterling  money  and  further  that  if  ye  said 
Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  their  heires  & assignes 
shall  at  any  time  hereafter  alien  these  premises  or  any  part  thereof 
to  any  fforraigne  Nations  or  to  any  person  or  persons  of  any  ffor- 
raigne  Nation  without  ye  speciall  licence  consent  and  agreement  of 
ye  said  President  & Councill  their  Successors  and  Assignes  that  then 
ye  part  or  parts  of  the  said  lands  soe  aliened  Shall  immediately 
returne  back  againe  to  ye  use  of  y®  said  President  & Councell.  And 


28 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


further  know  yee  that  ye  said  President  & Councill  have  made  consti- 
tuted deputed  authorized  & appointed  and  in  their  place  & stead  doe 
put  Cap1  Rob1  Gorges  or  in  his  absence  to  any  other  person  that  shall 
be  their  Governor  or  other  officer  to  be  their  true  & lawfull  attorney 
& in  their  Name  & Stead  to  enter  the  said  porc’ons  of  Lands  & other 
the  premises  wth  their  appurten’ces  or  into  Some  part  thereof  in  ye 
Name  of  ye  whole  for  them  & in  their  Name  to  have  & take  posses- 
sion and  Seizin  thereof  or  some  part  thereof  in  ye  Name  of  ye  whole 
Soe  had  & taken  there  for  them  & in  their  Names  to  deliver  the  full 
& peaceable  possession  and  Seizin  of  all  & Singuler  the  said  granted 
Premises  unto  ye  said  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  and  Cap*  John  Mason  or 
to  their  certaine  attorney  or  Attorneys  in  that  behalf  according  to  ye 
true  intent  & meaning  of  these  presents,  ratifying  confirming  and 
allowing  all  & whatsoever  their  said  Attorney  Shall  Doe  in  or  about 
ye  premises  by  these  presents.  In  Witnesse  whereof  to  one  parte  of 
these  presente  Indentures  remaining  in  the  hands  of  Sr  Ferdinando 
Gorges  & Captaine  John  Mason  the  said  President  & Councell  have 
caused  their  com’on  Seale  to  be  affixed  & to  the  other  of  these  pres- 
ent Indentures  remaining  in  the  Custody  of  the  said  President  & 
Councill  the  said  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap*  John  Mason  have  put 
to  their  hands  & Seales.  Given  ye  day  & yeare  first  above  written. 


Wheelwright  deed,  May  17, 1629,  State  Papers,  Yol.  1,  pp.  56 — 60. 


[ Grant  of  New  Hampshire , Nov.  7,  1629.] 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book  59,  folio  109.] 

Grant  of  New  Hampshire  to  Cap*  John  Mason  7th  of  Novemr  1629./ 

This  Indenture  made  ye  Seaventh  day  of  Novembr  Anno  Dom’y 
1629  & in  ye  ffith  yeare  of  ye  Reigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles 
by  ye  Grace  of  God  King  of  England  Scotland  France  & Ireland 
Defender  of  the  ffaith  &c  Between  ye  President  & Councell  of  new 
England  on  the  one  partie  & Cap*  John  Mason  of  London  Esqr  on  ye 
other  partie  Wittnessetli  y*  whereas  our  late  Soveraigne  Lord  of  ffaim- 
ous  Memory  King  James  for  ye  makeing  a Plantation  & establishing 
of  a Colony  or  Colonyes  in  the  Countrey  called  or  Knowen  by  ye 
name  of  New  England  in  America  did  by  his  highness  letters  patents 
under  ye  great  Seale  of  England  bearing  date  att  Westminster  y® 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


29 


third  day  of  Novemb1’  in  ye  Eighteenth  yeare  of  his  Reigne  give 
grant  & confirme  unto  ye  Right  honble  Lodowick  Duke  of  Lenox 
George  marquis  of  Buckingham  James  marquis  of  Hamilton  Thomas 
Earle  of  Arundell  Robert  Earle  of  Warwick  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges 
Kn*  & divers  others  whose  names  are  expressed  in  ye  said  letters 
patents  their  heyres  & assignes.  That  they  shall  be  one  bodye  poli- 
ticque  & corporate  perpetuall  & yt  they  should  have  perpetuall  Suc- 
cession & one  com’on  seale  or  Seales  to  serve  for  ve  Said  bodye  & that 
they  & their  Successors  Shalbe  known  called  & incorporated  by  ye 
name  of  president  & Councell  established  at  Plymoth  for  ye  planting 
ruling  & Governing  of  New  England  in  America  and  also  did  of  his 
especiall  Grace  certaine  knowledge  and  meer  motion  for  him  his 
heyres  & Successors  give  grant  & confirme  unto  ye  said  President  & 
Councell  & their  Successors  under  ye  reservac’ons  limitac’ons  & dec- 
larac’ons  in  ye  sd  letters  patents  expressed.  All  yl  part  & porc’on  of 
y1  Countrey  now  commonly  called  New  England  wch  is  scittuate  lying 
& being  between  ye  latitude  of  fforty  degrees  & ffourty  Eight  of 
Northerly  latitude  together  wth  ye  Seas  & Islands  lying  wthin  one 
hundred  miles  of  any  part  of  ye  sd  Coaste  of  ye  Countrey  aforesd  & 
also  all  ye  lands  Soyle  grounds  havens  ports  rivers  mines  as  well 
Royall  mignes  of  Gold  & Silver  as  other  mines  mineralls  pearls  & 
pretious  Stones  woods  quarryes  marshes  waters  ffishings  hunting 
hawking  fowling  commodityes  & hereditaments  whatsoever  together 
wth  all  perogatives  Jurisdicc’ons  Royaltys  pliviledges  franchises  & 
preheminences  within  any  of  y®  sd  Territoryes  & ye  precincts  thereof 
whatsoever  To  have  hold  possess  & Injoye  all  & singular  ye  said 
lands  & premisses  in  ye  said  letters  patents  granted  or  menc’oned  to 
be  granted  unto  them  ye  sd  President  & Councill  their  Successors  & 
Assignes  for  ever  to  be  holden  of  his  Matie  his  heirs  & Successors  as 
of  his  Highness  Man’or  of  East  Greenwich  in  ye  County  of  Kent  in 
free  & com’on  Succage  & not  in  Capite  or  by  Knights  Service  yeeld- 
ing  & paying  to  ye  Kings  Matie  his  heirs  & Successors  y®  one  ffifth 
part  of  all  gold  & silver  oare  yt  from  time  to  time  & at  all  times 
frome  ye  date  of  ye  said  letters  patents  shalbee  there  gotten  had  or 
obteyned  for  all  services  dutyes  or  demands  as  in  & by  his  highness 
said  letters  patents  amongst  diverse  other  things  therein  conteyned 
more  fully  and  at  large  it  doth  & may  appeare  And  whereas  ye  said 
President  & Councell  have  upon  mature  deliberac'on  thought  fitt  for 
ye  better  furnishing  & furtherance  of  ye  plantac’on  in  those  parts  to 
appropriate  & allott  to  severall  & particular  persons  divers  parcells  of 
lands  wthin  ye  precints  of  ye  aforesd  granted  premises  by  his  Maties 
sd  letters  patents  Now  this  Indenture  wittnesseth  y*  ye  sd  President  & 
Councill  of  their  full  free  & mutuall  consent  as  well  to  ye  end  y*  all 


30 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ye  lands  woods  lakes  rivers  waiters  Islands  & fishings  wth  all  other 
ye  traficques  profitts  & Comodit3Tes  whoever  to  them  or  any  of 
them  belonging  & heerafter  in  these  p’nts  menc’oned  may  be  wlioly 
& intirely  invested  appropriated  severed  & setled  in  & upon  ye  sd 
Capk  John  Mason  his  heyres  & Assignes  for  ever  or  for  diverse  spec- 
iall  services  for  ye  advancem1  of  ye  sd  plantac’ons  & other  good  & 
Sufficient  causes  & considerac’ons  them  especially  thereunto  moveing 
Have  given  granted  bargained  sould  assigned  Aliened  sett  over  enfe- 
offed & confirmed  And  by  these  p’nts  doe  give  grant  bargaine  sell 
assigne  alien  sett  over  enfeoffe  and  cod  fir  me  unto  ye  sd  Cap1  John 
Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  All  yfc  part  of  ye  Maine  land  in  New 
England  lying  upon  ye  sea  Coaste  begining  from  ye  Middle  part  of 
Merrimack  River  & from  thence  to  proceed  Northwards  along  ye  Sea 
coaste  to  passcattaway  river  & soe  forwards  up  wthin  ye  sd  river  to  ye 
furthest  head  therof  & from  thence  Northwestwards  untill  Three- 
score miles  be  finished  from  ye  ffirst  entrance  of  passcattaway  river 
& also  from  Merrimacke  through  ye  sd  River  & to  ve  furthest  head 
thereof  & soe  forward  up  into  ye  land  Westwards  untill  Threescore 
miles  be  finished  and  from  thence  to  cross  over  land  to  ye  Threescore 
miles  end  accounted  from  passcattaway  river  together  wth  all  Islands 
& Isletts  wthin  five  leagues  distance  of  ye  premises  & abutting  upon 
ye  same  or  any  parte  or  parcel  thereof  as  also  all  ye  lands  soyle 
grounds  havens  ports  rivers  mines  Mineralls  pearles  pretious  stones 
woods  quarreys  marshes  waters  fishings  hunting  hawking  fowling  & 
other  commodityes  & hereditamts  whoever  wth  all  & singular  their 
appurteifices  together  wth  all  prerogatives  rights  royalty es  Jurisdic- 
c’ons  priviledges  franchises  libirties  preheminences  marine  power 
in  & upon  ye  sd  Seas  & rivers  as  allso  all  escheats  & casualty  es 
therof  as  flotson  Jetson  lagon  wth  anchorage  & other  such  dutyes 
im’unityes  sects  isletts  & appurten’ces  wfc  soever  wth  all  ye  estate  right 
title  interest  claime  & demand  wl  soever  wch  ye  sd  president  & Coun- 
cell & their  Successors  of  Right  ought  to  have  or  Claime  in  or  to  ye 
s'1  por’cons  of  lands  rivers  & other  ye  premises  as  is  aforesd  by  reason 
or  force  of  his  high’ss  sd  letters  patents  in  as  free  large  ample  & ben- 
eficiall  man’er  to  all  intents  construcc’ons  & purposes  whoever  as  in 
& by  ye  sd  Letters  pattents  ye  same  are  amongst  other  things  granted 
to  ye  sd  president  & Councell  aforesd  except  two  fifths  of  ye  Oare  of 
gold  & Silver  in  these  p’nts  heer  after  expressed  wth  sd  portions  of 
land  wth  ye  appurten’ces  ye  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  wth  ye  consent  of  ye 
president  & Councill  intends  to  name  New  Hampshire  To  have  & to 
hold  all  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  land  Islands  rivers  & premises  and  all  and  sin- 
gular other  ye  comodityes  & hereditamts  hereby  given  granted  aliened 
enfeoffed  & confirmed  or  menc’oned  or  intended  by  these  p’nts  to  be 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


31 


given  granted  aliened  enfeoffed  & confirmed  w4h  all  & singuler  ye 
appurten’ces  & every  part  & parcell  thereof  unto  ye  sd  Cap4  John 
Mason  his  lieyres  & assignes  for  ever  To  be  liolden  of  his  sd  Matie  his 
heires  & Successors  as  of  his  Highness  Man ’or  of  East  Greenwich  in 
ye  County  of  Kent  in  free  & Com’on  Soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by 
Knts  service  nevertheless  w4h  such  exceptions  reservac’ons  limitac’ons 
& declarac’ons  as  in  ye  sd  Letters  pattents  are  att  large  expressed 
yeelding  & paying  unto  our  Soveraigne  Lord  the  King  his  heires  & 
Successors  ve  fifth  part  of  all  ye  oare  of  gold  & silver  y4  from  time  to 
time  & att  all  times  heerafter  shalbe  there  gotten  had  & obteyned 
for  all  services  dutves  & demands  & also  yeelding  & paying  unto  ye 
sd  president  & Council!  & their  Successors  yearly  ye  Sum’e  of  five 
shillings  English  mony  if  it  be  demanded.  And  ye  sd  president  & 
Councill  for  them  & their  Successors  doe  covenant  & grant  to  & w4h 
ye  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  his  heyres  & assignes  from  & after  then 
sealing  & delivery  of  these  p’nts  according  to  ye  purporte  true  intent 
& meaning  of  these  p’nts  that  he  shall  from  henceforth  from  time  to 
time  for  ever  peaceably  & quietly  have  hold  possess  & enjoye  all  the 
aforesd  lands  Islands  rivers  & premises  w4b  ye  appurtences  lieerby 
before  given  & granted  or  menconed  or  intended  to  be  heerby  given 
& granted  & every  paid  & parcell  tlierof  w4hout  any  lett  disturbance 
denyall  trouble  interrupc’on  or  Evicc’on  of  or  by  ye  sd  president  and 
Councill  or  any  person  or  persons  whoever  claiming  by  form  or  under 
them  & their  Successors  or  by  or  under  their  estate  right  title  or 
interest  And  ye  sd  president  and  Councill  for  them  & their  Succes- 
sors doe  further  covenant  & grant  to  & with  ye  sd  Cap4  John  Mason 
his  heires  & assignes  by  these  p’nts.  That  they  ye  sd  president  & 
Councill  shall  at  all  times  hereafter  upon  reasonable  request  at  ye  only 
proper  cost  and  charges  in  ye  Law  of  ye  sd  Cap4  John  Mason  his 
heires  & assigness  doe  make  performe  suffer  execute  & willingly  con- 
sent unto  any  farther  act  or  acts  conveyance  or  conveyances  assur- 
ance or  assurances  whoever  for  v4  good  & perfect  investing  assureing 
conveying  & sure  making  of  all  ye  aforesd  porc’ons  of  lands  Islands 
Rivers  & all  & singular  their  appurten'ces  to  ye  sd  Cap4  John  Mason 
his  heires  & Assigness  as  by  him  his  heires  & assigness  or  by  his  their 
or  any  of  their  Counceill  learned  in  ve  law  shalbe  devised  advised  or 
required  And  further  it  is  agreed  by  & between  ye  sd  partyes  to  these 
prents.  And  ye  sd  Cap4  John  Mason  for  him  his  heires  & assignes 
doth  covenant  to  & wth  ye  sd  president  & Councill  & their  Successors 
by  these  pre8nts  That  if  at  any  time  hereafter  there  shall  be  found 
any  oare  of  Gold  & Silver  wthin  ye  ground  in  any  part  of  ye  s(1  prem- 
ises That  he  then  ye  said  Cap4  John  Mason  his  heires  & assigness  shall 
yeald  & pay  unto  ye  sd  president  & Councell  their  Successors  and 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


09 

OZi 


Assigness  one  fifth  part  of  all  such  Gold  & Silver  oare  as  shalbe 
found  in  & upon  y0  sd  premises  & digged  & brought  above  ground  to 
be  delivered  above  ground  & y*  always  wthin  reasonable  & convenient 
time  if  it  be  demanded  after  ye  finding  digging  getting  up  of  such 
oare  as  aforesd  w^out  fraud  or  conin  & according  to  ye  true  intent  & 
meaning  of  these  prents  And  ve  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  doth  further  cov- 
enant for  him  his  heires  & assigness  that  he  will  establish  such  gov- 
ern in1  in  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  & Islands  granted  unto  him  & ye 
same  will  from  time  to  time  continue  as  shall  be  agreable  as  near  as 
may  be  to  ye  laws  & costoms  of  ye  Realme  of  England  & if  he  shall 
be  charged  at  any  time  to  have  neglected  his  duty  therein  y*  then  he 
will  reforme  ye  same  according  to  ye  direction  of  ye  president  & 
Councill  or  in  Default  thereof  it  shalbe  lawfull  for  any  of  ye 
aggreived  inhabitants  or  planters  being  tennants  upon  ye  said  lands 
to  appeale  to  ye  cheif  Courts  of  Justice  of  ye  sd  president  & Councill 
And  further  that  if  ye  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  his  heires  & assigness  shall 
at  any  time  hereafter  alien  these  premisses  or  any  part  to  any  for- 
raigne  Nations  or  to  any  person  or  persons  of  any  forraigne  nation 
wthout  ye  speciall  licence  consent  & agreenfi  of  ye  sd  president  & 
Councill. their  Successors  or  assigness  That  then  ye  part  or  parts  of 
ye  sd  lands  soe  aliened  shall  immediatly  returne  back  again  to  ye  use 
of  ye  sd  president  & Councill  And  further  knowe  yee  y*  ye  sd  presi- 
dent & Councill  have  made  constituted  deputed  authorized  & 
appointed  & in  their  place  & stead  doe  put  Cap1  Walter  Neale  or 
in  his  absence  to  any  other  ^sone  y*  shalbe  their  Governor  or  other 
officer  to  be  their  true  & lawfull  Attorney  & in  their  name  & stead 
to  enter  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  & other  ye  premises  w*  their  ap’ur- 
tences  or  into  some  part  thereof  in  ye  name  of  ye  whole  for  them  & 
in  their  name  to  have  & take  possission  & seizin  thereof  or  some  pt 
thereof  in  ye  name  of  ye  whole  soe  had  & taken  Then  for  them  & in 
their  nams  to  deliver  ve  full  & peaceable  possession  & seizin  of  all  & 
singular  ye  sd  granted  premises  unto  ye  said  Cap*  John  Mason  or  to 
his  Certaine  Attorny  or  Attornies  in  yr  behalf  according  to  ye  true 
intent  & meaning  of  these  preuts  ratifying  confirming  & allowing  all 
& what  soever  ye  sd  Attorney  shall  doe  in  or  about  ye  premises  of 
these  p’nts  in  wittness  whereof  to  one  part  of  these  present  Inden- 
tures remaining  in  ye  hands  of  Cap*  John  Mason  ye  sd  president  & 
Councill  have  caused  their  common  Seale  to  be  affixed  & to  ye  other 
part  of  these  p’nts  Indentures  remaining  in  ye  costody  of  ye  sd  pres- 
ident & Councill  ye  sd  John  Mason  hath  putt  to  his  hand  & Seal 
Given  ye  day  & yeare  first  above  written/. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


33 


[ Grant  of  Laconia , Nov.  17,  1629.'] 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book,  Yol.  59,  p.  115.] 

The  Grant  of  the  Province  of  Laconia  to  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges 
and  Cap1  Jn°  Mason — 17th  Novr  1629. 

Tms  Indenture  made  ye  seaventeenth  day  of  Novembr  Ano  Dom’i : 
1629  & in  ye  fifth  yeare  of  ye  Reigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles 
by  ye  grace  of  God  King  of  England  Scotland  ffrance  & Ireland 
Defender  of  the  ffath  &c  Between  ye  President  & Councell  of  New 
England  in  ye  one  partie  & Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  of  London  Knfc  & 
Cap1  John  Mason  of  London  Esqr  on  ye  other  partie  Witt’esseth  yl 
whereas  our  late  Soveraigne  Lord  of  ffamous  memory  King  James  for 
ye  making  a plantac’on  and  establishing  of  a Colony  or  Colonys  in 
ye  Country  call’d  or  knowen  by  ye  name  of  New  England  in  Amer- 
icka  did  by  his  Highness  letters  pattents  under  vc  great  Seal  of  Eng- 
land bearing  date  at  Westminster  ye  third  day  of  Novemb1’  in  ye 
Eighteenth  yeare  of  his  raigne  give  grant  & confirme  into  ye  right 
honble  Lodowick  Duke  of  Lenox  George  Marques  of  Buckingham 
James  Lord  Marques  of  Hamilton  Thomas  Earle  of  Arundel  Robert 
Earle  of  Warwick  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  Kn*  & divers  others  whose 
names  are  expressed  in  ye  sd  letters  pattents  their  heires  & assigness 
yt  they  Shalbe  one  body  politicque  & corporate  perpetuall  & yl  they 
should  have  perpetuall  succession  & one  com’on  Seal  or  scales  to 
serve  for  ye  sd  body  & that  they  & their  Successors  shalbe  knowne 
called  & incorporated  by  ye  name  of  ye  President  & Councill  estab- 
lished at  Plymouth  for  ye  planting  ruleing  & Governing  of  New 
England  in  America  & also  did  of  his  speciall  grace  certaine  knowl- 
edge & meer  moc’on  for  him  his  heires  & Successors  give  grant  & 
confirme  unto  yc  sd  President  & Councill  & their  Successors  under  ye 
reservac’ons  limitac’ons  & declarac’ons  in  ye  sd  Letters  Pattents 
expressed  All  y‘  part  & porc’on  of  yfc  Countrey  now  com’only  Called 
New  England  wch  is  Scittuate  lying  & being  between  ye  latitude  of 
Fourty  degrees  & fourty  eight  of  Notherly  latitude  together  wth  ve 
Seas  & Islands  lying  wthin  one  hundred  Miles  of  any  part  of  ye  sd 
coast  of  the  Country  aforesd  And  alsoe  all  ye  lands  soyle  grounds 
havens  ports  rivers  mines  as  well  Royall  mines  of  Gold  & Silver  & 
other  mines  meneralls  pearles  & pretious  Stones  woods  Quarrys 
marshes  watters  fishings  hunting  hawking  fowling  coinmodytes  and 
hereditamts  whoever  together  wth  all  prerogatives  Jurisdic'ons  royal- 
tyes  priviledgs  franchises  & preheminences  wthin  any  of  ye  sd  terri- 
toryes  & precincts  thereof  whatsoever  To  have  hold  possess  & enjoye 
3 


34 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


all  & singular  ye  sd  lands  & premises  in  ye  sd  letters  patents  granted 
or  menc’oned  to  be  granted  unto  them  ye  sd  President  & Councill 
their  Successors  & assignes  for  ever  To  be  holden  of  his  Maty  his 
heires  & Successors  as  of  his  Highness  man’or  of  East  Greenwich  in 
ye  County  of  Kent  in  free  & Com’on  Soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by 
Knts  service  Yeelding  & paying  to  his  Kgs  Maty  his  heirs  & Succes- 
sors ye  one  fifth  part  of  all  Gold  & Silver  oare  that  from  time  to  time 
& att  all  times  from  ye  date  of  ye  sd  letters  patents  shalbe  there  gotten 
had  or  obtained  for  all  services  dutyes  or  demands  as  in  and  by  his 
highness  said  letters  patten ts  amongst  divers  other  things  therein 
contained  more  full  & at  large  it  doth  & may  appear  And  wheras  ye 
sd  president  & Councill  have  upon  mature  deliberac’on  thought  fitt 
for  ye  better  furnishing  and  furtherance  of  ye  plantac’on  in  those 
parts  to  appropriate  & allot  to  Sevrall  & particular  persons  divers 
parcels  of  lands  wthin  ye  precincts  of  ye  aforesd  granted  premises  by 
his  Maty  sd  Letters  Patten  ts  Now  this  Indenture  wittnesseth  y*  ye  sd 
president  & Councill  of  their  full  free  & mutuall  consent  as  well  to 
ye  end  y*  all  ye  lands  woodes  lakes  louchs  rivers  watters  Islands  & 
fishings  with  all  other  ye  traficques  proffitts  & comodityes  whatso- 
ever to  them  or  any  of  them  belonging  & heerafter  in  these  p’nts 
menc’oned  may  be  wholy  & intirely  invested  appropriated  severed  & 
setteled  in  & upon  ye  sd  Sr  fferdinando  Gorgs  & Cap*  John  Mason 
their  heires  & assignes  for  ever  as  for  divers  Speciall  services  for  ye 
advancem*  of  ye  sd  plantac'on  & other  good  & Sufficient  causes  & 
Considerac’ons  them  especially  thereunto  moveing  have  given 
granted  bargained  soulcl  assigned  aliened  sett  over  enfeoffed  & 
confirmed  & by  these  p’nts  doe  give  grant  bargine  sell  assigne  alien 
sett  ovr  enfoffe  & continue  unto  ve  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap* 
John  Mason  their  heirs  & assignes  & to  their  Associates  & such  as 
they  shall  alow  of  & take  in  to  adventure  & joyne  wth  them  in  their 
plantac’ons  traficques  & discoveryes  in  ye  parts  heerafter  expressed  & 
their  Heires  & assignes  according  to  contracts  wth  them  to  be  made 
All  those  lands  & Countrys  lying  adjacent  or  bordering  upon  ye 
great  lake  or  lakes  or  rivers  commonly  called  or  knowen  by  ye  name 
of  ye  river  & lake  or  rivers  & lakes  of  ye  Irroquois  a Nation  or 
Nations  of  salvage  people  inhabiting  up  into  ye  landwards  betwixt 
ye  lines  of  west  & Northwest  conceived  to  passe  or  lead  upwards 
from  ye  rivers  of  Sagadahock  & Merrimack  in  ye  Country  of  New 
England  aforesd  Together  also  wth  ye  lakes  & rivers  of  ye  Irroquois  & 
other  Nations  adjoyning  ve  midle  pai*t  of  wch  lakes  is  scittuate  & 
lying  neer  about  ye  latitude  of  fourty  four  of  fourty  five  degrees 
reckon’d  from  ve  Equinoctial  line  Northwards  as  alsoe  all  ye  lands 
Soyls  & grounds  wthin  tenn  Miles  of  any  part  of  ye  said  lakes  or 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


35 


rivers  on  ye  South  or  East  part  thereof  & from  ye  West  end  or  Sides 
of  ye  sd  lakes  & rivers  soe  farre  forth  to  ye  West  as  shall  extend  half 
way  into  ye  next  great  lake  to  ye  Westwards  & from  thence  North- 
wards unto  ye  North  side  of  ye  maine  river  wch  run’eth  from  ye  great 
& vast  Westerne  lakes  & falleth  into  ye  river  of  Canada  including 
all  ye  Islands  wthin  ye  percinct  or  perambulac’on  described  As  alsoe 
all  ye  lands  sole  grounds  havens  ports  rivers  mines  mineralls  pearls 
& pretious  Stones  woods  Quarrys  marshes  watters  fishings  hunting 
hawking  fowling  trade  & traficque  wth  ye  Salvages  & other  com’odi- 
tyes  & hereditamts  whoever  wth  all  & singular  their  appurten’ces 
together  wth  all  prerogatives  rights  royalltys  Jurisdic’ons  priviledges 
franchises  preheminences  libertyes  Marine  power  in  & upon  ye  sd 
rivers  & lakes  As  alsoe  all  escheats  & casual tys  therof  as  flotson  Jet- 
son  & lagon  wth  anchorag’s  & other  such  dutys  im’unityes  sects  isletts 
& appurtences  whoever  wth  all  ye  Estate  right  title  interest  claime  & 
dem’and  whoever  wch  ye  sd  President  & Councill  & their  Successors  of 
right  ought  to  have  or  claime  in  or  to  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  rivers 
& lakes  & other  ye  premises  as  is  aforesd  by  reason  or  force  of  his 
Highness  sd  letters  pattents  in  as  free  large  ample  &beneficiall  man’er 
to  all  intents  construcc’ons  & purposes  whoever  as  in  & by  ye  sd  let- 
ters patents  ye  same  are  amongst  other-  things  granted  to  ye  sd  presi- 
dent & Councill  aforesd  Except  two  fifths  of  ye  oare  of  Gold  & Silver 
in  these  p’nts  heerafter  expressed  wch  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  rivers  & 
lakes  wth  ye  appurtences  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap*  John 
Mason  wth  ye  consent  of  ye  President  & Councill  intend  to  name  ye 
province  of  Laconia  To  have  & to  hold  all  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  land  & 
all  ye  lakes  & Islands  therein  contained  as  aforesd  & all  & singular 
other  ye  premises  heerby  given  granted  aliened  enfeoffed  & con- 
firmed or  menco’ed  or  intended  by  these  p’nts  to  be  given  granted 
aliened  enffeoffed  & confirmed  wth  all  & singular  ye  ap’urtences  and 
every  part  & parcell  thereof  unto  ye  sd  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1 
John  Masson  their  heires  & assignes  & their  associates  contracts  wth 
them  for  ever  To  be  holden  of  his  sd  Matie  his  heires  & Successors  as 
of  his  Highness  Man’our  of  East  Green  Wich  in  ye  County  of  Kent 
in  free  & com'on  soccage  & not  in  Capite  or  by  Knights  service  Nev- 
erthelesse  wth  such  exceptions  reservac’ons  limitac’ons  & declarac’ons 
as  in  ye  sd  letters  pattents  are  at  large  expressed  Yeelding  & paying 
unto  our  Soveraigne  Lord  ye  King  his  heires  & successors  ye  fifth 
part  of  all  ye  Oare  of  Gold  & Silver  yl  from  time  to  time  & att  all 
times  heerafter  shalbe  there  gotten  had  & obtained  for  all  service 
dutyes  & demands  And  alsoe  Yeelding  & paying  unto  ye  Sd  President 
& Councill  and  their  Successors  yearly  ve  Sum’e  of  tenn  pounds  of 
lawfull  monv  of  England  at  one  entire  paym1  wthin  tenn  dayes  afer 


36 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ye  feast  of  S4  Michael  ye  Archangel  yearly  And  ye  sd  president  & 
Oouncill  for  them  and  their  Successors  doe  covenant  & grant  to  & 
wth  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their  heires  & 
assignes  & their  associates  from  & after  then  sealing  & delivery  of 
these  prnts  according  to  the  purport  true  intent  & meaning  of  these 
prnts  y4  they  shall  from  henceforth  from  time  to  time  for  ever  peace- 
ably & quietly  have  hold  posses  & enjoye  all  ye  aforesd  porc’ons  of 
land  lakes  & rivers  w4h  all  ye  Islands  & premises  w4h  ye  appurtences 
heerby  before  given  & granted  or  menc’oned  or  intended  to  be 
heerby  given  & granted  & every  part  & parcell  thereof  w4hout  any 
lett  disturbance  denyall  trouble  interrupcon  or  evicc’on  of  or  by  ye  sd 
President  & Councill  or  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever  claimeing 
by  from  or  under  them  or  their  Successors  or  by  or  under  their 
Estate  right  title  or  interest  And  ye  sd  president  & Councill  for  them 
& their  Successors  doe  further  covenant  & grant  to  & w4h  ye  sd  Sr 
Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their  heires  & assigness  & 
their  associates  contractors  as  aforesd  by  these  prnts  That  they  ye  sd 
president  & Councill  shall  att  all  times  heerafter  upon  reasonable 
request  at  ye  only  proper  coasts  & Charges  in  ye  law  of  ye  sd  Sr  Fer- 
dinando Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their  heirs  & assignes  & their 
associats  doe  make  performe  Suffer  execute  & willingly  consent  unto 
any  further  act  or  acts  convenyence  or  convenyences  assurance  or 
assurances  whoever  for  ye  good  & perfict  investing  assureing  con- 
veying & sure  makeing  of  all  ye  aforesd  porc’ons  of  land  lakes 
Islands  & all  & Singular  their  appurtences  to  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando 
Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their  heires  & assignes  & their  associates 
as  by  them  their  heires  & assignes  & their  associates  or  by  his  their 
or  any  of  their  Councill  learned  in  ye  law  shalbe  devised  advised  or 
required  And  further  it  is  agreed  by  & between  ve  sd  Partyes  to  these 
prnts  & ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  for  them 
their  heires  Executors  Administrators  & assignes  & their  associates 
doe  covenant  to  & wth  ye  Sd  president  & Councill  and  their  Succes- 
sors by  these  prnts  y4  if  at  any  time  heeafter  there  Shall  be  found 
any  oare  of  Gold  & Silver  w4hin  ye  ground  wthin  any  part  of  ye  sd 
premises  y4  then  they  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason 
their  heires  & assignes  & associates  shall  Yeeld  & pay  unto  ye  sd 
President  & Councill  their  Successors  & assignes  One  fifth  part  of  all 
such  Gold  & Silver  oarle  as  shalbe  found  w411in  & upon  ye  premises  & 
digged  & brought  above  ground  to  be  delivered  above  ground  & y4 
alwayes  w4hin  reasonable  & convenient  time  if  it  be  demanded  after 
ye  finding  getting  & digging  up  of  such  oare  as  aforesd  w4hout  fraud 
or  conin  & according  to  ye  true  intent  & meaning  of  these  prnts  And 
ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  doe  further  covenant 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


37 


for  ym  their  heires  & assignes  & their  associates  y4  they  will  establish 
such  governm4  in  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  land  & Islands  granted  unto  ym 
& ye  same  will  from  time  to  time  continue  as  shalbe  agreeable  asneer 
as  may  to  ye  laws  & custome  of  ye  Realme  of  England  & if  they 
shalbe  charged  at  any  time  to  have  Neglected  their  duty  therein  yfc 
then  they  will  reforme  ye  same  according  to  ye  directions  of  ye  Presi- 
dent & Councill  or  in  default  thereof  it  shall  be  lawfull  for  any  of  ye 
agreeved  inhabitants  or  planters  being  tennants  upon  ye  sd  lands  to 
appeale  to  ye  Gheife  Courts  of  Justice  of  ye  sd  President  and  Councill 
And  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  doe  covenant  & 
grant  to  & wth  ye  sd  President  & Councill  their  Successors  & assignes 
by  these  prnts  y4  they  ye  Sr  Ferdi’ando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason 
shall  & will  before  yeexpirac’on  of  three  yeares  to  be  acconted  from 
ye  day  of  ye  date  heerof  have  in  or  upon  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  or 
some  part  thereof  one  fforte  w4h  a competent  guard  & tenn  ffamillyes 
at  ye  least  of  his  Ma4s  subjects  resident  & being  in  & upon  ye  same 
premises  or  in  default  thereof  shall  & will  forfeit  & loose  to  ye  sd 
President  & Councill  ye  Sume  of  one  Hundred  pounds  sterling  money 
& further  y4  if  ye  sd  Sr  Fardinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their 
heyres  assignes  or  associates  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  alien  these 
premises  or  any  part  thereof  to  any  forraigne  Nations  or  to 
any  person  or  persons  of  any  fforraigne  Nation  w4hout  ye  speciall 
licence  consent  & aggreem4  of  ye  sd  President  and  Councill  their  Suc- 
cessors or  assignes  y4  then  ye  part  or  parts  of  ye  sd  lands  soe  aliened 
shall  immediatly  returne  back  again  to  ye  use  of  ye  sd  President  & 
Councill  And  ye  sd  President  & Councill  for  them  selves  & their  Suc- 
cessors doe  further  covenant  & grant  to  & w4h  ye  Sd  Sr  fferdinando 
Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason  their  heires  & assignes  & associates  & by 
these  prnts  y4  it  shall  & may  be  lawfull  at  all  times  heerafter  to  & for 
ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  and  Cap4  John  Mason  their  Heires  & 
assignes  & their  associates  & ye  Deputves  factors  servants  & ten’ants 
of  them  or  any  of  them  to  have  free  Egress  regress  way  & passage  to 
enter  & pass  into  & returne  from  & to  any  of  ye  sd  demised  lands 
lakes  & rivers  w4h  their  Shipps  boates  barkes  or  other  vessells  w4h 
their  munition  & their  Cattle  and  commodityes  of  w4  nature  soever 
from  by  & through  any  of  ye  lands  rivers  harbours  creeks  or  Sea  ports 
upon  ve  sea  Coasts  or  frontier  parts  of  New  England  aforesd  belonging 
to  ye  President  & Councill  aforesd  w4hout  any  lett  trouble  interrupc’on 
molestac’on  or  hindrance  of  them  ye  sd  president  & Councill  their 
Successors  or  assignes  or  if  any  other  person  or  persons  claiming 
under  them  or  by  their  means  or  procurem4  And  for  yc  better  accom- 
odac’on  of  them  y°  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap4  John  Mason 
their  heires  assignes  & associates  in  their  intended  traficques  & plan- 


38 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tac’ons  above  in  ye  sd  lakes  of  ye  Irroquois  whither  their  goods  & 
marchandizes  from  ye  sea  ports  are  to  be  after  landing  transported  it 
shalbe  lawfull  for  ym  to  make  choise  of  & take  and  possess  for  ye 
use  of  ym  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  their  heires 
assignes  & associates  and  their  Deputyes  ffactors  tennants  & planters 
of  their  Colonyes  in  any  of  ye  ports  harbours  or  Creekes  in  New 
England  lying  most  com’odious  for  their  passage  up  into  ve  s'1  lakes 
One  thousand  acres  of  land  upon  ye  side  or  Sides  of  such  harbors 
ports  rivers  or  Creekes  where  ye  same  is  not  yet  dispossed  of  to  any 
other  persons  by  ye  Sd  president  & Councill  & ye  sd  lands  by  ym 
shalbe  holden  possessed  & enjoyed  as  freely  & with  as  ample  privi- 
ledges  Jurisdic’ons  & comoditves  in  all  respects  as  any  other  ye  lands 
above  in  these  prnts  demised  & granted  unto  them  & further  knowe 
yee  yl  ye  Sd  president  & Councill  have  made  constituted  deputed 
authorized  & appointed  & in  their  place  & stead  doe  put  Edw : God- 
frey or  in  his  absince  to  any  other  person  y4  shalbe  there  Governor  or 
other  Officer  to  ve  president  & Councill  to  be  their  true  & lawfull 
Attorney  & in  their  name  and  Stead  to  enter  ye  sd  porc’on  of  land  & 
other  premises  wth  there  appurtences  or  into  some  part  thereof  in 
name  of  ye  whole  for  them  & in  their  names  to  have  & take  pos- 
session & seizin  thereof  & after  such  possession  & seizin  therof  or 
some  part  thereof  in  ye  name  of  ye  whole  soe  had  & taken  then  for  them 
& in  their  names  to  deliver  ve  full  & peaceable  possession  & seizin  of 
all  & singular  ye  sd  granted  premises  unto  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges 
& Cap1  John  Mason  or  to  their  certaine  Attorney  or  Attorneys  in  yr 
behalf  according  to  ye  true  intent  & meaning  of  these  prnts  ratifying 
confirming  & allowing  all  & whoever  theire  sd  Attorney  shall  doe  in 
or  about  ye  apremises  by  these  prnts  In  wittness  whereof  to  one  of 
these  prnt  Indentures  remaining  in  ye  hands  of  ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando 
Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  ve  sd  president  & Councill  have  caused 
their  com’on  Seal  to  be  affixed  & to  ye  other  part  of  these  prnts  In- 
dentures remaning  in  ye  Custody  of  ye  sd  President  and  Councill  ye 
sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  & Cap1  John  Mason  have  putt  to  their  hands 
& Seales  given  ye  day  & Year  first  above  written. 


Description  of  Laconia,  State  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  17. 

Letter,  Thomas  Eyre  to  Ambrose  Gibbons,  last  of  May,  1631,  State 
Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  61. 


MAS0N1  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


39 


[ Grant  of  Piscataway  Nov.  3 , 16313\ 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Papers,  Vol.  6,  p.  28.] 

Grant  & Confirmation  of  Piscataway  to  sr  Firrdinado  Gorges  & 
Cap1  Mason  & others  : An’o  1631 

This  Indenture  made  the  3d  day  of  NovenT  An’o  Dni  1631 : and 
in  ye  7th  yeere  of  ye  Reigne  of  Our  Sovraigne  Charles  by  the  Grace  of 
God  of  England  Scotland  France  and  Ireland  King  Defendor  of  the 
ffaith  &c  Betweene  the  Presidfc  & Council!  of  New  England  on  ye  one 
^ty,  and  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  Kn1  Capfc  John  Mason  of  London  Esqr 
and  their  Associates  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardner,  Geo:  Griffith, 
Edwin  Guy,  Thomas,  Wannerton,  Thomas  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyer,  on 
ye  other  pty  Wittnesseth.  That  whereas  our  late  Soveraigne  Lord  of 
famous  Memory  King  James  for  the  makeing  of  a Plantacon  and 
establishing  of  a Colonie,  or  Colonies  in  ye  Countries  called  or  knowne 
by  the  name  of  New  England  in  America  Did  by  his  Highnesse’s 
L’res  Patents  under  the  Great  Seale  of  England,  bearing  date  at 
Westmr  ye  3d  day  of  Novr  1620,  give  giant  and  confirme  unto  the  Rfc 
Honble  Lodwicke  Duke  of  Lenox,  Geo:  Marques  of  Buckingham, 
James  Ld  Merques  of  Hamilton — Thomas  Earle  of  Arundale  Rob- 
ert Earle  of  Warwicke  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  Knfc  and  diverse 
other  whose  names  are  expressed  in  the  sd  L’res  Pat:  their 
Heires  and  Assignes,  that  they  shalbe  one  body  Politique,  and 
Corporate  perpetuall,  and  that  they  should  have  perpetual  1 Succes- 
sion, and  one  Common  Seale  or  Seales,  to  serve  for  the  said  Body, 
And  that  they  and  their  Successors  shalbe  knowne,  called  and  incor- 
porated by  ye  name  of  the  presid1  and  Councill  established  at  Plym° 
for  the  planting  ruling  and  governing  of  New  England  in  America, 
and  did  of  his  especial  1 Grace,  certaine  Knowledge,  and  mere  Mocon 
for  him  his  Heires  and  Successrs  give,  giant,  and  confirme  unto  the  sd 
Presidfc  and  Councill  and  their  Successrs  under  ye  Reservac’ons,  Limi- 
tac’ons  and  Declarac’ons  in  the  sd  L’res  Pat.  expressed,  All  that  part 
and  porcon  of  f Countrie  now  commonly  called  New  England  wch  is 
situate,  lying,  and  being  betweene  ye  latitude  of  40  gr  and  48  of 
NortlPly  latitude,  Togeather  wth  ye  Seas,  and  Islands  lying  wthin  100 
Miles  of  any  port  of  ye  sd  Coasts  of  ye  Countrie  aforesd  And  also  all 
ye  Lands,  Soyles,  Grounds  Havens,  Ports,  Rivers,  Mines  as  well  Roy11 
Mines  of  Gold  and  Silver  and  other  Mines  Minalls  Pearles  and  pre- 
cious stones.  Woods  Quarries  Marshes,  Waters,  flashings,  Hunting, 
Hawking,  ffowling.  Commodities  and  IIereditamts  whoever,  togeather 
wth  all  Prerogatives,  Jurisdicc’ons,  Royallties,  Priviledges  ffranchises 
and  Preheminences  wthin  any  of  the  sd  Territories  and  yc  prcincts 


40 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


thereof  w'soever.  To  have  hold  possesse  and  enjoy  all  and  singuler 
the  said  Lands  and  prmisses  in  ye  sd  L’res  pat:  granted  or  menc’oned 
to  be  granted  unto  them  ye  sd  presid1  and  Couneill  their  Successors  and 
Assigns  forever.  To  be  holden  of  his  Matie  his  heires  and  Successors 
of  his  Hsse  owne  Manr  of  East  Greenwch  in  the  Countie  of  Kent,  in 
free  and  Common  Soccage  and  not  in  Capite  or  by  Knights  Service. 
Yeilding  and  paying  to  the  Kings  Matie  his  Heires  and  Success18  the 
One  5th  pfc  of  all  ye  Gold  and  Silver  Oar  that  from  time  to  time  and 
at  all  times  from  ye  date  of  the  sd  L’res  pat.  shalbe  there  gotten  had  or 
obteined  for  all  Services  duties  or  Demands  as  in  and  by  his  Hse  L’res 
pat:  amongst  divrs  other  things  therein  conteined  more  fully  and  at 
large  it  doth  and  may  appeare,  And  whereas  the  sd  Presid4  and  Coun- 
cill  have  upon  mature  deliberacon  thought  fitt  for  the  better  furnish- 
ing and  furtherance  of  ye  Plantacon  in  these  parts  to  appropriate  and 
allott  to  sevrall  pticular  ^sons  diverse  ^ cells  of  Land  wth  in  the 
prcincts  of  the  aforesd  granted  prmisses  by  his  Mats  sd  L’res  pat:  Now 
this  Indenture  YVittnesseth  that  the  sd  Presid1  and  Couneill  of  their 
full  free  and  mutuall  consent,  as  well  to  ye  end  that  all  the  Lands 
Woods  Lakes,  louches,  Rivers,  Waters  ponds  Islands  and  Fishings,  wth 
all  other  Traffique,  Proffitts,  and  Commodities  whatsoever  to  them 
or  any  of  them  belonging,  and  hereafter  in  these  puts  menc’oned  may 
be  wholly  and  entirely  invested  appropriated  severed  and  settled  in 
and  upon  ve  sd  Sr  fferdinando  Georges,  Cap1  John  Mason,  and  their 
Associates,  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardner,  George  Griffith,  Edwyn 
Guy,  Thomas  Wannerton  Thom:  Eyre,  & Eliezer  Eyre  as  by  divers 
speciall  Services  by  them  already  done  for  the  advancement  of  the  sd 
plantacon  by  makeingof  Clapboards  and  pipestaves  makeing  of  Salt 
panns,  and  Salt,  transporting  of  Vines  for  makeing  of  Wines  search- 
ing for  Iron  Oare  being  all,  businesse  of  very  great  Consequence  for 
causeing  of  many  Soules  both  men,  women  and  boys  and  store  of 
Shipps  to  be  employed  thither,  and  so  in  short  time  prove  a great 
Nursery  for  shipping  and  Mariners,  and  also  a great  helpe  to  such  as 
in  this  Kingdome  want  good  Imploym4  And  further  for  y4  the  sd  Sr 
fferd:  Gorges  Capt.  John  Mason,  and  their  said  Associates  John  Cot- 
ton, Henry  Gardiner,  Geo:  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Thom:  Wannerton 
Tho  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyer  have  by  their  Agents  there  taken  great 
paines  and  spent  much  tyme  in  the  discovering  of  the  Countrie 
all  wch  hath  cost  them  (as  we  are  credibly  Informed)  300011  and  up- 
wards, which  hitherto  they  are  wholly  out  of  purse,  upon  hope  of  do- 
ing good  in  time  to  come  to  yc  publique,  And  also  for  other  good  and 
sufficient  Causes  and  Conssiderac’ons  the  sd  presid*  and  Couneill  es- 
pecially thereunto  moveing,  Have  given  granted  bargained  sold  as- 
signed, abend,  sett  over  enfeoffed  and  confirmed  and  by  these  p’nts 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


41 


Do  give  grant,  bargaine,  sell  assigne,  aliene  sett  over  enfoffe  and  con- 
firme  unto  the  sd  fferdinando  Gorges  Cap4  John  Mason  John  Cotton 
Henr:  Gardner  Geo  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Thom:  Wannerton,  Thom: 
Eyere  and  Eliezer  Eyre,  their  Heirs  and  Assignes  for  ever  All  that 
house  and  cheife  habitacon  situate  and  being  at  Pascataway  al’s  Pas- 
cataquack  al’s  Pascaquacke  in  New  England  aforesaid,  wherein  Cap4 
Walt:  Neale  and  ye  Colony  wth  him  now  doth  or  lately  did  reside  to- 
geather  wth  the  Gardens  and  Cornegrounds  occupied  and  planted  by 
the  sd  Colonie,  and  the  Salt  workes  allready  begun  as  aforesd  And 
also  all  that  porcon  of  Land  lying  wthin  the  precincts  hereafter  men- 
c’oned, beginning  upon  the  Seacoast  5 miles  to  the  W4ward  of  or 
from  the  sd  cheife  Habitacon  or  Plantation  now  possessed  by  the  sd 
Cap4  Walter  Neale  for  ye  use  of  the  Adventurers  to  Liconia  ( being 
in  the  latitude  of  43  degrs  or  thereabouts  in  the  Harbour  of  pascata- 
quack  al’s  Pascataquack  al’s  Pascataway,  and  so  forth  from  ye  sd  be- 
ginning Eastwd  & North  eastwd  and  so  proceeding  Northwds  or  North 
Westwds  intoy6  Harbour  and  River  along  the  Coasts  & Shoares 
thereof  including  all  the  Islands  and  Isletts  lying  w4Wn  or  neere  unto 
the  same  upwards  into  the  head  land  opposite  unto  the  plantacon  or 
Habitacon  now  or  late  in  the  Tenure  or  Occupation  of  Edwd  Hilton, 
& from  thence,  W4wds  & South  W4wds  in  ye  midle  of  the  River  and 
through  the  midle  of  ye  Bay  or  lake  of  Boquacack  al’s  Boscaquack  or 
by  what  other  name  or  names  it  hath  towards  the  bottome  or  West- 
ermost  part  up  ye  River  called  Pascassockes  to  the  falls  thereof,  and 
from  thence  by  an  Imaginary  Line  to  passover,  and  to  the  Sea,  where 
the  pambulacon  begann  Togeather  wth  all  ye  Lands,  Soyle,  Ground 
Wood,  Quarries,  Mines,  ffishing,  Hunting  Hawking,  ffowling,  Como- 
dities  and  Hereditamts  whatsoever,  Togeather  also  w,h  all  pTogatives, 
Jurisdicc’ons  Royallties,  privileidges,  franchises  and  prelieminences 
wthin  ye  precincts  of  Land  conteined  wthin  ye  limits  or  bounds  afore- 
se’d.  And  also  the  Isles  of  Shoales,  and  ye  ffishings  thereabouts — And 
all  the  Seas  wthin  15  miles  of  the  foresd  Sea  Coasts,  And  also  all  the 
Sea  Coasts  and  Land  lying  on  ye  East  and  Northeast  side  of  the  Har- 
boure  and  River  of  Pascataway  aforesd  and  opposite  to  the  bounds 
above  menc’oned,  begining  15  miles  to  ye  S:  eastwards  of  ye  Mouth 
or  first  entrance  and  begining  of  the  said  Harboure,  and  so  upp  to  ye 
falls  and  into  the  ponds  or  Lakes  that  feed  the  sd  ffalls,  by  the  space 
of  30  miles  including  the  sd  ponds  or  Lakes  and  the  Shoares  thereof, 
and  so  crossing  into  the  Landward,  at  a right  angle  by  the  space  of  3 
miles  the  whole  length  therof  from  ye  sd  mouth  or  first  entrance  from 
the  Sea  and  Eastwds  into  ye  Sea,  wch  sd  3 Miles  shalbe  allowed  for 
ye  breadth  of  ye  sd  land  last  menc’oned  both  upon  ye  land  and  Sea,  As 
also  all  ye  Land  Soyle  Ground  Woodes,  Quarries  Mines,  ffishings 


42 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Hunting  Hawking  ffowling  Commodities  and  Hereditamts  whatsoever, 
togeather  wth  all  prerogatives  Jurisdicc’ons,  Royallties,  Privileidges, 
franchises  and  prheminences  wthin  the  prcincts  of  Land  lasst  men- 
tioned, conteined,  To  have  and  to  hold  all  ye  sd  House  and  Habitacon 
porc’ons  of  Land  and  all  Lakes  and  Islands  therein  conteined  as 
aforesaid,  and  all  and  singular  other  ye  prmisses  hereby  given,  granted, 
bargained,  sold,  aliened,  enfeoffed,  and  confirmed,  wth  all  and  singular 
thappurtences  and  every  part  and  pcell  thereof  unto  ye  sd  S1  fferdi- 
nando  Gorges,  Capfc  John  Mason  John  Cotton  Henry  Gardner  Geo 
Griffith  Edwyn  Guy,  Thomas  Wannerton,  Thomas  Evre  and  Elyezer 
Ever  to  ye  only  use  & behoofe  of  them  ye  sd  fferd:  Gorges  &c  their 
Heires  and  Ass:’  for  ever.  Yeilding  and  paying  unto  our  Sover11  Ld  ve 
King  his  Heires  and  Successors  4 fall  ye  Oore  of  Gold  and  Silver  that 
from  time  to  time  and  at  all  tymes  hereafter  slialbe  there  gotten,  had 
& obteined  for  all  Services,  duties  and  demands,  and  also  yeilding  & 
paying  unto  the  sd  presid*  Councill  and  their  Successers  every  yeere 
yeerely  for  ever  40s  sterlg  at  ye  ffeast  of  Sl  Mich:  tharchangell  if  it 
shalbe  lawfully  demanded,  at  the  Assurance  House  on  the  West  side 
of  the  Roy11  Exchange  in  London.  And  the  sd  presd1  & Councill  for 
them  & their  Successrs  do  Covenant  and  Grant  to  and  wth  ye  sd  Sr 
fferdin:  Gorges  Cap1  John  Mason  and  their  said  Associates  John  Cot- 
ton Henr:  Gardner  Geo  Griffith  Edwyn  Guy  Thom:  Wannerton, 
Thom:  Eyer  and  Eliezer  Eyre  their  Heires  & Assignes  by  these  p’nts, 
that  from  their  sealing  and  delivery  hereof  according  to  ye  purport, 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  these  p’nts  the  sd  Sr  Ferdinan:  Gorges, 
Cap1  John  Mason  and  their  sd  Associates  John  Cotton  Henry  Gard- 
ner, Geo.  Griffith,  Edwin  Guy,  Thom.  Wannerton  Thom.  Eyer  and 
Eliezer  Eyre,  their  Heires  and  Assignes  shall  from  tyme  to  t3Tme  for 
ever  peacably  and  queetly  have  hold  possesse  and  enjoy  all  thaforesd 
House  and  Cheife  Habitacon  porc’ons  of  Lands  wtb  all  ye  Islands  and 
prmisses  wth  thappurten’ces  hereby  before  given  and  granted  or  men- 
c’oned,  meant  or  intended  to  be  hereby  given  and  granted,  and  every 
part  and  parcell  thereof,  wthout  any  Lett,  disturbance,  denyall  trouble 
interrupc’on  or  evicc’on  of  or  b}r  ye  sd  President  and  Councill  or  any 
pson  or  psons  whatsoever  clayming  by  from  or  under  them  or  their 
Successors  or  by  or  under  their  Estate.  Right  Title  or  Interest,  And 
the  sd  presid1  and  Councill  for  them  and  their  Successors  do  further 
Covenant  and  grant  to  and  wth  ye  sd  Sr  fferd:  Gorges  Cap1  John  Ma- 
son, and  their  Associates  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardner  Geo.  Griffith 
Edwyn  Guy,  Tho:  Wannerton,  Thom:  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyre  their 
Heires  and  Ass’  by  these  p’nts  That  they  the  sd  presid1  and  Councill 
shall  at  all  time  & times  hereafter  upon  reasonable  request,  at  the 
only  proper  Cost  and  Charges  in  the  Law  of  the  sd  Sr  ferdin:  Gorges, 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


43 


Cap4  John  Mason,  and  their  sd  Associates  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gard- 
ner, Geo:  Griffith  Edwin  Gay  Tho:  Wannerton  Tho:  Eyre,  and  Elie- 
zer  Eyre  their  Heires  and  Ass’  do,  make  ^ forme,  suffer  execute,  and 
willingly  consent  unto  any  further  Act  or  Acts,  Conveyance,  or  Con- 
veyances, Assureance,  or  Assurances  for  the  good  and  pfect  Invest- 
ing, Assuring,  Conveying,  and  sure  making  of  all  the  aforesd  Houses 
and  Habitacons,  porc’ons  of  Land,  Islands  and  all  and  singular  other 
the  prmisses  wth  thappurten’ces  to  the  sd  Sr  fferd:  Gorges  Cap4  John 
Mason,  and  their  sd  Associates  John  Cotton  Henry  Gardner  George 
Griffith  Edwyn  Guy  Thomas  Wannerton  Tho.  Eyere  and  Eliezer 
Eyre,  their  Heires  and  Assignes,  as  by  them  their  Heires  or  Assignes, 
or  by  his  or  their  or  any  of  their  Councill  learned  in  the  Law  shalbe 
devised  or  advised  or  required,  And  further  Know  yee  that  the  sd 
presid4  and  Councill  have  made,  constituted  deputed,  authorized  ap- 
pointed, and  in  their  place  and  steed  do  putt  Cap4  Thom:  Camock 
Henry  Joselin,  or  in  their  absence  to  any  other  pson  that  shalbe  their 
Governour,  or  other  Officer,  to  the  presdt  and  Councill,  to  be  their 
lawfull  Attorny  and  in  their  name  & Steed  to  enter  into  the  sd 
House  and  Habitation  porc’ons  of  Land  and  other  ye  pbnisses  above 
given  and  granted  w4h  their  ap^ten’ces,  or  into  some  pt  thereof,  in 
the  name  of  the  whole  for  them  and  in  their  name  to  have  and  take 
possession  and  seizin  thereof,  and  after  such  Possession  and  Seizin  so 
thereof  or  of  some  part  thereof  in  the  name  of  the  whole  so  taken  and 
had,  then  for  them  and  in  their  names,  to  deliver  full  and  peaceable 
possession  and  Seizin  of  all  and  Singular  the  sd  Granted  pbnisses  unto 
ye  sd  Sr  Ferdinando  Gorges  Cap4  John  Mason,  and  their  said  Asso- 
ciates John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardner,  Geo:  Griffith  Edwyn,  Guy, 
Thomas  Wannerton,  Thomas  Eyre,  and  Eliezer  Eyre,  or  to  their  cer- 
taine  Attorny  or  Attornys  in  that  behalfe,  according  to  the  true  in- 
tent and  meaning  of  theise  p’nts.  Ratifying,  Confirming  and  Allowing 
all  and  whatsoever  their  said  Attorny  shall  do  in  or  about  the  pbnisses 
by  these  p’nts.  In  Wittnesse  whereof  the  said  president  and  Councill 
to  two  parts  of  these  presents  both  of  One  Tenor  have  sett  their  Com- 
mon Seale  and  to  one  part  thereof  the  sd  S'  Ferdin:  Gorges,  Cap4  John 
Mason,  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardiner,  Geo:  Griffith  Edwin  Guy,  Tho: 
Wannerton,  Thom:  Eyre,  and  Eliezer  Eyre  have  sett  their  hands  and 
Seale  the  day  and  yeere  first  above  written. 


Note  of  patent  to  Gorges  and  Mason,  Nov.  4,  1631,  State  Papers, 
Yol.  17,  p.  484. 


44 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Invoice  of  Goods , Nov.  17 , 1631.~\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  1.] 

London  the  17th  of  November  1631./. 

Invoice  of  Sundrie  comodities  Shipped  in  good  Condition  aboard 
the  Pide  Cowe  mr  William  Stephenson  bound  for  the  harbour  of  Pas- 
cattaway  in  new  England  being  for  the  Accompte  of  the  Right  Wor1' 
Sr  fferdinando  Gorges  knight:  Captaine  John  Mason  Esquire  mr  John 
Cotton  George  Griffith  Henrie  Gardiner  and  Compa  Marchants  Con- 
signed to  John  Raimond  Purser  of  the  Said  Shippe  viz./. 

7 Hogsheads  of  Beefe  weighing  31°  3qr  ) 9Q 

0911  at  18s  6d  ^ centumme — \ 

8 fferkins  of  Butter  at  19s  6d  ^ — 07  16  00 

• 5°  2qr  29u  of  suffs  Cheese,  packed  up  in  a \ -^9 

Chest  at  2d^  ^ pound  is — j 

22  bushells,  3 peckes  of  Oatemeale  at  4s  ) AC  A£>  no 

8*  * bushel? is-  I05  06  02 

32  Gallons  & 3 quartes  of  sweet  oyle  at  ) 19  in 

4s..  08d  ^ gallon  is — j 

The  Chyrurgians  Bill  is — 04  06  00 

4 hogds:  of  Meale  q*  4 quarters  at  5s  AO  AA  AA 

fbushell-  08  00  00 


2 Douzen  of  howes  at  2s  ye  pee — 

02 

08 

00 

The  Ironmongers  Bill — 

04 

10 

00 

4 fflock  Beads  & bolsters  at  18s — 

03 

12 

00 

1 Rugge  at — 

00 

15 

00 

3 Pigges  of  Leade  & 56°  of  shott — 

02 

07 

10 

4 quarters  of  Mault  wth  the  Caske — 

06 

00 

00 

Lines  for  Codde — 

06 

02 

00 

fhsh  hookes 

02 

00 

00 

Summe 

096 

15 

04 

Transported  to  the  next  folio 


Sundrie  Commodities  shipt  in  the  Pide  Cowe  amount- 


ing  unto  as  in  the  last  ffolio  appeareth — 

096 

15 

04 

4 Pieces  of  Poloaines  fforsailes  ffor  shal-  j 
lops  at  25s  ^ peice — | 

| 005 

00 

00 

1 quoile  of  Cordage — 

001 

16 

00 

2 Bendes  of  Lether — 

001 

16 

00 

8 Comes  cost  wth  there  Cubbes — 

001 

04 

00 

MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


45 


Compasses  @ — 

000 

18 

06 

Georgius  Agricolae — 

000 

12 

00 

Spices  & mustard  seed — 

000 

18 

03 

Summa  is  as  appeareth — 

109 

00 

01 

Charges  here — 

010 

19 

11 

More  2511  ^ centum  ff°or  disbursing  \ 

non 

nn 

no 

the  monie  & bearing  ye  advent: — j 

!•  UoU 

uu 

uu 

Summe  totall  is — 

150 

00 

00 

These  thinges  you  are  to  deliver  to  the  Governour  Cap6  Walter 
Neale,  he  giveing  you  good  beaver  ff°or  them  at  6s  ^ pound  if  Cap6 
Neale  needeth  them  not  or  cannot  pay  you  for  them,  then  you  maye 
disposse  of  them  otherwise  ffor  Beaver  as  occasion  offereth./. 

recd  3 bar  4 bar  Oatmeale  cont  22  bush:  3 pecks  at 

fferd.  Gorge 
John  Mason 
John  Cotton 
Henry  Gardiner 
Edwin  Guye 
Geo:  Griffith 
Tho:  Wannerton 
Tho.  Eyre 
Willia’*  Gyles 

More  there  is  in  the  ff°att  where  the  Kettles  are  2 Rolles  of  Vir- 
ginia tobacko  wch  I rate  at  12d  ^ pound  I pray  put  them  off  in  the 
best  manner  you  can  And  put  the  returnes  amounge  ye  Adventurrs./. 

vours  Tho.  Eyre 

Carpenters  Tooles,  clinch  nayles  etr  for  the  Pinace  we  reckon  not 

[Endorsed]  Invoice  of  comodities  17th  November  1631  to  Jn° 
Raiman  Purser  of  ye  pide  Co  we  to  sell  for  present  paye — 

N°  9 


Other  invoices  and  accounts,  State  Papers,  Vol.  I,  pp.  66-102. 


[. Invoice  of  G-oods , April  i<5,  1632.~\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  5.] 

London  the  18th  of  Aprill  1632./. 

Mr  George  Vaughan 

Oure  trade  com'odities  now  shipped  aboard  the  shippe  John  are  as 
followeth./. 


46 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


n 

a 

d 

158|  yerds  of  Playnes  atl8d  ^ yard — 

11 

17 

09 

65^  Goads  of  Cottons  at  2d  ^ goade — 

06 

11 

00 

59£  yoades  at  16d  ^ yoade — 

03 

18 

08 

59i  yoades  at  2s  ld  ^ yoade — 

06 

03 

11 

90^  yrds  of  shagge  at  18d  ^ yrd — 

06 

15 

09 

61  at  222d  ^ yoade — 

04 

15 

09 

3 Greye  ffrizes  at  50s  ^ ps — 

07 

10 

00 

55  Blanketts  at  12s  ^ ps — 

33 

00 

00 

4 courser  at  10s  ^ ps — 

02 

00 

00 

1 peice  of  fflanell  yards  172  at  12d^yrd 

00 

17 

06 

In  all  to  send  us  by  yor  Cosin  Kinge 

83 

10 

04 

1 piece  of  Bayes  64yrds  at  15d  yard 

04 

00 

00 

87 

10 

04 

These  comodities  were  as  you  know  all 

but  the  3 ffrizes,  1 Cotton  & the  piece  of 

fffannell  by  your  Taylor  made  into  Coates 

and  stockings  viz./. 

50  mens  Coats 

24  Childrens  Coates 

51  wascoates 

3 Caskots  & hose  & 

7 dozen  & 7 paire  of  stockings 

The  Dyeing  & Dressing  Cost 

07 

10 

00 

Threeds,  Tape,  Buttons,  lace — 

02 

11 

06 

To  the  taylor  for  making — 

08 

01 

00 

20  paire  of  sheetes  cost — 

10 

01 

07 

packing,  canvas,  Cartage,  Custome  house 

01 

15 

07 

Summa  117  10  00 

The  Cora’odities  I mentioned  in  the  last  folio  are  packed  as  you 
know  in  9 Bales  mrked  all  wth  a P.  viz./. 

N°  1 20  Blanketts 

2 20  Blankets 

3 19  Blankets 

4 1 Cotton  qts.  82£  vrds 

3 ffrizes  qts  20i,  21,  22,  yrds 
20  paire  of  sheetes./. 

5 16  mens  Coates 

6 16  mens  coates 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


47 


7 16  mens  coates 

8 24  Childrens  Coates  & 

48  wascoates. /. 

In  your  owne  Trunke 

3 mens  Coates. 

8 wascoates 

3 suites  Cassocks  & hose  & 

1 peice  of  fflannell  red./. 

soe  the  whole  number  of  coates  for  men  wth  .1.  of  or  owne  y4  re- 
mayned  of  a former  voyage  are  51  when  God  shall  send  you  safe 
arivall  repaire  we  pray  you  unto  Captaine  Naile  we  have  written  unto 
liime  to  deliver  these  Com’odities  unto  you  & such  other  trade  goods 
as  he  can  furnish  you  wth  there  of  ors  if  you  desire  them.  And 
then  we  pray  you  to  put  them  of  for  good  beaver  alsoe  we  pray 
you  to  helpe  us  there  wl  you  can  in  dispeeding  hither  or  returnes. 
And  then  if  you  thinke  good  to  come  unto  us  for  another  supplie 
we  shall  like  it  well./. 

Thus  we  Commend  you  to  God 

Your  loving  friends 

John  Mason 
Henry  Gardiner 
Tho.  Eyre  for  the  rest 
of  the  Adventurers 

[Endorsed]  Mr  George  Vaughans  remembrance  or  ye  Companyes 
Invoice  of  trade  goods  1632 
N°  10 


[. Letter  to  Ambrose  Gibbons , Dec.  5 , 1632 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  9.] 

London  the  5th  December  1632  — 

Mr  Ambrose  Gibbins:  / 

Your  Sundrie  letters  we  have  Received  wee  doe  take  notice  of  your 
Care  and  paines  in  our  plantation  and  doe  wish  that  others  had  bin 
that  way  the  same  that  you  are  and  will  wee  hope  soe  Continew,  The 
Adventurers  here  have  bine  soe  discouraged  by  reason  of  John  Gibbes 
111  dealing  in  his  fishing  voiage  as  alsoe  by  the  small  retournes  sent 
heither  ^ Captaine  Neale,  Mr  Herbert,  or  any  of  their  factors  as  that 
they  have  noe  Desire  to  proceed  any  further  untill  Captaine  Neale 


48 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Come  heither  to  Conferr  with  them  that  by  Conference  with  him 
they  may  setle  things  in  a better  order,  wee  have  written  unto  Cap- 
taine  Neale  to  Dismise  the  houshold  onlie  Such  as  toill,  or  canne  live 
of  themselves  may  stay  upon  our  plantation  in  Such  Convenient 
places  as  Captn  Neale  Mr  Godfrie  and  you  shall  thincke  fit-t  and  after 
Conferrence  had  here  with  Captaine  Neale  they  shall  have  a reason- 
able quantity  of  Land  graunted  unto  them  by  Deed  — 

Wee  praie  you  to  take  Care  of  our  house  at  Newichewanick  and  to 
looke  well  to  our  Vines  alsoe  you  may  take  some  of  our  Swine  and 
goates  which  wee  pray  you  to  preserve  Wee  have  Committed  the 
Cheife  care  of  our  house  at  Pascattaway  to  Mr  Godfrie  and  written 
unto  mr  Wanerton  to  take  care  of  our  house  at  strawberry  bancke  our 
desire  is  that  Mr  Godfrie,  mr  wannerton,  and  you,  shold  Joyne  Love- 
inglie  together  in  all  things  for  our  good,  And  to  advise  us  what  our 
best  Course  will  be  to  doe  another  yeare  — 

You  desire  to  setle  yourself  upon  Sanders  point,  the  adventurers  are 
willing  to  pleasure  you  not  only  in  this,  in  regard  of  the  good  report 
they  have  heard  of  you  from  tyme  to  tyme  but  alsoe  after  they  have 
Conferred  with  Captn  Neale  they  determyne  some  further  good 
towards  you  for  yor  further  Incouridgment  — 

Wee  desire  to  have  our  fishermen  Increased  whereof  wee  have  writ- 
ten unto  Mr  Godfrye,  wee  thanke  you  for  Assisting  John  Raymond 
wee  pray  you  still  to  be  helpfull  unto  him  that  be  he  may  dispatch 
and  Come  to  us  w ^ such  retourne  as  he  hath  and  if  he  hath  any  of  his 
trade  goods  remayning  unsold  wee  have  willed  him  to  leave  them 
with  you  and  wee  doe  hereby  pray  you  to  receive  them  into  yor  Cus- 
tody and  to  put  them  off  with  what  Conveniency  you  Canne  and  to 
send  us  the  retournes  by  the  first  shipp  that  Cometh,  Thus  we  Com- 
mend you  and  yor  wife  to  the  Protection  of  the  Almightye 

Yor  Loveing  ffreinds 

Jhon  Mason 

Henry  Gardiner 

Geo:  Griffith 

Tho:  Wannerton 

Tho:  Eyre  for  my  Children 

[Endorsed]  -The  Compa  of  Laconia  to  mr  Ambros  Gibbens 
London  5th  December  1632 
Recdye  30th  June  1633  — 


Names  of  Stewards  and  Servants  sent  by  John  Mason,  Esq.,  into 
this  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  State  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  113. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


49 


[Letter  from  Ambrose  Gibbons , June  1633 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  16.] 

After  my  Umble  duty  remembred  Unto  your  worship  I pray  for 
your  health  and  sperits  these  are  Certifiing  your  worship  for  goodes  I 
have  Received  from  you  I have  delivered  Unto  John  Raymon  761  and 
4 ownces  of  beaver  10  otters  6 musquashes  and  on  martin  more  that 
Capt  neale  had  3581  and  11  ownces  of  beaver  and  ottor  7 martins  on 
black  fox  skin  on  other  fox  skin  3 Racoon  skines  14  musquashes  2 of 
them  with  stones  mr  Raymons  present  departing  and  the  intermix  of 
all  the  trade  goodes  in  my  care  Until  mr  Vaghan  Com  I Can  give  you 
any  satisfaction  for  the  acount  of  trade  I did  advise  mr  Raymon  to 
Returne  with  all  speede  Unto  youre  letters  I Received  the  7th  of  June 
at  larg  I wil  write  god  will  by  the  next  thus  taking  my  leave  I Comit 
your  worship  to  Almigty  god  from  Newichwanicke  this  24  of  June 
1633 

your  worshipes  at  Comand 

Ambros  Gibbins 

Mr  Raymon  hath  left  a noot  of  perticuler  debtes  which  I doe  not 
dout  but  are  good  and  by  his  acount  they  doe  Amount  Unto  22 
Pound  and  i of  beaver 

[Endorsed]  of  a letter  to  the  Company  1633 

Mr  Gibbons  to  the  Company 

No:  4 


[. Property  at  Newichwannock , July , 16333\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  17.] 

An  Estimate  of  the  Trade  goodes  left  at  Newichiwanicke  July 
1633. 


Usd 


17  lined  Cootes 

17 — 0—0 

07  Unlined  at  15s  ^ peese 

05—05—0 

11  Ruges 

11 — 00 — 0 

5 papoose  Cootes 

02—10—0 

2 wastcootes 

00—08—0 

16  mouse  Cootes 

16—00—0 

3 Cootes  lined 

03—00—0 

14  mouse  Cootes  at  15s  ^ peese 

10—10—0 

30  gallands  of  aquavity 

07—10—0 

4 


50 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


6 pare  of  ould  sheetes 

03—  0—0 

on  Ruge 

01—  0—0 
77 — 03 — 0 

14  wastcootes  at  4s  ^ peese 

02—16—0 

89  mens  Cootes 

39—00—0 

6 barnstable  soyled  Ruges 

06—00—0 

26  Ivotten  blankits 

05—00—0 

19  pare  of  stokins  at  Is  6d  ^ peese 

01—08—6 

71  pare  of  stokins  at  Is  4d  ^ pa 

04—13—8 

32  shirtes  oulde  and  nue  at  4s  ^ peese 

06—08—0 

51  pare  of  shooes  at  2s  6d  ^ pare 

06—07—0 

24  pare  Coorse  Kotten  stokins 

01—04—0 

4 kettles 

03—00—0 

27  hatchits  at  2s  ^ peese 

02—18—6 

14  pare  of  Kotten  shooes 

01—00—0 

79—15—0 

77—03—0 

156—18—8 

[ Covenant  between  Walter  Neal  and  Charles  Knill , July  1,  1633.] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  18.] 

This  present  writing  testifieth  that  Charles  Knill  Doth  covenant 
wth  Cap1  Wallter  Neale,  Governour  at  Pascattaquack  in  New  england 
in  the  behalfe  of  Cap1  John  Mason  of  London  esqr.  & Company,  that 
the  said  Charles  Knill  shall  serve  at  the  Plantacon  of  Pascattaquack, 
for  the  use  and  benefitt,  of  the  said  Capfc  John  Mason  & Company, 
from  the  date  of  this  present  writing  untill  the  first  of  march  next 
ensuing,  duringe  wch  said  time,  the  said  Charles  Knill  doth  promise  to 
doe  all  faithfull  service,  to  the  said  Cap1  John  Mason  or  his  assignes. 
And  the  said  Capfc  Walter  Neale  doth  promise  in  the  behalfe  of  the 
said  Cap1  John  Mason,  that  the  said  Charles  Knill  shall  well  & truely 
be  paid  for  his  service  duringe  the  said  time  the  somme  of  five  poundes 
either  here  in  New  England  or  in  any  other  place  where  the  said 
Charles  Knill  shall  conveniently  appoynt,  & the  sayd  Walter  Neale 
cloth  further  promise  in  the  behalfe  of  the  said  John  Mason  Esqr  And 
Company,  that  the  said  Charles  Knill  shall  have  passage  into  Eng- 
land the  next  yeare,  after  the  said  terme  expired  in  any  such  shipp  as 
shall  be  sent  hither  for  this  Plantacon  provided  that  the  said  Charles 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


51 


Knill,  shall  serve  in  the  aforesaid  plantacon  untill  the  sliipps  departure 
(if  it  shall  be  soe  required)  after  the  rate  afore  said  in  testymony 
whereof  the  said  Charles  Knill  hath  here  unto  subscribed,  the  first  of 
Julie,  1638 

This  is  the  true  Coppie  of  the  Covenant  betweene  Capfc  Walter 
Neale  & Charles  Knill  in  the  belialfe  of  the  Company.  /. 


[ Gribbons  to  the  Company,  July  13,  16331] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  23.] 

Newichiwanick  July  the  13th  1633 

Right  Honorable  Right  Worshipful  and  the  Rest  my  hu[mble  ser- 
vis  membered] 

your  letter  dated  the  5th  of  december  and  mr  Ares  letter  [the  third 
of  April,  I received]  the  7th  of  June  The  detaining  of  the  former  letter 
[hath  put  you  to  a great]  Charge  in  the  plantation — for  my  Care  and 
paines  I have  [not  thought  it  much]  Althoug  I have  had  Very  little 
encoragement  from  you  [and  here.]  I doo  not  doubt  of  your  good  will 
Unto  mee — for  [your  fishing  you  complain]  of  mr  gibes,  a londoner  is 
not  for  fishinge  Neither  [is  there  any  amity]  betwix  the  west  Cuntrie- 
men  and  them  bristo  or  [Barnstable  is  very]  Convenient  for  your  fish- 
inge shipes — it  is  not  I nou[gh  to  fit  out  shipes]  to  fish  but  the  must 
be  sure  god  wil  to  be  at  ther  [fishing  place  the]  begininge  of  febuary 
and  not  to  Com  to  the  land  [when  other  men  have]  halfe  ther  Viage 
— mr  wanerton  hath  the  Charge  of  the  [house  at  Pascatawa]  and  hath 
with  him  william  Cooper  Rafe  Gee  [Roger  Knight  and  his  wife]  Wil- 
liam darnit  and  on  boy — for  your  howse  at  Newic[hwanicke  I feeling 
the]  Necessity  wil  doe  the  best  I Can  there  and  elsewhere  [for  you 
until  I hear  from]  you  againe — Advise  I have  sent  but  not  knowing 
your  intentes  I Canot  wel  enlarge — but  I Refer  you  to  mr  herbert  and 
mr  Vaghlian  for  my  settlement  at  sanders  poynt  and  the  further  good 
you  intend  me  I humbly  thanke  you  I shal  doe  the  best  I Can  to  be 
grateful  I have  taken  into  my  handes  all  the  trad  goodes  that  remains 
of  John  Raymones  and  mr  Vaghhans  and  wil  with  what  Convenience 
I may  put  them  of;  you  Complaine  of  your  Returnes  you  take  the 
Coorse  to  have  litle  a plantation  must  be  furnished  with  Cattel  and 
good  hire  hands  and  necessaries  for  them  and  not  thinke  the  great 
lookes  of  men  and  many  wordes  wil  be  a meanes  to  raise  a plantation 
those  that  have  bin  lieare  this  tlire  year  som  of  them  have  neither 
meat  mony  nor  Clothes  a great  disparigment  I shal  not  need  to  speak 
of  this  you  shal  heare  of  it  by  others  for  mv  self  my  wife  and  Child 
and  4 men  wee  have  but  4 a 11  of  Corne  beefe  and  porke  I have  not 


52 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


had  but  oil  peese  this  8 monthes  nor  beare  this  4 monthes  for  I have 
for  2 and  twenty  monthes  had  but  2 11  of  beare  and  2 11  and  4 booshel 
of  malt  [our]  number  Comonly  hath  bin  ten  I nor  the  servantes  have 
neither  mony  nor  Clothes  I have  bin  as  spare  As  I Could  but  it  wil 
not  doe  these  4 men  with  mee  is  Charles  knel  Thomas  Clarke  steven 
kidder  and  Thomas  Crockit  3 of  them  is  to  have  for  ther  wages  Until 
the  first  of  march  41  ^ peese  and  the  other  for  the  yeare  61  which  in 
your  behalfe  I have  promised  to  satisfie  in  mony  or  bevor  [at  10s  ^] 
pound  if  hear  were  necessaries  for  them  for  Clothing  ther  would  not 
be  much  for  them  to  Receave  you  may  perhapes  thinke  that  fewer 
men  would  serve  me  but  I have  somtimes  on  C or  more  Indians  and 
far  from  Neybors  tlies  that  I have  I Can  set  to  pale  in  ground  for 
Corne  and  gardin  I have  diged  a wel  within  the  palizado  wlier  is  good 
water  I hav  that  to  Close  with  timber  more  men  I Cowld  have  and 
wel  Imploy  but  I Rest  thus  Until  I heare  from  you  the  Vines  that 
were  planted  wil  Com  to  little  the  ^sper  not  in  the  ground  they  wor 
set  them  that  groo  natural  are  Veri  good  of  divers  sortes  I have  sent 
you  a noote  of  the  beaver  taken  by  me  At  Newicliewanicke  and  how 
it  hath  gon  from  me  George  Vaghun  hath  a Note  of  all  the  trad 
goodes  in  my  Custodi  of  the  ould  store  John  Raimons  and  George 
Vaghuns  Acounted  but  the  beaver  beenige  disposed  of  before  I Could 
make  the  devident  I Canot  see  but  it  must  bee  all  on  stocke  and  bee 
devided  by  you — the  governer  departed  from  the  plantation  the  15 
of  July  in  the  morning  so  for  this  time  I end  Comitting  you  to  the 
^tection  of  the  Almighty  and  ever  Rest  your  loving  servant 

Ambrose  Gibbins 

[The  words  in  brackets  are  missing  in  the  original,  and  are  supplied  from  State 
Papers,  Vol.  I,  p.  8i. — Ed.] 


\Four  Towns  Laid  Out , Aug.  13-20 , 16333\ 

[Council  Book  4,  p.  24.] 

Whare  as  Capn  Walter  Nele  & Capn  Thos  Wiggin  booth  Agents  or 
Governors  one  for  the  Pattentsof  Laconiahand  the  Twentv  Thousand 
Acres  pattent  at  Randsvough  on  the  South  Side  of  Piscataway  River 
or  harbor  And  the  other  for  the  Pattent  of  hiltons  poynt,  They  have- 
ing  Receved  orders  from  the  said  patten tes  to  Make  a Divityon  of 
those  pattents  into  foure  tounes  wch  accordingly  they  did  It.  and  De- 
sired us  the  Subscribers  advice  therein.  Wch  wee  did  give  them  and 
ware  present,  at  the  doeing,  there  of,  and  there  doeings  therein  is  as 
folloeth  it  beinge  a Copia  of  what  they  wroate  hoome  to  the  Pattentes. 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


53 


Mutch  Honered 

In  Obedents  to  your  Com’ands  have  Survaied  the  River  from  the 
Mouth  of  the  harbor  to  Squamscutt  ffales  and  liquisefrom  the  harbors 
Mouth  by  the  Sea  side  to  the  Massathusets  Bounds  and  find  that  the 
Bounds  of  your  Pattents  will  Not  aford  More  then  for  two  Tounes  in 
the  River  of  Piscataway  and  the  remainder  will  make  a N other  good 
Toune  liaveing  mutch  Salte  Marsh  in  it,  And  because  You  would 
have  foure  Tounes  Named,  as  you  Desird,  wee  have  Treated  With  a 
Gentleman  who  has  Purcliassed  a Trackt  of  land  of  the  Indyans  at 
Squamscutt  ffales,  and  your  land  Runing  up  to  the  said  ffales  on  one 
Side  of  the  River,  & from  the  ffales  about  a mile  Doun words,  said 

gentleman,  haveing  a mind  to  Said  land  on  your  side  to  a Certaine 
Crike  and  one  Mile  Bacward  ffrom  the  River,  wch  wee  agreed  on,  and 
the  Crike  is  caled  Weelerights,  the  gentlemans  Name  being  Weele- 
right,  and  he  was  to  name  Said  Plantatyon  (^when  Setled)  Exeter, 
and  the  Other  two  Tounes  in  the  River,  the  one  North  ham,  and 
Portsmouth  the  Other  Bounded  as  folloeth  Yizfc  Portsmouth  Runes 
from  the  harbors  mouth  by  the  Sea  sid  to  The  Enterance  of  a little 
River  betwene  two  bed  lands  wch  wee  have  give  the  Names  of,  the 
little  Bores  bed  and  the  grete  Bores  lied,  and  ffrom  the  Mouth  of  that 
little  River  to  go  on  a Straight  line  to  the  afore  said  Creeke  which 
wee  have  Named  Weelerights  Creeke  and  ffrom  thens  Doun  the  River 
to  the  harbors  Mouth  Wher  it  began.  And  North  ham  Is  the  Bounds 
of  all  the  land  of  hiltons  poynt  Side,  And  the  other  land  ffrom  the 
little  River  betwene  the  two  Boores  heds  to  Run  bv  the  Sea  till  it 
meets  With  the  line  betwene  the  Massatusets  and  you  and  So  to  Run 
from  the  Sea  by  Said  Massatusets  line  in  to  the  Woods  Eight  Miles 
and  ffrom  thence  a Twart  the  Woods  to  meete  wth  Portsmouth  line 
nere  Whelerights  Creeke,  And  that  Tracte  of  land  to  be  Caled  hamp- 
ton,  so  that  there  is  ffoure  Towns  Named  as  you  Desired,  but  Exeter 
is  Not  wth  in  the  Bounds  of  your  Pattents.  But  the  grete  Dificulty 
is  the  Agrement  about  the  Dividing  line  betwene  the  pattent  of  the 
Twenty  Thousand  Acres  belonging  to  the  Company  of  Laconyali,  and 
the  pattent  of  Bluddy  poynt.  the  river  Runing  So  Intrycate,  And 
Bluddy  poynt  pattenfc  bounds  ffrom  thence  to  Squamscutt  ffales,  And 
to  Run  three  Miles  into  the  Woods  from  the  Watters  side — Butt  for 
your  better  Understanding  thereof  wee  have  sent  you  a Draft  of  it, 
according  to  our  best  Skill  of  what  wee  know  of  it  at  present,  and 
have  Drawn  a Dividing  line  betwene  the  two  pattents  so  that  Ports- 
mouth is  parte  of  booth  pattents,  and  hampton  Wee  Apprehend  will 
be  holly  in  the  Twenty  Thouzand  acre  pattent,  and  North  ham  is  the 
bounds  of  hiltons  poynt  patten  If  in  what  we  have  Don  be  to  your 
Jikeinge  wee  Shall  Thinke  our  time  well  spent,  And  What  ffurther 


54 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Com’ands  You  will  plese  to  lay  on  us,  wTee  Shall  redyly  obaye  to  the 
Utmost  of  our  power,  wee  humbly  take  leve  and  Subscribe  our 
Selves 

Your  Devoted  and  Most 

Homble  Servants 

Walter  Nele 
Thomas  Wiggen 

North  ham  on  Piscatawav  River  in  New  England  13th  Augs*  1633 — 

Superscribed  To  John  Mason  Esqr  Governor  of  Portsmouth  to  be 
Comunicated  to  the  Pattentes  of  Laconiah  and  hiltons  poynt  hombly 
present — In  London 

Wee  Under  written  Being  of  the  Government  of  the  Province  of 
Maine  doe  Affirme  that  the  above  letter  written  & Sind  by  Walter 
Nele  and  Thomas  Wiggin,  and  Directed  to  John  Mason  Esqr  Governor 
of  Portsmouth  to  be  Comunycated  to  the  pattentes  of  Laconiah  and 
Hiltons  Poynt  Is  a Trew  Copia  Compared  with  the  Origenall — 

And  ffarther  Wee  Doe  Affirme  that  there  was  ffoure  Grete  Gunes 
brought  to  piscatequa  Which  ware  given  by  a March*  of  London  for 
the  Defence  of  the  River,  and  at  the  Same  time  the  Earle  of  War- 
wicke  Sr  Fhardenando  Gorges  Cap*  Jn°  Mason  and  the  Rest  of  the 
patten  Teies  sent  an  Order  to  Capn  Walter  Nele  and  Cap11  Thomas 
Wiggin  ther  Agents  and  Governors  at  Piscattaway  to  make  C'hoise 
of  the  most  Convenint  place  in  the  Said  River  to  make  a ffortefeca- 
tyon  for  the  Defence  therof,  and  to  Mount  those  ffoure  Gunes  given 
to  the  place  Which  accordingly  was  done,  by  Capn  Walter  Nele  and 
Capn  Thomas  Wiggens  and  the  Pattentes  servants  and  a Draft  was 
Sent  to  the  place  that  they  had  made  Choice  of  to  the  said  Earle  and 
Company  and  the  Draft  Did  Containe  all  the  Necks  of  Land  in  the 
North  Este  Side  of  the  Grete  Island  that  makes  the  Grete  Harbor, 
and  they  gave  it  the  Name  of  ffort  poynt  and  alloted  it  so  for  bake 
in  to  the  Hand  about  a bow  shoat  to  a grete  high  Rocke  Where  on 
was  Intended  in  time  to  Sett  the  Principall  fforte — That  the  above  is 
all  Truth  wee  affirme  and  by  the  Desier  of  Capn  Walter  Nele  and 
Cap11  Tho8  Wiggen  wee  have  orderd  This  Wrighting  to  ly  in  our 
ffiles  of  Records,  of  there  doinges  therein  ; In  Witnes  Where  of  wee 
have  here  Unto  sett  our  hands  and  Seles  at  Gorgeana  In  Province  of 
Maine  In  New-England  20th  August  1633. 

RitlU  Vines  [seal] 
.Henry  Jocelyn:  [seal] 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


55 


Agreement  between  John  Mason  for  himself,  and  John  Cotton, 
Henry  Gardner,  George  Griffith,  and  Thomas  Eyer,  for  Thomas 
Wannerton  and  Eliezer  Eyer,  for  division  of  property,  Dec.  6,  1633, 
State  Papers,  Yol.  IT,  p.  487. 


Allotment  of  Capt.  Mason’s  part  by  the  Council  of  New  England, 
Feb.  3,  1634,  State  Papers,  Yol.  17,  p.  488. 


[Gorges  and  Mason  to  Wannerton  and  Gibbons , May  5 , 1684 •] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  27.] 

Mr  Wannerton  & mr  Gibbins 

These  are  to  let  you  know  that  wee  wth  the  Consent  of  the  rest  of 
our  partners  have  made  a devision  of  all  our  Lands  Lying  on  the 
northeast  side  of  the  harbor  and  River  of  Pascattaway  of  the  quan- 
tities of  wch  Lands  and  bounds  agreed  uppon  for  every  mans  part 
we  send  you  a Coppie  of  the  draft,  desiring  your  furtherence  wth  the 
advice  of  Cap1  Norton  & mr  Godfrey,  To  set  out  the  lvnes  of  divis- 
ion betwixt  our  lands,  & the  lands  of  our  parners  next  adjoyning, 
because  we  have  not  onelie  each  of  us  shipped  people  present  to  plant 
uppon  our  owne  lands  at  our  owne  charge  but  have  given  direction  to 
invite  & authoritie  to  receive  such  others  as  may  be  had  to  be  Ten- 
ants to  plant  & live  there  for  the  more  speedie  peopling  of  the  Coun- 
trie : And  wheras  there  is  belonging  unto  me  Sr  fferdinando  Gorges 
& unto  Cap*  Mason  for  himselfe  & for  mr  John  Cotton  & his  deceased 
brother  mr  William  Cotton  both  whose  interests  Cap*  Mason  hath 
bought  the  one  halfe  of  all  matters  mentioned  in  the  Inventorie  of 
householde  stuffe  & Implements  left  in  trust  wth  you  by  Cap*  Neale 
wherunto  you  have  subscribed  yor  names  & wherof  a Coppie  is  here- 
wth  sent,  we  desire  you  to  cause  an  equall  division  as  neere  as  possiblie 
maye  to  be  made  of  all  the  saied  matters  menc’oned  in  the  Inventory 
in  kinde  or  if  some  of  them  cannot  be  soe  divided,  then  the  on  halfe 
to  be  made  equal  to  the  other  in  valew  of  all  the  said  matters  except 
the  Cattell  & suites  of  apparell  & such  other  tliinges  as  belong  per- 
culiarly  to  Cap*  Mason,  And  to  diliver  the  said  one  halfe  of  all  the 
saied  matters  soe  to  be  divided  unto  mr  Henry  Jocelyn  for  the  use  of 
our  Plantations,  Taking  an  Inventory  therof  under  his  hands  of  all 
you  shall  soe  deliver  hime  & making  Certificate  to  us  therof  And  for 


56 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


your  soe  doeing  this  shall  be  your  suffitient  warrant  & discharge,  And 
soe  we  rest 

Yor  verie  Lovinge  ffreinds 

fferdin  : Gorge 
John  Mason 

Portsmouth  maye  5th  1634. 


[ Capt . Mason  to  Ambrose  Gribbons , May  5 , 163Jf.~\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  28.] 

[Mr.  Gibbins : 

These  people  and  provisions,  which  I have  now  sent  wth  Mr.  Joce- 
lyne,  are  to  sett  upp  two  mills  uppon  my  owne  division  of  lands  lately 
agreed  upon  betwixt  our  adventurers  ; but  I think  not  any  of  them 
will  adventure  this  }^eare  to  the  plantation,  besides  Sir  Ferdinando 
Gorges  and  myselfe ; for  which  I am  sorrye,  in  that  so  good  a busi- 
ness (albeit  hitherto  it  hath  bene  unprofitable),  should  be  subject  to 
fall  to  the  ground;  and  therefore  I have  strayned  myself  to  do  this  at 
this  present,  and  could  have  wished  that  the  rest  would  have  joyned 
to  have  sent  you  some  provisions  for  trade  and  support  of  the  place ; 
but  that  failing,  I have  directed  to  you,  as  a token  from  myselfe,  one 
hogshead  of  mault  to  make  you  some  beare.  The  servants  with  you, 
and  such  others  as  remain  upon  the  companies  charge,  are  to  be  dis- 
charged and  payed  their  wages  out  of  the  stocke  of  beaver  in  yr 
hands,  at  the  rate  of  12  s (?)  the  pound,  whereof  I thinke  the  com- 
pany will  write  you  more  at  large : And  we  have  agreed  to  divide  all 
our  moveables  mentioned  in  the  Inventory  that  Capt.  Neale  brought 
home,  wct  were  left  in  trust  wth  you  and  Mr.  Wannerton.  I bought 
Mr.  Cotton’s  and  his  brother’s  parte  of  all  their  adventures,  so  that 
the  lialfe  of  all  belongs  to  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges  and  myselfe;  and 
of  that  halfe,  three  quarters]  wilbe  dewe  to  me  and  one  quarter  to 
Sr  fferclinando ; These  thinges  being  equally  divided,  they  are  to  be 
delivered  to  Mr  Joceline  my  three  partes  of  the  halfe  and  the  other 
fourth  to  whom  Sr  fferdinando  shall  appointe ; And  you  must  afford 
my  people  some  houseroome  in  Newitchwannocke  and  the  Cowes  and 
goates  wch  are  all  mine  and  14  Swine  wth  their  increase  some  ground 
to  be  uppon  till  wee  have  some  place  provided  uppon  my  new  divided 
lands,  or  that  you  Receive  my  further  order  a Copie  of  the  division 
of  the  landes  is  herewth  sent  unto  you.  The  stockinges  and  the  Mault 
and  Suites  of  cloathes  and  suggar  and  Raysinges  and  wine  that  was 
delivered  by  Mr  Bright  and  Mr  Lewes  I have  not  received  any  satis- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


57 


faction  for ; wherein  I must  crave  yor  helpe  and  such  satisfacc’on 
as  may  be  sent  by  this  shipp  The  Christall  stoanes  yo11  sent  are  of 
little  or  no  valew,  unless  they  were  so  great  to  make  drinking  Cuppes 
or  some  other  workes  as  pillers  for  faire  lookeinge  glasses  or  for  gar- 
nishinge  of  rich  Cabinetts  good  Iron  or  Lead  oare  I should  like  better 
of,  if  it  could  be  found;  1 have  disbursed  a great  deale  of  mony  in 
yor  plantac’on  and  never  Received  one  penny,  but  hope  if  there  were 
once  a discoverie  of  the  lakes  that  I should  in  some  Reasonable  time 
be  reimbursed  againe,  [I  pray  you  helpe  the  Mr.  what  you  can  to 
some  of  the  best  iron  stoane  for  ballast,  and  in  case  he  want  other 
laddinge,  to  fill  the  shipp  upp  wth  stocks  of  cypress  wood  and  csedar. 
Let  me  here  from  you  of  all  matters  necessary,  and  wherein  I maye 
doe  you  any  pleasure,  I shall  be  reddie.  And  so  wth  my  heartie  com- 
mendacons,  I rest 


Yor  verie  loving  friend 


John  Mason. 


Portsmouth  May  5,  1634.] 


[That  part  of  the  foregoing  which  is  included  in  brackets  is  missing  in  the  origi- 
nal, and  the  text  is  supplied  from  Dr.  Bouton’s  copy  in  Vol.  I of  this  series,  p. 
89.  Ed.] 


[ Gibbons  to  Mason , Aug.  6 , 1634»~\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  29.] 

Sr 

Yor  Worshp  have  donne  well  in  setting  forward  your  Plantacon,  & 
for  your  Milles  they  will  ^ve  benificiall  unto  you,  by  gods  assist- 
ance. I would  you  had  taken  this  coorse  sooner,  for  the  Marchants  I 
shall  be  very  Cautylouse,  how  I deale  wth  any  of  them  while  I live, 
but  Gods  will  be  donne,  I & the  world  doth  Judge,  that  I could  not 
in  these  my  dayes  have  spent  my  time  for  noethinge,  for  there  send- 
ing trade  & support  I desire  it  not,  1 have  supported  but  now  sonke 
under  my  burthen,  the  more  I thinke  on  this,  the  more  is  my  greife, 
I have  recd  the  hogd  of  mault  that  you  sent  me  giveing  you  humble 
thankes  for  the  same,  The  servants  that  were  wth  me  are  discharged 
& payd  there  wages  for  the  yeare  past,  & I have  delivred  unto  mr 
Wannerton,  4311  of  beaver  to  pay  those  that  were  wth  hime  for  the 
yeare  past,  for  the  paying  of  the  servants  there  old  wages,  or  the  de- 
viding  of  the  goods,  I expect  agenerall  letter,  if  not  then  to  lieare 
further  from  your  worshps  Yor  Carpenters  are  wth  me  & I will  further 
them  the  best  I can,  Cap4  Neale  appoynted  me  two  of  your  goates  to 
keepe  at  his  departinge,  I praise  God  they  are  4 : of  the  goods  that 


58 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


mr  Bright  left,  I ouely  recd  of  Cap4  Neale  4 bushlls  of  mault,  & at  sevr 
all  times  8 gallons  of  sack,  & from  mr  Wannerton,  7 bush118  & 1 peck 
of  mault,  5 lb  & i of  suger,  & 3 p of  Children  stockings,  & 97  lb  of 
beefe  wch  was  of  an  old  Cow,  that  mr  Wannerton  kild,  being  doubt- 
full  that  shee  would  not  live  all  the  winter,  for  these  I will  pay  mr 
Jocelin  for  you,  I ^ceive  you  have  agreat  mynd  to  the  Lakes,  & I as 
great  awill  to  assist  you,  if  I had  2 horses,  & 3 men  wth  me,  I would 
by  Gods  helpe  soone  resolve  you  of  the  Cituacon  of  it,  but  not  to  live 
there  my  selfe,  The  Pide  Cow  arriv’d  the  8th  of  Julie,  the  13th  day 
she  cast  anker  some  halfe  amile  from  the  ffale,  the  18th  day  the  shippe 
unladen,  the  19th  fell  downe  the  River,  the  22th  day  the  Carpenters 
began  about  the  mill,  the  5th  of  August  the  Iron  stone  taken  in  the 
shippe,  there  is  of  3 soarts,  on  sort  that  the  myne  doth  cast  forth  as 
the  tree  doth  gum  wch  is  sent  in  arundit,  on  of  the  other  soarts  we 
take  to  be  very  rich  there  is  great  stoare  of  it  for  the  other  I know 
not,  but  may  it  please  you  to  take  notice  of  the  waight  & measure  of 
every  sort  before  it  goeth  into  the  furnace,  & w4  the  stone  of  such 
waight  & measure  will  yeeld  in  Iron,  This  that  we  take  to  be  the 
best  stone  is  1 mile  to  the  southward  of  the  great  house  it  is  some 
200  rodd  in  length  & 6 foote  wide  the  depth  we  know  not,  for  want 
of  Tooles  for  that  purpose,  we  tooke  onely  the  surface  of  the  mine.  / . 
I have  paled  in  apeice  of  ground  & planted,  it  if  it  please  God  to 
send  us  adrie  time,  I hope  there  will  be  8 or  10  quarters  of  Corne, 
you  have  heare  at  the  great  house,  9 Cowes  1 Bull,  4 calves,  of  the 
last  yeare,  & 9 of  this  yeare  the  prove  very  well,  farre  better  then  ever 
was  expected,  they  are  as  good  as  your  ordinary  Cattle  in  England,  & 
they  goates  prove  some  of  them  very  well,  both  for  milke  & breed,  if 
you  did  send  ashippe  for  the  westerne  Hands  of  6 scoare  tunne  or 
there  abouts  for  Cowes  & goates,  it  would  be  profitable  for  you,  a 
stocke  of  Iron  worke  to  put  away  with  your  boardes  from  the  mill, 
willbe  good,  Nayles,  spikes,  lockes,  hinges,  Iron  worke  for  boates,  & 
pinaces,  Twine  Canvis  needles  & Cordadge  pitch  & Tarre,  graples, 
ankors  & nessessaries  for  that  purpose./.  Sr  I have  written  unto  mr 
John  Round  to  repaire  unto  your  worsp  he  is  a silver  smith  by  his 
Trade,  but  hath  spent  much  time,  & meanes  about  Iron  may  it  please 
you  to  send  for  hime,  he  dwelleth  in  mogall  street,  if  you  are  ac- 
quainted wth  any  finer  or  mettle  man  enquire  of  hime  & as  you  see 
cause  send  for  hime  he  is  well  seene  in  all  myneralls,  if  you  deale  not 
wth  hime,  he  will  give  agood  light  for  your  ^ceedings,  The  6th  of  Au- 
gust the  shippe  Ready  to  set  sayle  for  Saco  to  load  cloave  boards  & 
pipe  staves,  A good  husband  wth  his  wife  to  tend  the  Cattle,  & to 
make  butter  & cheese,  will  be  profitable,  for  maides  they  are  soone 
goune  in  this  Countrie,  for  the  rest  I hope  mr  Jocelyn  for  your  owne 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


59 


^ticulers  will  sattisfie  you,  for  I have  not  power  to  examen  it,  This- 
wth  my  humble  service  to  your  worsp  I rest 

Yor  ever  lovinge  servant 

Ambrose  Gibbins 

Newitchawanock  the  6th  of  August  1634.  / 


[ George  Vaughan  to  Ambrose  Gibbons , Aug.  2 0 , 1631^. ] 


[Council  Book  1,  p.  31.] 


Mr  Gibbens 


Boston  Augst  20th  1634 


Wee  Only  Waite  for  a faire  Wind.  I shall  Acquaint  m1  Mason  and 
ye  Yest  of  the  owners,  ffully  of  what  you  and  I have  formerly  Dis- 
corst  and  if  they  give  mee  Incoradgment  hope  Shall  see  you  Againe 
The  next  yere ; Looking  over  My  Papers  found  the  Inclosed*  it  be- 
ing the  Divityon  of  the  Tonnes  and  the  Coppia  of  Wat  Capfc  Nele  and 
Capn  Wiggens  Wroat  Hoome  to  The  Pattentes  of  Laconiah  and  Hil- 
tons Poynt,  It  may  be  of  som  Use  to  You  hereafter,  therefore  send  it 
you  Leste  Capn  Wiggens  Should  make  a nother  Bluster,  Wth  wch  my 
kind  Love,  to  you  and  your  Spouse  And  Little  Bert  I Am 

Your  Assured  ffrend 

George  Vaughan, 

*See  foot-note,  State  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  95. 


\Lease  of  New  Hampshire  to  John  Wollaston , April  18 , 1635.'] 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book,  Vol.  59,  folio  123.] 

Grant  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  John  Wollaston  Esq 
An’  1635  / 

This  Indenture  made  ye  Eighteenth  day  of  Aprill  in  ye  Eleaventh 
yeare  of  ye  raigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles  by  y®  Grace  of 
God  King  of  England  Scottland  ffrance  & Ireland  Defender  of  the 
ffaith  &c  Between  ye  Councill  established  at  Plymoth  in  ye  County 
of  Devon  for  ye  planting  ruleing  ordering  & governing  of  New  Eng- 
land in  America  of  ye  one  part  & John  Wollaston  cittizen  & Gold- 
Smith  of  London  of  ye  other  part  wittnesseth  y1  whereas  our  late 
Soveraigne  Lord  King  James  of  blessed  memory  by  his  highness  Let- 
ters pattents  under  ye  great  Seale  of  England  beareing  date  at  West- 


’60 


CHARTED  RECORDS. 


minster  ye  third  day  of  Novembr  in  ye  Eight  year  of  his  highness 
Raigne  over  ye  Realme  of  England  for  ye  considerac’on  in  y*  sd  letters 
patents  expressed  hath  absolutly  given  granted  & confirmed  unto  ye 
sd  Councill  & thier  Successors  for  ever  All  ye  land  of  New  England 
in  America  lying  & being  in  breadth  from  fourty  degrees  of  North- 
erly latitude  from  ye  Equinoctiall  line  to  fourty  eight  degrees  of  ye  sd 
Northerly  Latytude  inclusively  & in  length  of  & wthin  all  ye  breadth 
aforesd  from  Sea  to  Sea  together  alsoe  wth  all  ye  firme  lands  soyles 
grounds  havens,  ports,  rivers  waters  fishings  mines  mineralls  as  well 
Royall  mines  of  Gold  & Silver  as  other  mines  & mineralls  pretious 
Stones  quarryes  & all  & singular  other  Comodityes  Jurisdic’ons  Roy- 
altyes  priviledges  franchises  & preheminences  both  wthin  ye  sd  tract 
of  land  upon  ye  maine  & alsoe  wthin  ye  Islands  adjoyning  as  by  ye  sd 
letters  pattents  amongst  divers  other  things  therein  contained  more 
at  large  it  doth  & may  appeare  Now  this  Indenture  further  wittness- 
eth  yl  ye  sd  Councill  in  performance  of  an  agreem*  by  & between 
them  made  & enacted  ye  third  day  of  ffebruary  last  past  before  ye 
date  of  these  p’nts  & also  for  diverse  other  good  causes  & considera- 
c’ons  them  ye  sd  Councill  hereunto  especially  moveing  have  demised 
granted  & to  farme  letten  & by  these  p’nts  doe  demise  grant  & to. 
farme  lett  unto  ye  sd  John  Woollaston  his  Executors  & assignes  all 
y4  part  purpart  & porc’on  of  ye  Maine  Land  in  New  England  aforesd 
being  from  ye  middle  part  of  Naumkeck  river  & from  thence  to  pro- 
ceed Eastwards  along  ye  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Anne  & round  about  ye 
same  to  Passcattaway  harbour  & soe  forwards  up  wthin  ye  river  of 
Newichewanock  & to  ye  furthest  head  of  ye  sd  River  & from  thence 
northwestward  till  Six  miles  be  finished  from  ye  first  enterance  of 
Passcattaway  harbour  & also  from  Naumkeck  through  ye  river  tlier- 
of  up  into  ve  land  west  Sixty  miles  from  wch  period  to  crose  overland 
to  ye  Sixty  miles  end  accompted  from  Passcattawy  though  Newiche- 
wanock to  ve  land  north  westward  aforesd  & alsoe  all  vfc  ve  South  half 
of  ye  Isles  of  Shoulds  together  wth  all  other  Islands  & Isletts  as  well 
imbayed  as  wthin  five  leagues  distance  from  ye  premises  or  abutting 
upon  ye  same  or  any  part  thereof  not  otherwise  granted  to  any  by 
speciall  name  and  together  alsoe  wth  all  ve  woods  & underwoods  & 
trees  now  standing  growing  & being  or  wch  may  stand  growe  to  be 
upon  ye  sd  demised  premises  or  any  part  or  pacell  thereof  wch  porc’on 
of  land  and  premises  are  from  hence  forth  to  be  called  by  ye  name  of 
New  Hampshire  And  alsoe  ye  sd  Councill  for  ye  considerac’ons  aforesd 
have  demised  granted  & to  farme  letten  & by  these  p’nts  doe  demise 
grant  & to  farme  lett  unto  ye  sd  John  Wallaston  his  Executors  & as- 
signes All  yt  other  parcell  of  lands  woods  & wood  grounds  lying  on 
ye  South  east  part  of  ye  river  of  Sagadahock  in  ye  North  east  part  of 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


61 


New  England  aforsd  att  ye  mouth  & entrance  therof  conteining  & to 
containe  tenn  Thousand  Acres  together  alsoe  wth  all  ye  woods  under 
woods  & trees  of  ye  same  other  parcell  of  land  & wood  ground  shall 
from  lienee  forth  be  called  by  ye  name  of  Masonia  And  asoe  ye  sd 
Councill  for  ye  considerac’ons  aforesd  have  demised  granted  & to 
farme  letten  & by  these  p’nts  doe  demise  grant  & to  farme  lett  unto 
ye  sd  John  Wollaston  his  exectors  & assignes  together  wth  all  ye  sd 
lands  & Islands  and  premises  all  ye  soyles  grounds  havens  ports  riv- 
ers watters  ffishings  mines  & mineralls  as  well  Royall  mines  of  Gold 
& Silver  as  other  mines  mineralls  pretious  Stones  quarreys  & all  & 
Singular  other  Com’odityes  Jurisdicc’ons  royalltyes  priviledges  ffran- 
chises  & preheminences  both  wthin  ye  sd  tracts  of  land  upon  ye  Maine 
& alsoe  wthin  ye  sd  Islands  or  any  of  ye  sd  demised  premises  and  to- 
gether alsoe  wth  all  rents  reserved  upon  ye  premises  or  ye  any  part  or 
parcell  thereof  perquisitts  & profitts  of  Courts  Deodands  waives  & 
straies  goods  of  felons  & fugitives  escheats  & all  other  casuall  profitts 
wfc  soever  ariseing  or  wch  may  hereafter  arise  out  of  ye  sd  Demised 
premises  or  out  of  any  part  or  parcell  therof  Saveing  excepting  & 
reserveing  only  out  of  this  p’nte  demised  or  granted  ye  fifth  part  of 
all  ye  Gold  & Silver  oare  due  to  his  Matie  his  heires  & Successors  & 
in  & b\7  yesd  Recited  letters  pattents  recovered  To  have  hold  & enjoy 
all  & singular  ye  sd  lands  Islands  & all  other  the  sd  demised  premises 
wth  their  & every  of  their  appurtences  unto  ye  sd  John  Wollaston  hi& 
executors  & assigness  from  }7e  day  of  ye  date  heerof  unto  ye  full  end 
& terme  of  three  Thousand  Yeares  from  thence  forth  next  & imedi- 
atly  ensuing  & fully  to  compleate  & ended  wthout  impeachment  of 
any  maner  of  wast  & also  with  full  Power  to  doe  & comitt  of  man’er 
of  wast  either  in  ye  selling  felling  or  cutting  of  any  timber  trees 
woods  & underwoods  or  in  ye  new  opening  of  any  mines  of  Gold  or 
Silver  or  any  other  Mines  whoever  & alsoe  wth  full  power  licence  & 
authority  to  sell  fill  cutt  downe  carrey  & dispose  of  to  his  & their 
owne  proper  use  & behoofe  att  his  & their  free  will  & pleasure  all  & 
singular  ye  sd  woods  & underwoods  & trees  & alsoe  to  digge  & car’y 
away  or  other  wise  dispose  of  all  or  any  ye  soyle  mines  pretious 
Stones  & quarreys  & to  convert  & implov  or  other  wise  enjoy  ye  same 
as  fully  freely  & in  as  large  ample  beneficiall  man’er  to  all  intents  & 
purposes  as  they  yc  sd  Councill  or  any  of  them  by  vertue  of  ye  sd  re- 
citted  letters  pattents  may  might  or  ought  to  have  hold  & eujoy  ye 
same  Yeelding  & paying  tberfore  yearly  dureing  ye  sd  terme  one 
peper  Corne  to  be  lawfully  demanded  In  wittness  wherof  to  yc  one- 
part  of  this  p’nte  Indenture  remaining  in  ye  hands  of  ye  sd  John  Wol- 
laston they  ye  sd  Councill  have  fixed  their  Com’on  seale  to  ve  other 
part  of  this  p’nte  Indenture  remaining  in  ye  hands  of  ye  sd  Councill 


62 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


i 


ye  sd  John  Wollaston  hath  sett  his  hand  & Seale  dated  yeday  & yeare 
first  above  written  Annoque  Dom’  1685 


[ Grrant  of  New  Hampshire  and  Masonia , April  22,  1635 .] 
[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book  59,  folio  131.] 

Grant  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  Mr  Masen  22  Apr: 
1635  by  the  Name  of  New  Hampshr 

This  Indenture  made  the  two  and  twentieth  Day  of  Aprill  in  the 
11th  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of  Our  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles  by  ye  Grace 
of  God  King  of  England,  Scotland,  ffrance,  & Ireland  Defender  of  the 
ffaith  &ca  Between  the  Councill  Established  at  Plymouth  in  the  Coun- 
ty of  Devon  for  the  planting  ordering  ruling  & Governing  of  New  Eng- 
land in  America  of  ye  one  part  and  Cap1  John  Mason  Esquire  of  the 
other  part  Witnesseth  that  whereas  our  late  Soveraigne  Lord  King 
James  of  Blessed  Memory  by  his  Highnes  Letters  Pattents  under  the 
great  Seale  of  England  bearing  date  at  Westminster  the  3d  day  of 
November  in  the  18th  yeare  of  his  liighnesse  Reigne  over  the  Realme 
of  England  for  the  considerac’ons  in  the  Same  Letters  Pattents  ex- 
pressed hath  absolutely  given  granted  and  confirmed  unto  the  Said 
Councill  & their  Successors  for  ever  all  the  Land  of  New  England  in 
America  lying  and  being  in  breadth  from  40  Degrees  of  Northerly 
latitude  from  ye  Equinoctiall  Lyne  to  48  Degrees  of  the  Said  North- 
erly Latitude  inclusively,  & in  length  of  & wthin  all  ye  breadth  afore- 
said throughout  ye  Maine  Land  from  Sea  to  Sea  togeather  alsoe  with 
all  the  firme  Lands  Soyles,  grounds  havens  Ports  rivers  waters  ffish- 
ings,  Mines,  & mineralls  as  well  Rovall  Mines  of  Gold  & Silver  as 
other  Mines  & Mineralls,  pretious,  Stones,  quarries  and  all  and  Sin- 
gular other  Comodityes  Jurisdictons  Royaltyes  Priviledges  ffranchises 
& preminences  both  within  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  upon  the  Maine 
and  also  wthin  the  Islands  & Seas  adjoyning  as  by  the  Said  Letters 
Pattents  amongst  divers  other  things  therein  contained  more  at  large 
it  doth  & may  appeare  Now  this  Indenture  further  Witnesseth  that 
ye  Said  Councill  in  ^formauce  of  an  agreement  made  by  & between 
themselves  & enacted  the  third  day  of  ffebruary  last  past  before  the 
Date  of  these  prsents  for  a Competent  Sume  of  Money,  & alsoe  for 
divers  other  good  causes  & considerac?ons  them  ye  Said  Councill 
hereunto  especially  moveing  have  given  granted  bargained  Sold  en- 
feoffed & confirmed  and  by  these  prsents  doe  give  grant  bargaine  Sell 
enfeoffe  and  confirme  unto  the  Said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heires 
and  assignes  all  that  part  purpart  & porc’on  of  ye  Maine  land  of  New 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


63 


England  aforesaid  begining  from  the  middle  part  of  Naumkeck  River 
& from  thence  to  proceed  Eastwards  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape 
Anne  and  round  about  the  Same  to  passcattaway  Harbour  and  soe  for- 
ward up  within  ye  River  of  Newichwanock  and  to  ye  farthest  head  of 
the  Said  River  & from  thence  Northwestward  till  Sixty  Miles  be  finished 
from  ye  first  entrance  of  Passcattaway  harbour  & alsoe  from  Naumkek 
through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  land  West  Sixty  Miles  from 
which  period  to  Crosse  over  Land  to  the  Sixty  Miles  end  accounted 
from  Passcattaway  through  Newichwanock  River  to  the  Land  North- 
westward aforesaid  & also  all  that  the  South  half  of  the  Isles  of 
Shoulds  together  wth  all  other  Islands,  & Isletts  as  well  imbaid  as 
within  5 Leagues  distance  from  the  premisses  & abuting  upon  the 
same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  not  otherwise  granted  to  any  by 
Speciaall  Name  All  which  part  & porc’on  of  Lands  Islands  and  prem- 
ises are  from  henceforth  to  be  called  by  the  Name  of  Newhampshire 
& also  the  said  Couneill  for  ye  considerac’on  aforesaid  have  given 
granted  bargained  Sold  enfeoffed  & confirmed  & by  these  p’nts  doe 
give  grant  bargaine  Sell  enfeoffe  & confirme  unto  ye  sd  John  Mason 
his  lieires  & assignes  all  that  other  parcell  or  porc’on  of  Lands  woods 
& wood  grounds  Lying  on  ye  South  east  part  of  the  river  of  Sagada- 
hock  in  New  England  aforesaid  at  the  mouth  or  entrance  thereof  con- 
taining & to  containe  there  Ten  Thousand  Acres  wch  said  other  par- 
cell  of  Lands  from  henceforth  is  to  be  called  by  ye  name  of  Masonia. 
And  moreover  the  Said  Couneill  for  ye  considerac’on  aforesaid  have 
given  granted  bargained  Sold  enfeoffed  & confirmed  & by  these 
prsents  doe  give  grant  bargaine  Sell  enfeoffe  & confirme  unto  ye  said 
Captain e John  Mason  his  lieires  & assignes  together  wth  the  said  bar- 
gained pbnises  all  ye  firme  Lands  Soyles  Grounds  havens  Ports, 
Rivers  waters  ffishings  Mines  and  Mineralls  as  w^ell  Royall  Mines  of 
Gold  & Silver  as  other  Mines  & Mineralls  pretious  Stones  quaryes  & 
all  & Singular  other  Com’odityes  Jurisdictions  Royaltyes  priviledges 
ffranchises  & preheminenees  both  wthin  the  Said  Tracts  of  Lands 
upon  the  Maine  and  alsoe  with  ye  Islands  & Seas  adjoyning  Saving 
excepting  and  reserving  out  of  this  prsent  Grant  only  ye  fifth  part  of 
all  ye  Oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  due  to  his  Maty  his  lieires  and  Succes- 
sors and  in  & by  ye  said.recited  Letters  Pattents  reserved  To  have  & 
to  hold  all  Those  the  said  severall  parcells  of  Land  and  all  other  ye 
said  bargained  premises  wth  their  and  every  of  their  appurtenences 
Except  before  Excepted  unto  ye  Said  Cap1  John  Mason  his  lieires  & 
assignes  to  ye  only  & proper  use  and  behoofe  of  him  ye  said  Cap1 
John  Mason  his  lieires  & assignes  forever.  And  to  bee  Enjoyed  as 
fully  freely  & in  as  Large  ample  and  beneficiall  Manner  & forme  to 
all  Intents  & purposes  whatsoever  as  they  the  Said  Couneill  & their 


64 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Successors  by  vertue  of  ye  Said  recited  Letters  Pattents  may  might 
or  ought  to  have  hold  & enjoy  the  same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof 
In  witnes  whereof  to  one  part  of  this  prsent  Indenture  remaing  in 
ye  hands  of  ye  said  Cap1  John  Mason  they  ye  Said  Councill  have 
affixed  their  com’on  Seale  to  ye  other  part  of  this  prsent  Indenture 
remaining  in  ye  hands  of  ye  Said  Councill  the  Said  Cap1  John  Mason 
hath  Sett  his  hand  and  seale  dated  ye  Day  & yeare  first  above  written 
Annoq6  Doin’  1635 


[ Grant  of  New  Hampshire  and  Masonia , April  22,  1635.] 
[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book  59,  folio  127.] 

Grant  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  Mr  Mason  22  Aprill 
1635  by  the  name  of  Masonia/ 

To  all  Christian  people  unto  whome  these  p’nts  shall  come  The 
Councill  for  ye  affaires  of  New  England  in  America  send  greeting  in 
our  Lord  God  ever  lasting  Wereas  our  late  Soveraigne  Lord  King 
James  of  blessed  memory  by  his  Highness  L’ers  pattents  under  ye 
great  seal  of  England  beareing  date  at  Westminster  ye  third  day  of 
Novembr  in  ye  Eighteenth  year  of  his  Raigne  over  his  Hihgness 
Realme  of  England  for  ye  Considerac’ons  in  ye  sd  L’ers  pattents 
expressed  and  declared  hath  absoelutely  given  granted  & confirmed 
unto  ve  sd  Councill  & their  Successors  for  ever  All  ye  land  of  New 
England  in  America  lying  & being  in  breadth  from  fourty  degrees  of 
Northerly  latitude  from  ye  Equinoctiall  line  to  fourty  Eight  Degrees 
of  yc  sd  Northerly  latitude  inclusively  & in  length  of  & wthin  all  ye 
breadth  aforesd  from  Sea  to  Sea  together  alsoe  wth  all  ye  firme  lands 
soyles  ground  havens  ports  rivers  waters  ffishings  mines  & Mineralls 
as  well  Royal  mines  of  Gold  and  Silver  as  other  mines  minerals  pre- 
tious  stones  quarreys  & all  & singular  other  comodityes  Jurisdicc’ons 
Royaltys  & priviledges  franchises  & preheminences  both  wthin  ye 
sd  tract  of  land  upon  ye  maine  & alsoe  wthin  ye  Islands  and  seas 
adjoyning  as  by  ye  sd  L’ers  pattents  amonst  diverse  other  things 
therein  contained  more  at  large  it  doth  & may  appeare  now  knowe 
all  men  by  these  p’nts  f ye  sd  Councill  of  New  England  in  America 
being  assembled  in  publique  Court  according  to  an  act  made  & 
agreed  upon  ye  third  day  of  ffebry  last  past  before  ye  date  of  these 
p’nts  for  divers  good  causes  & considerac’ons  them  therunto  espec- 
ially moveing  haveing  granted  aliened  bargained  & sould  & in  & by 
these  p’nts  doe  for  them  & their  successors  give  grant  alien  bargain 
sell  & confirme  unto  Cap1  Jon  Mason  Esqr  his  heires  & assigness  All 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


65 


y4  part  of  ye  maine  land  of  New  England  aforesd  being  from  ye  mid- 
dle part  of  Naumkeck  river  & from  thence  to  proceed  East  wards 
along  ye  sea  Coast  to  Cape  Anne  & round  about  ye  same  to  pass- 
cattaway  harbour  & soe  forwards  up  wthin  ve  river  of  Newicke- 
wanock  & to  ye  farthest  head  of  ye  said  river  and  from  thence  North- 
wards till  six  miles  be  finshed  from  ye  first  entrance  of  passcattaway 
harbour  & asoe  from  Naumkeck  through  ye  river  thereof  up  into  ye 
land  west  Sixty  miles  from  wch  period  to  crose  over  land  to  ye  sixty 
miles  end  accounted  from  passcattaway  through  Newickewanock 
river  to  yc  land  north  west  aforesd  & alsoe  all  yl  ye  south  half  of  ye 
Isles  of  Sholds  all  wch  lands  wth  ye  consent  of  ye  Councill  shall  from 
henceforth  be  called  New  Hampshire  & alsoe  tenn  thousand  acres 
more  of  land  in  New  England  aforesd  on  ye  south  east  part  of  Saga- 
hahock  at  ye  mouth  & enterance  thereof  from  henceforth  to  be  called 
by  ye  name  of  Masonia  together  wth  all  & singular  havens  Harbours 
creekes  & Islands  imbaid  & all  Islands  & Isletts  lying  wthin  five 
leagues  distance  of  ye  maine  land  opposit  & abutting  upon  ye  premi- 
ses or  any  part  thereof  not  formerly  lawfully  granted  to  any  by 
speciall  name  and  all  mines  mineralls  quarreys  soyles  & woods 
marshes  rivers  waters  lakes  fishings  hawking  hunting  & fowling  & all 
other  Royaltyes  Jurisdicc’ons  priviledes  preheminence  proffitts  com’- 
odityes  & hereditaments  whoever  wth  all  & singular  their  & every  of 
their  appurtences  & together  alsoe  wth  all  rents  reserved  & ye  benefit t 
of  all  profitts  due  to  ye  sd  Councill  & their  successors  wth  ye  power  of 
Judicature  in  all  causes  & matters  whoever  as  well  criminall  capitall 
& civill  ariseing  or  wch  may  hereafter  arise  wthin  ye  limits  bounds 
& percincts  aforesaid  to  be  exercised  & executed  according  to  ye 
laws  of  England  as  near  as  can  be  by  ye  sd  Capfc  John  Mason  his 
heires  & assignes  or  his  or  their  Deputies  Lieutenants  Judges  Stew- 
ards or  officers  thereunto  by  him  or  them  assigned  deputed  or 
appointed  from  time  to  time  wth  all  other  priviledges  franchises  lib- 
erties imunityes  escheats  & casualtyes  thereof  arising  or  wch  shall  or 
may  hereafter  arise  wthin  ye  said  limitts  & precincts  wth  all  ye  interest 
right  title  claime  & demand  whoever  wch  ye  sd  Councill  & their  Suc- 
eessors  now  of  right  have  or  ought  to  have  or  claime  or  may  have  or 
aquire  heerafter  in  or  to  ye  sd  porc’ons  of  lands  Islands  or  any  of  ye 
premises  & in  as  free  large  ample  & beneficiall  man’er  to  all  intents 
construcc’ons  & purposes  whoever  as  ye  sd  Councill  by  vertue  of  his 
Majts  sd  letters  pattents  may  or  can  grant  ye  same  saveing  & allawyes 
reserving  unto  ye  sd  Councill  & their  Successors  power  to  receive 
heare  & determine  & singular  appeal  and  appeales  of  every  person 
& persons  whoever  dwelling  or  inhabiting  wthin  ye  sd  territor}Tes  & 


66 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Islands  or  any  part  thereof  soe  granted  as  aforesd  of  & from  all 
Judgemls  & sentences  whoever  given  wthin  ye  sd  lands  & territoryes 
aforesd  To  have  & to  hold  all  & singular  ye  lands  & premises  above 
by  these  p’nts  granted  except  before  excepted  wthall  & all  man’er  of 
proffits  comodityes  and  hereditamts  w1  soever  wlllin  ye  lands  & pre- 
cincts aforesdorto  ye  sd  lands  Islands  & premises  or  any  part  of  them 
in  any  wise  belonging  or  appertaining  unto  ye  sd  Cap1  J°  Mason  liis 
heires  & assigness  for  ever  To  ye  only  proper  use  & behoofe  of  him 
ye  sd  Cap1  J°  Mason  his  heires  & assignes  for  ever  To  be  holden  of  ye 
sd  Councill  & their  successors  of  Gladium  com’itatus  y1  is  to  say  by 
finding  four  able  men  coveniently  armed  & arraied  for  ye  warr  to 
attend  upon  ye  Governo1  of  New  England  for  ye  publique  Service 
wthin  fourteen  dayes  after  warning  given  yeelding  & paying  unto  ye 
sd  Councill  & their  successors  for  ever  one  fifth  of  all  ye  oar  of 
ye  mines  of  Gold  & Silver  wch  shalbe  had  possessed  or  obteined 
wthin  ye  limitts  or  percincts  aforesd  for  all  rents  services  dutvs  & 
demands  whoever  due  unto  ve  sd  Councill  & their  Successors  from 
any  plantation  wlhin  the  precincts  aforesd  ye  same  to  be  delivered 
unto  his  Mats  Receiver  his  deputie  or  deputies  assigned  for  ye  receipt 
thereof  To  ye  use  of  his  Malie  his  heires  & Successors  from  time  to 
time  wthin  ye  lands  precincts  & territoryes  of  New  England  aforesd 
And  last  ye  sd  Councill  have  deputed  authorized  & appointed  & in 
their  place  & stead  have  putt  Henry  Joseline  Esq1’  & Ambrose  Gib- 
bins  gent  or  either  of  them  to  be  their  true  & lawfull  Attorney  & 
attorneys  for  them  & in  their  name  & stead  to  enter  into  ye  sd  lands 
& other  ye  premises  wth  their  appurtences  or  into  any  part  thereof  in 
ye  name  of  ye  whole  & to  take  quiet  & peacable  possession  & sez- 
ing  thereof  and  after  such  possession  & sezing  soe  had  & taken  as 
aforesd  then  to  deliver  ye  same  unto  ye  s^  Cap1  Jo11  Mason  his  heires  or 
assignes  or  to  his  or  their  certaine  attorney  or  attornies  to  be  by  him 
or  them  deputed  on  yr  behalfe  according  to  ye  purport  true  intent  and 
meaning  of  these  p’nts  In  wittness  wherof  they  ye  sd  Councill  have 
heerunto  affixed  their  com’on  seale  dated  ye  two  & twenteth  day  of 
Aprillin  ye  Eleaventh  year  of  his  Raigne  of  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles 
by  ye  grace  of  God  King  of  England  Scotland  finance  & Ireland 
L>efender  of  ye  faith  &c  Anno  Dom’  1635. 


[Transfer  from  Wollaston  to  Mason , June  11 , 1635. ] 

[Archives  of  England,  Colonial  Entry  Book,  Vol.  59,  p.  137.] 

Grant  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  from  Mr  Wollaston  to 
Mr  Mason  11th  June  1635 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


67 


This  Indenture  Made  the  11th  day  of  June  in  the  11th  yeare  of  ye 
Raigne  of  our  Soveraign  Lord  Charles  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of 
England  Scotland  ffrance  & Ireland  Defender  of  ye  ffaith  &ca 
Between  John  Wolaston  Citizen  & Goldsmith  of  London  of  the  one 
part  and  Cap1  John  Mason  Esqr  of  the  other  part  Witnesseth  that 
whereas  ye  Councill  of  New  England  by  their  Indenture  under  their 
Com’on  Seale  bearing  date  the  18th  day  of  Aprill  last  past  before  the 
Date  hereof  made  between  ye  said  Councill  by  ye  Name  of  ye  Coun- 
cill Established  at  Plymouth  in  ye  County  of  Devon  for  ye  planting 
ordering  ruling  & Governing  of  New  England  in  America  of  ye  one 
part  & ye  Said  John  Wollaston  by  the  name  of  John  Wollaston  Citti- 
zen  & Goldsmith  of  London  of  the  other  part  for  the  Considerac’ons 
in  the  same  Indenture  contained  have  demised  granted  and  to  Farme 
Letten  unto  the  Said  John  Wollaston  his  Executors  and  Assignes,  All 
that  part  purport  and  porc'on  of  the  Maine  Land  of  New  England 
aforesaid  begining  from  the  Middle  part  of  Naumkeck  River  and  from 
thence  to  proceed  Eastwards  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Anne  and 
round  about  the  Same  to  Passcattaway  Harbour  and  alsoe  from 
Naumkeck  through  the  River  thereof  upp  into  the  Land  West  Sixty 
Miles  from  wch  period  to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty  Miles  end 
accounted  from  Passcattaway  through  Newichewanock  river  to  the 
Land  Northwestwards  aforesaid  and  alsoe  all  that  the  South  half  of 
the  Isles  of  Shoalds  togeather  with  all  other  Islands  & Isletts  as  well 
imbaied  as  within  ffive  Leagues  distance  from  the  prmises  and  abut- 
ting upon  the  Same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  not  otherwise 
granted  to  any  by  Speciall  Name,  And  togeather  also  with  all  woods 
underwoods  and  trees  now  Standing,  growing  & being,  or  wch  here- 
after Shall  or  may  stand  grow  or  bee  in  and  upon  the  Said  Porc’ons 
of  Lands  & other  the  Premises  All  wrCh  part  & porc’ons  of  Lands 
Islands  and  premises  are  from  thence  forth  to  be  called  by  the  name 
of  Newhampshire.  And  whereas  alsoe  the  Said  Councill  for  the  con- 
siderac’ons aforesaid  have  demised  granted  & to  farme  Letten  unto 
the  said  John  Wollaston  his  Execrs  and  Assignes  all  that  other  parcell 
or  porc’on  of  Lands  woods  & wood  grounds  lying  on  the  Southeast 
part  of  the  River  of  Sagadahock  in  New  England  aforesaid  at  the 
mouth  or  entrance  thereof  containing  & to  containe  there  Ten  Thou- 
sand Acres  togeather  alsoe  with  all  the  woods  underwoods  & trees  of 
the  same  w<:h  said  other  parcell  of  Lands  from  thenceforth  is  to  be 
called  by  the  Name  of  Masonia.  And  Whereas  moreover  the  Said 
Councill  for  the  Considerac’ons  aforesaid  have  demised  granted  & 
to  Farme  letten  unto  the  Said  John  Wollaston  his  Executors  and 
Assignes  together  with  the  Said  Lands  Islands  and  premises  all  the 
Soyles,  grounds,  havens,  Ports,  Rivers  waters,  flfishings,  Mines,  & Min- 


68 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


eralls  as  well  Royall  Mines  of  Gold  and  Silver  as  other  Mines  & 
Mineralls  pretions  Stones  Quarries  and  all  and  Singular  other  Comodi- 
tyes,  Jurisdictions  Royaltyes  priviledges  ffranchises  and  prehemin- 
ences  both  within  the  said  Tracts  of  Land  upon  the  maine,  & alsoe 
within  the  Said  Islands  or  any  the  Said  demised  premises.  And  also 
all  rents  reserved  upon  the  premises  or  any  part  or  Parcell  thereof 
perquisitts  & profitts  of  Courts  Deodands  waives  & strayes  goods  of 
ffelons  & fugitives  escheats  & all  other  casuall  proffitts  whatsoever 
arising  or  which  may  hereafter  arise  out  of  the  Said  Demised  premi- 
ses or  out  of  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  under  Such  reservac’ons  as 
in  the  Said  Lease  are  excepted  & reserved  To  have  & to  hold  & enjoy 
all  & Singular  the  Said  Lands  Islands  and  all  other  the  Said  Demised 
premises  with  their  & every  of  their  appurten’ces  unto  the  Said  John 
Wollaston  his  Executrs  and  assignes  from  the  Day  of  the  Date  of  the 
Said  Indenture  of  Demise  unto  the  full  end  & demise  of  three  thou- 
sand yeares  from  thenceforth  next  & imediatly  ensuing  & fully  to 
bee  compleated  & ended  without  impeachment  of  any  manner  of 
wast  for  and  under  the  yearly  Rent  of  one  pepper  Corne  payable  if 
it  be  Lawfully  Demanded  as  in  & by  the  said  Indenture  of  Demise 
more  at  large  it  doth  & may  appeare  which  said  Indenture  of  Demise 
was  made  unto  the  said  John  Wollaston  by  & with  the  consent  of 
the  Said  Cap*  John  Mason  in  trust  only  for  the  benefit  & behoofe  of 
him  the  said  Cap*  John  Mason  his  Executors  & Assignes,  Now  there- 
fore this  Indenture  further  wittnesseth  That  the  Said  John  Wollas- 
ton in  ^formance  of  the  Trust  in  him  reposed  & also  for  divers  other 
good  causes  & considerac’ons  him  hereunto  especially  moving  hath 
granted  assigned  lett  over  & confirmed  & by  these  prsents  doth  grant 
assigne  lett  over  & confirme  unto  ye  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  his  Execu- 
rors  & Assignes  All  that  the  Said  part  purport  & porc’on  of  Lands 
called  New  Hampshire  & all  & Singular  other  the  said  Demised 
premises  with  their  & every  of  their  appurtanences  in  ye  said  Inden- 
ture contained  Together  with  the  said  recited  Indenture  of  Demise 
and  all  ye  right  title  Interest  terme  of  yeares  Claime  & demand  of 
him  the  Said  John  Wollaston  of  in  & to  ye  Same  or  any  part  or  par- 
cell  thereof  & all  the  benefitt  proffitt  advantage  & Com’odity  what- 
soever which  shall  or  may  bee  had  by  the  same.  To  have  hold  & 
Enjove  the  Said  part  purpart  & porc’on  of  Lands  called  New  Hamp- 
shire & all  & Singular  other  the  Said  premises  with  their  & every  of 
their  appurten’ces  and  also  all  the  right  title  and  interest  of  the  Said 
John  Wollaston  of  in  & to  the  same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof 
unto  the  said  Cap*  John  Mason  his  Executrs  and  Assignes  from  the 
day  of  the  Date  of  these  presents  for  and  During  ally* residue  of  the 
Terme  of  Three  thousand  yeares  yet  to  come  an  unexpired  in  ye 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


69 


same  for  and  under  the  reservations  of  Rents  in  the  said  recited 
Indenture  contained  as  fully  freely  & in  as  large  ample  & beneficiall 
Manner  and  forme  to  all  intents  & purposes  whatsoever  as  he  the  said 
John  Wollaston  his  Executrs  and  assignes  or  any  of  them  may  might 
or  ought  to  have  hold  or  enjoye  the  same  by  vertue  of  the  recited 
Indenture  of  Demise  or  otherwise  In  witnes  whereof  the  said  partyes 
to  these  prsent  Indentures  interchangeably  have  sett  their  hands  & 
Seales  the  Day  & yeare  first  above  written./ 


\_Royal  Charter  to  Mason , Aug.  19 , 16351] 

[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  the  Maine  His_ 
torical  Society,  pp.  37-45.] 

Charles  by  the  Grace  of  God  King  of  England  Scotland  19IAJ^,511  Car* 
ffranee  & Ireland  Defender  of  the  ffaith  &c.  To  all  to 
whome  these  presents  shall  come  Greeting  Whereas  our 
trusty  and  welbeloved  Servant  Captain  John  Mason 
Esqr  Treasurer  and  Paymaster  of  Our  Armies  hath  been 
an  humble  Suitor  unto  Us  to  grant  and  confirm e unto  him 
and  his  lieyres  a part  and  portion  of  the  Country  of 
America  now  commonly  called  or  known  by  the  name  of 
New  England  in  America  hereafter  in  these  presents 
described  and  to  be  described  by  the  Meetes  and  bounds 
thereof  with  diverse  and  Sundry  privileges  and  Jurisdic- 
tions for  the  welfare  of  the  State  of  those  Colonies  that 
are  and  shalbe  drawne  thither  and  for  the  better  Govern- 
ment of  the  people  that  shall  live  and  inhabit  within  the 
Limits  and  precincts  thereof  Which  part  or  portion  Wee 
have  heretofore  amongst  other  things  for  Us  our  lieyres 
and  Successors  taken  into  Our  actual  and  real  possession 
and  in  default  of  Such  actuall  & reall  possession  formerly 
taken  doe  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and  Succes- 
sors take  the  same  into  Our  actuall  and  reall  possession  The  King’s 
Knowe  yee  that  of  Our  speciall  grace  certain  knowledge  Grant 
and  mere  motion  Wee  have  given  granted  and  confirmed 
and  by  this  Our  present  Charter  for  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  Wee  doe  give  grant  and  confirme  unto  the  said 
Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  Assignes  All  that  part 
purport  and  portion  of  the  Mainland  of  New  England 
aforesaid  begining  from  the  midle  part  of  Naumkeck 
River  and  from  thence  to  proceed  Eastward  along  the 


70 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  ffifth  i 
of  the  o 
of  Gold 
Silver  is 
served. 


Seacost  to  Cape  Anne  and  round  about  the  same  to  Pas- 

cataway  harbour  and  soe  forwards  up  within  the  River  of 

Nowichewanock  and  to  the  furthest  head  of  the  said  river 

and  from  thence  Northwestwards  till  Sixtv  miles  be 

*/ 

finished  from  the  ffirst  Entrance  of  Pascataway  harbour 
And  also  from  Naumkeck  through  the  River  thereof  up 
into  the  Land  West  Sixty  miles  from  which  period  to 
cross  over  land  to  the  Sixty  Miles  End  appointed  from 
pascataway  through  Nowichowanock  river  to  the  Land 
Northwestwards  aforesaid  And  also  all  that  the  South 
half  of  the  Isles  of  Shoulds  Together  with  all  Islands  and 
Islets  as  well  imbayed  as  adjoining  lying  or  abutting  upon 
or  near  the  premises  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  within 
five  Leagues  distance  not  otherwise  lawfully  granted  to 
any  by  Speciall  name  All  which  part  purport  and  portion 
of  Lands  Islands  and  premises  now  are  and  from  hence- 
forth shalbe  called  by  the  name  of  Neivh  amp  shire  And 
also  of  Our  especial  grace  certaine  knowledge  and  mere 
motion  Wee  have  given  granted  and  confirmed  and  by  this 
Our  present  Charter  for  LTs  our  heyres  and  Successors 
Wee  doe  give  grant  and  confirme  unto  the  said  Captain 
John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  All  that  other  parcell 
or  portion  of  Lands  woods  and  Woodgrounds  lying  on  the 
Southeast  part  of  the  River  of  Sagadahock  in  New  Eng- 
land aforesaid  at  the  mouth  or  entrance  thereof  containing 
there  Tenn  Thousand  Acres  which  said  other  parcell  of 
land  now  is  and  from  henceforth  shalbe  called  by  the 
name  of  Masonia.  And  also  the  Reversion  and  Reversions 
remainder  and  remainders  of  all  and  Singular  the  said 
lands  Islands  and  premises  dependant  or  expectant  upon 
any  estate  or  estates  whatsoover  upon  record  or  not  upon 
record  be  it  for  lease  life  or  lives  veare  or  vears  ffee  taile  or 

%j 

ffee  tailes  or  otherwise  Together  also  with  all  the  firme 
lands  Soyles  and  grounds  aswell  under  w'ater  as  above 
water  and  dry  all  the  Shoares  Creeks  havons  harbours 
bayes  ports  rivers  waters  lakes  Mines  minerals  and  veynes 
of  metall  aswell  Royall  of  Gold  and  Silver  as  other  be 
they  Such  mines  minerals  or  veynes  of  metall  as  are  close 
and  hidden  in  the  earth  or  openly  seen  in  or  upon  the 
Earth  (Saving  only  the  ffifth  part  of  all  the  oare  of  Gold 

rtand  Silver  to  remain  to  Us  Our  hevres  and  Successors) 

P0  C/  S 

& All  Quarries  precious  Stones  pearls  ambergris  and  all  fish- 

e'ings  of  whatkind  or  kinds  of  Irish  soever  aswell  pearle 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


71 


ffishing  as  others  whether  Royall  ffishes  as  Sturgeons 
Whales  or  any  other  ffish  by  whatsoever  name  or  names 
they  or  any  of  them  are  or  shalbe  called  or  knowne  And 
all  Such  ffish  whatsoever  by  him  them  or  any  of  them  to 
be  taken  And  all  and  Singular  profits  benefits  & commodi- 
ties whatsoever  happening  growing  or  arising  or  to  be  hap- 
pen grow  or  arise  within  or  on  the  Said  tracts  of  land  upon 
the  Mainland  also  within  or  on  the  said  Islands  or  any  of 
them  and  the  Seas  Islands  waters  lakes  and  rivers  within 
the  said  tracts  of  land  on  the  main  or  the  Islands  and 
coasts  of  the  same  or  any  of  them. / And  also  all  the 
advorrsions  and  patronages  of  Churches  whatsoever  to  be 
erected  within  the  said  tracts  of  the  mainland  or  Islands 
or  any  of  them  with  licence  and  liability  there  to  build 
and  found  Churches  Chappels  and  Oratories  in  places 
fitting  and  convenient  and  to  dedicate  or  consecrate  the 
same  or  cause  the  same  to  be  dedicated  or  consecrated 
according  to  the  Ecclesiasticall  lawes  of  this  our  Realme 
of  England  together  also  with  all  such  and  as  ample  Juris- 
dictions prerogatives  Royall  rights  royalties  privileges 
ffrauchises  preheminences  liberties  powers  Exemptions 
and  immunities  temporalities  and  hereditaments  aswell  by 
Sea  as  land  and  aswell  within  the  said  tracts  of  land  upon 
the  main  aswell  within  the  said  Islands  or  any  of  them 
and  the  coasts  of  or  on  the  same  or  any  part  or  parcell 
there  of  as  now  are  or  at  any  time  heretofore  have  been 
had  used  or  enjoyed  or  of  right  ought  to  be  or  to  have 
been  had  used  or  enjoyed  b}~  the  now  or  any  former 
Bishop  of  Duresine  within  the  Bishopwick  of  Duresine 
or  the  County  Palatine  of  Duresine  within  Our  Realme 
of  England  or  that  Wee  or  any  of  Our  Progenitors  have 
heretofore  granted  or  mentioned  to  be  granted  unto  the 
now  or  late  Company  of  Virginia  or  to  the  Governor  & 
Company  of  Adventurers  of  the  Citty  of  Westminster  for 
plantation  of  the  Isle  of  Providence  Henrietta  and  the 
adjacent  Islands  lying  on  the  coast  of  America  or  to  any 
other  Company  body  polit.icque  or  corporate  or  to  our 
right  trusty  and  welbeloved  Cecill  Calvert  Baron  of  Balti- 
more within  our  Realme  of  Ireland  or  any  other  Adven- 
turer or  Adventurers  planter  or  planters  of  the  Somer 
Islands  Amazones  or  of  any  discoveries  plantations  or 
traficques  of  in  or  into  any  forreigne  parts  whatsoever 
and  in  as  large  and  ample  manner  as  if  the  same  had 


i c e n c e to 
found  Chur- 
ches 


.11  regall 
rights  grant- 
ed with  the 
premises 


72 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


herein  been  particularly  mentioned  and  expressed  although 
the  same  require  otherwise  more  especiall  words  clauses  & 
The  Kin  g expressions  And  Wee  doe  for  Us  our  Heyres  and  Succes- 
pluentee^aR  sors  by  these  presents  make  create  and  constitute  him  the 
of  the  prov^ sa^  Captain  John  Mason  and  his  Heyres  The  true  and 
ince  absolute  Lords  and  proprietors  of  the  said  portions  or 

Tracts  of  Lands  Islands  and  premises  (except  before 
excepted)  Saving  allwayes  the  ffaith  and  Allegiance  and 
The  Haben- the  Dominion  directly  due  to  Us  our  Hevresand  Successors 

(Jum  t 

To  have  hold  possess  and  enjoy  the  aforesaid  parts  purports 
and  portions  of  Lands  Islands  and  Islets  and  all  and  Singu- 
lar other  the  premises  and  also  the  reversion  and  rever- 
sions remainder  and  remainders  thereof  and  of  every  part 
and  parcell  thereof  dependant  or  expectant  as  aforesaid 
unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes 
for  ever  To  the  onely  and  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him 
the  said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  for 
ever  To  be  holden  of  Us  our  Heyres  and  Successors  Kings 
of  England  as  of  Our  Castle  of  Windsor  in  our  County  of 
Berks  in  ffree  and  Common  Soccage  by  fealty  only  for  all 
manner  of  Services  and  not  in  Capite  nor  by  Knights  Ser- 
vice And  also  paying  to  Us  our  Heyres  and  Successors  one 
Quarter  of  wheate  after  the  measure  in  England  called 
Winchester  measure  yearly  upon  the  ffast  day  of  Sainct 
Michaell  the  Archangell  to  the  hands  of  the  officer  or  offi- 
cers there  in  the  parts  of  New  England  appointed  for  the 
receipt  thereof  And  also  the  ffifth  part  of  all  the  Oare  of 
Gold  and  Silver  which  shall  happen  yearly  to  be  found 
gotten  or  obtained  within  the  limits  of  the  premises  And 
that  the  sevearall  parts  and  portions  of  lands  & Islands 
soe  described  as  aforesaid  may  be  graced  and  dignified 
with  Titles  fitting  Know  yee  that  of  our  more  ample 
Grace  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion  Wee  have 
caused  the  said  Severall  portions  and  tracts  of  lands  and 
also  the  said  Islands  to  be  reduced  into  a Province  And 
that  out  of  the  fullness  of  our  power  and  prerogative  for 
Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  erect  create  and 
incorporate  the  same  into  a Province  and  doe  hereby  name 
both  the  said  tracts  of  Land  upon  the  Main  and  the  said 
Islands  by  the  Generali  name  of  the  Province  of  New 
The  Name  of  Hampshire  and  doe  also  hereby  name  the  said  parcell  of 
the  Province -^an(j  containing  Tenn  Thousand  Acres  by  the  particular 
name  of  Mason ia  within  the  province  of  New  hampshire 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


73 


and  soe  to  be  called  reputed  and  taken  for  ever  hereafter 
And  that  all  the  said  Severall  parcels  of  Lands  Islands  and 
Islets  shalbe  reputed  and  taken  as  parts  parcels  or  member 
of  the  said  province  of  Newhampshire  aforesaid  further- 
more know  yee  therefore  That  for  US  our  Heyres  and  Suc- 
cessors Wee  doe  give  and  grant  full  power  by  the  honor  of 
those  presents  unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  (of 
whose  ffaith  wisedome  justice  and  provident  circumspec- 
tion Wee  are  very  confident)  and  to  his  heyres  for  the 
good  and  happy  government  of  the  said  province  of  New- 
hampshire to  make  what  Lawes  soever  either  pertaining  to 
the  publick  state  of  the  said  province  or  to  the  private 
profitt  of  all  the  Inhabitants  thereof  according  to  his  or 
their  sound  discretions  by  and  with  the  consent  and  appro- 
bation of  the  freeholders  of  the  same  province  or  the 
major  part  of  them  or  of  their  Legats  or  Deputies  who 
Our  will  and  pleasure  is  shalbe  called  together  by  the  said 
Captain  John  Mason  and  his  Heyres  or  his  or  their  Deputy 
or  Deputies  for  the  making  of  the  said  lawes  when  and 
as  often  as  need  shall  require  and  in  the  forme  which  to 
him  and  them  shall  seem  best  And  to  publish  or  proclaim 
the  same  under  the  Seal  of  the  said  Captain  John  Mason 
and  his  Heyres  And  Wee  doe  also  give  to  him  and  them 
all  manner  of  full  power  and  authority  duly  to  Execute 
the  same  upon  all  men  within  the  said  province  and  the 
limits  of  the  same  for  the  time  being  or  under  his  or  their 
Regiment  and  power  either  sailing  towards  it  from  Eng- 
land or  from  it  towards  England  or  to  or  from  any  other 
our  Dominions  or  the  Dominions  of  any  Strangers  what- 
soever by  imposition  of  mulcts  imprisonment  or  any  other 
coercion  And  if  need  be  and  that  the  quality  of  the 
offence  require  it  by  deprivation  of  life  or  member  by  him 
the  aforesaid  Captain  John  Mason  and  his  Heyres  or  by 
his  or  their  Deputies  Leiutenants  and  Judges  Justices 
Magistrates  Officers  and  Ministers  according  to  the  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  these  presents  to  be  appointed  and 
made  And  also  power  and  authority  to  constitute  appoint 
and  ordain  by  Sea  and  Land  any  Judges  Justices  Magis- 
trates and  officers  whatsoever  and  for  what  cause  soever 
and  with  whatsoever  power  and  in  the  forme  which  to  the 
aforesaid  Captain  John  Mason  or  his  Heyres  shall  Seem 
best  and  to  remitt  release  pardon  and  abolish  any  crimes 
or  offences  whatsoever  committed  within  the  limits  of  the 


The  Lord  of 
the  prov . 
hath  power 
to  make 
Lawes  with 
consent  of 
the  ffree- 
holders. 


The  Lawes  to 
be  proclaim- 
ed under  the 
Seal  of  the 
Lord  of  the 
province. 


power  to  ap- 
point Judg- 
es, &c. 


74 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  province  either  before  Judgement  given  or  after 
Judgement  received,  and  to  doe  all  other  things  pertain- 
ing to  or  which  shall  or  may  concerne  the  accomplishment 
or  execution  of  Justice.  And  also  power  to  make  and 
appoint  Courts  of  pretorian  and  tribunal  and  the  formes 
of  Judgements  and  manner  of  proceedings  thereunto  be- 
longing although  of  them  in  these  presents  there  be  no 
express  mention  And  also  power  to  proceed  upon  hold  and 
determine  pleas  in  those  Courts  pretorian  and  tribunal  in 
any  actions  Suites  causes  and  matters  whatsoever  aswell 
criminall  as  civill  personal  real  and  misct  and  pretorian  by 
the  Judges  by  them  to  be  chosen  Which  lawes  soe  as  afore- 
said to  be  published  or  proclaimed.  Our  will  and  pleas- 
ure is  and  Wee  doe  enjoine  charge  and  command  that  in 
the  most  absolute  fforme  of  Law  that  may  be  indeavoured 
the  same  may  be  kept  and  inviolably  observed  in  these 
parts  of  all  men  Our  Subjects  and  leige  people  and  Sub- 
jects and  Leige  people  of  Our  heyres  and  Successors  as 
farre  forth  as  they  shall  concerne  them.  And  that  also 
under  the  paines  in  the  same  expressed  and  to  be  expressed 
Soe  as  that  the  foresaid  Lawes  be  consonant  to  reason  and 
The  Lawes  not  repugnant  or  contrary  (but  as  farr  forth  as  conven- 
agreabie  bto  iently  may)  be  agreable  to  the  Lawes  Statuts  Customes 
ofh  EngfandS aD(^  Ordinances  of  this  Our  Realme  of  England  And 
because  in  the  Government  of  soe  great  a province  Sucl- 
dain  chances  and  occasions  may  happen  unto  which  there 
wilbe  a necessity  of  applying  remedy  before  the  free- 
holders of  the  said  province  or  their  legates  or  Deputies 
can  be  called  together  to  the  making  of  Lawes  Neither 
will  it  be  fitting  continually  in  like  cases  arising  to  call 
together  soe  much  people  Therefore  for  the  better  Gov- 
ernment of  the  said  province  Wee  will  and  ordain  by 
these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe 
grant  unto  the  aforesaid  Captain  John  Mason  and  his 
heyres  that  he  the  said  Now  Captain  John  Mason  and  his 
Heyres  by  himself  or  by  his  or  their  Magistrates  and  offi- 
cers in  that  behalf  duly  as  aforesaid  to  be  appointed  shall 
and  may  make  ordain  and  constitute  ordinances  fitting 
and  wholsome  from  time  to  time  within  the  said  province 
to  be  kept  and  observed  aswell  for  the  preservation  of  the 
peace  as  for  the  better  Government  of  the  people  there 
abiding  and  shall  publickly  notify  the  same  unto  all  per- 
sons whom  it  doth  or  may  any  wayes  concerne  Which  ordi- 


f 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


75 


.nances  within  the  said  province  Our  will  is  shalbe  inviola- 
bly observed  under  the  pains  therin  expressed  Soe  as  the 
same  ordinances  be  agreable  unto  reason  and  not  repug- 
nant or  contrary  but  (as  far  forth  as  conveniently  they 
■may)  be  agreable  to  the  Lawes  Statuts  and  Ordinances 
of  our  Realme  of  England  and  soe  as  the  same  ordinances 


•extend  not  themselves  unto  the  right  and  interest  of  any 
•person  or  persons  for  or  in  his  life  member  or  freehold 
.goods  or  chattels  to  be  disstrained  constrained  restrained 
bound  charged  or  taken  away  in  any  manner  And  Wee  are 
graciously  pleased  and  for  Us  our  Heyres  and  Successors 
Wee  doe  publish  and  declare  grant  and  agree  to  and  with 
(the  said  Captain  John  Mason  and  his  Heyres  for  all  times 
hereafter  and  for  all  causes  That  Wee  our  heyres  and  Suc- 
cessors will  not  make  ordain  nor  appoint  or  otherwise  (then 
as  aforesaid)  suffer  or  assent  unto  any  Lawes  or  ordinances 
to  be  made  ordained  or  appointed  within  or  for  the  said 
province  of  Newhampshire  nor  suffer  any  Generali  Gov- 
ernor by  Us  to  be  constituted  to  doe  any  Act  b}^  colour  of 
£tny  Commission  to  him  granted  or  to  have  any  power  or 
authority  thereby  to  doe  any  thing  which  shall  extend  unto 
the  right  or  interest  of  any  person  or  persons  within  the 
said  province  for  or  in  his  or  their  life  or  lifes  member  or 
members  lands  or  tenements  goods  or  chattels  whatsoever 
to  be  distrained  constrained  restrained  bound  charged  or 
taken  away  And  also  that  the  said  Governor  from  time  The  power  of 
to  time  to  be  constituted  shall  not  have  any  power  to 
extend  his  authority  in  any  wise  to  hinder  the  due  Execu- 
tion of  any  the  Lawes  which  shalbe  made  from  time  to 
time  within  the  said  Province  of  Newhampshire  according 
to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  Our  present  Char- 
ter And  that  all  lawes  or  ordinances  to  be  made  contrary 
to  the  effect  intent  and  true  meaning  of  these  presents 
shalbe  void  and  shalbe  holden  for  none  Nevertheless  our 
will  and  pleasure  is  that  it  shalbe  lawful  by  the  tenor  of 
these  presents  to  and  for  all  the  people  there  abiding  and  Liberty  to  ail 
inhabiting  from  time  to  time  to  apply  themselves  unto  JS 
Such  a Generali  Governor  as  from  time  to  time  shalbe 
constituted  and  sent  over  into  the  parts  of  New  England 
aforesaid  for  the  government  of  the  whole  Country  and 
Territory  of  New  England  aforesaid  and  the  people  there 
Who  shall  from  time  to  time  be  chosen  and  appointed  by 
Commission  from  Us  Our  heyres  and  Successors  for  that 


the  Generali 
G overn  or 
over  the 
province. 


to  ap- 
to  the 
Gen’ll  Gov- 
ernor. 


76 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Licence  for  all 
P s o n s to 
tr  a n sp  o rt 
themsel  ve  s 
into  the 
Pvince. 


purpose  And  to  appeale  unto  him  in  manner  according 
unto  or  as  neer  as  conveniently  can  be  done  to  the  order 
of  proceedings  in  like  cases  within  Our  Real  me  of  Eng- 
land for  remedy  (if  there  be  cause)  within  ffourty  Dayes 
after  any  Judgement  decree  or  sentence  in  any  cause  or 
causes  given  against  them  or  any  of  them  touching  the 
matter  of  any  such  ordinance  or  ordinances  as  by  Us  our 
lieyres  and  Successors  under  our  Great  Seal  of  England 
from  time  to  time  hereafter  shalbe  appointed  for  the  better 
preservation  and  conservation  of  the  peace  better  safety 

defence  and  Government  of  the  said  Country  and  Territo- 

•/ 

ries  of  New  England  and  the  people  there  If  before  such 
Judgement  Decree  or  Sentence  the  same  ordinances  shall 
not  be  received  made  and  become  the  Law  or  Lawes  of  or 
within  the  said  province  of  Newhampshire  aswell  as  other 
the  lawes  of  the  said  province  and  according  to  the  man- 
ner of  and  for  making  of  lawes  thereby  Us  herein  ap- 
pointed as  aforesaid  And  that  the  said  Governor  shall 
have  power  by  the  tenor  of  these  presents  in  manner  ac- 
cording unto  or  as  neer  as  conveniently  may  be  done  to 
the  order  of  the  proceedings  in  like  cases  within  Our 
Realme  of  England  by  his  final  Judgement  Decree  or  Sen- 
tence to  determine  the  matter  (upon  any  such  appeal) 
according  to  Justice  and  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of 
such  ordinances  Moreover  that  the  said  province  and  the 
people  that  shall  increase  and  have  recourse  to  the  same 
may  be  made  more  happy  and  prousperous  and  may  be  the 
more  secure  and  free  from  the  invasion  of  the  barbarous 
people  and  of  other  Enemies  pirates  robbers  and  such  as 
may  threaten  to  make  a prey  of  them  hereafter  Therefore 
for  Us  our  lieyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  give  and  grant 
by  these  presents  licence  and  liberty  unto  all  persons  both 
Our  Subjects  and  leige  people  for  the  present  and  the 
Subjects  and  leige  people  of  our  lieyres  and  Successors  in 
future  time  (except  Such  as  shalbe  specially  interdicted) 
to  transport  Themselves  and  their  families  to  the  said 
province  with  conveinent  ships  and  company  fitting  And 
to  plant  inhabitt  settle  and  continue  there  without  any 
restraint  or  command  to  the  contrary  And  also  that  no 
Ship  nor  marriner  victuals  ordnance  artillery  or  habili- 
ments of  warr  sett  forth  or  imployed  for  any  such  voyage 
or  belonging  to  the  said  province  of  Newhampshire  or  to 
any  the  inhabitants  thereof  shall  not  at  any  time  hereafter 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


77 


be  stayed  either  at  Sea  or  in  harbor  unless  it  be  for  the 
necessary  defence  of  Our  Dominions  only  And  Wee  doe 
also  grant  unto  them  licence  to  erect  and  build  fforts 
Castles  and  ffortifications  at  the  good  liking  of  the  said 
Captain  John  Mason  and  his  hey  res  and  to  furnish  them 
at  all  points  compleat  for  the  publick  defence  and  their 
owne  The  Statuts  concerning  ffugitives  or  any  other  Stat- 
uts  to  the  contrary  Thereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding 
And  also  Our  will  and  pleasure  is  and  of  our  more  free 
grace  for  Us  our  lieyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  firmly 
give  in  charge  ordain  and  command  That  the  said  province 
be  in  allegiance  to  Us  and  that  all  and  Singular  the  leige 
people  of  Us  our  lieyres  and  Successors  drawne  or  to  be 
drawne  into  the  said  province  and  the  Children  coming  by 
descent  from  them  or  from  others  whether  now  borne  or 
hereafter  to  be  borne  maybe  and  shalbe  free  Denizens 
and  the  leige  people  of  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  of 
Our  Kingdoms  of  England  and  Ireland  and  in  all  things 
shalbe  holden  reputed  and  had  as  the  faithfull  leige  people 
of  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  originally  springing  up 
within  our  Realme  of  England  And  also  may  injoy  by 
discent  purchase  receive  and  take  have  hold  buy  and 
possess  lands  tenements  revenues  services  and  other  hered- 
itaments whatsoever  within  our  Realme  of  England  and 
other  Our  Dominions  of  inheritance  or  otherwise  and 
may  use  and  injoy  the  same  And  may  give  sell  alien  and 
bequeath  the  same  And  also  shall  have  and  possess  all  the 
liberties  franchises  and  privileges  of  this  Our  Realme  of 
England  quietly  and  peaceably  and  may  use  and  enjoy  the 
same  as  well  as  Our  leige  people  born  within  Our  King- 
dome  of  England  or  taking  their  originall  there  without 
any  impediment  molestation  vexation  impeachment  or 
greivance  of  Us  our  heyres  or  Successors  whatsoever  Any 
Statute  act  ordinance  or  provision  to  the  contrary  thereof 
Notwithstanding  ffurthermore  that  our  Subjects  may  be 
invited  to  this  expedition  with  alacrity  of  mind  Know  yee 
that  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  and  mere  mo- 
tion Wee  doe  give  and  grant  aswell  to  the  said  Captain 
John  Mason  and  his  heyres  as  unto  all  others  from  time  to 
time  inhabiting  or  having  Commerce  with  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  said  province  for  the  advancement  of  the  profit  of 
the  said  province  licence  to  carry  all  and  singular  goods 
aswell  moveable  as  immoveable  horses  Mares  goates  swine 


To  build  fforts 
&c. 


The  province 
to  be  in  alle- 
gi ance  to 
the  King . 
All  children 
born  therein 
are  free 
Denizens  of 
England  & 
Ireland 


78 


CHARTER  records. 

asses  and  all  other  kinds  of  beasts  and  cattle  and  all  wares 
marchandise  and  commodities  of  what  kind  soever  and  all 
other  things  whatsoever  necessary  for  food  or  ray  men  t or 
for  manuring  or  tilling  the  Earth  (By  the  Lawes  and 
Statuts  of  Kingdoms  and  Dominions  not  prohibited)  unto 
any  our  ports  or  the  ports  of  our  heyres  and  Successors 
and  to  putt  aboard  and  load  them  into  any  Ships  and  to 
exporte  and  transport  the  same  into  the  said  province  of 
Newhampshire  by  himself  or  his  or  their  Servants  and 
assignes  And  also  licence  to  export  and  transport  any 
to  transport  Armor  ordance  powder  shott  artillery  or  any  other  habil- 
Armesrts  ofiments  of  warr  defensive  or  offensive  for  the  publick  ben- 
efitt  defence  and  safety  of  the  said  province  and  them- 
selves without  any  impediment  of  Us  our  heyres  and  Suc- 
cessors or  of  any  officer  of  ours  or  of  our  heyres  and 
Successors  Saving  unto  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  the 
impositions  customes  and  other  duties  for  the  same  things 
goods  and  Marchandise  due  and  payable  any  Statute  Act 
ordnance  or  other  thing  whatsoever  to  the  contrary  not- 
withstanding And  because  in  such  a remote  Country 
seated  amongst  soe  many  barbarous  Nations  invasions 
maybe  feared  aswell  of  these  barbarous  people  as  of  other 
Enemies  pirates  and  robbers  Wee  have  likewise  given  and 
by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee 
doe  give  power  and  authority  unto  the  said  Captain  John 
Mason  and  unto  his  heyres  and  assignes  by  him  or  them 
or  his  or  their  Captains  and  other  officers  over  all  men  of 
what  condition  soever  or  from  whencesoever  derived  being 
within  the  Limits  of  the  said  province  for  the  time  being 
To  call  them  to  their  Ensignes  to  Musters  and  to  take 
To  pursue  en- armes  and  encounter  the  Enemies  or  robbers  infesting 
andeiand.Sea  these  parts  and  if  God  give  victory  to  putt  to  flight  expell 
and  chase  them  out  of  the  said  province  and  to  pursue 
them  by  Sea  and  Land  beyound  the  Limits  of  the  said 
province  and  to  take  them  or  any  of  them  And  the  Cap- 
tives by  the  Justice  of  Warr  to  putt  to  death  or  at  their 
pleasure  or  for  their  service  to  preserve  and  keep  And  also 
by  force  of  Armes  to  recover  from  any  person  or  persons 
All  such  Lands  Territories  places  Ships  barques  boates 
goods  and  chattels  as  shalbe  taken  from  them  or  any  of 
To  make  Re-  them  Or  in  defect  of  such  recovery  to  releive  themselves 
pnsais.  upon  the  parties  doing  injury  or  any  other  of  the  same 
Nation  or  Nations  by  way  of  reprisals  and  taking  their 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


79 


ships  and  goods  and  men  or  otherwise  as  they  shalbe  able 
for  recompense  and  Satisfaction  of  any  such  loss  and  dam- 
age as  they  or  any  of  them  shall  sustaine  in  any  such  case 
and  to  doe  and  performe  all  things  which  to  the  duty  and 
office  of  Captain  Generali  of  an  Army  doe  belong  or  have 
been  accoustomed  to  appertain  as  fully  and  freely  as  any 
Captain  General  of  an  Army  hath  had  Our  will  and 
pleasure  is  also  and  by  this  our  present  Charter  Wee  doe. 
give  power  liberty  and  authority  unto  the  said  Captain 
John  Mason  and  his  heyres  as  in  case  of  Rebellion  sud-To^use ^Mar-. 
dain  tumult  or  sedition  if  any  (which  God  forbid)  should  case  of  Re-, 
happen  to  arise  either  upon  the  Land  within  the  said  belllon 
province  or  upon  the  main  Sea  in  the  Voyage  Sailing  to- 
wards the  said  province  or  from  the  said  province  hy  him- 
or  them  or  his  or  their  Captains  Deputies  or  other  officers, 
under  his  or  their  Seals  thereunto  deputed  unto  whom  also 
by  the  tenor  of  these  presents  Wee  doe  for  Us  our  heyres 
and  Successors  give  and  grant  most  ample  power  and  au- 
thority against  all  such  insurrections  and  the  seditious  Au- 
thors thereof  and  against  such  as  shall  withdraw  them- 
selves from  his  or  their  Government  raising  warr  Tray- 
tors  fugitives  vagabonds  or  any  of  them  being  Delinquents 
contrary  to  the  order  custome  and  disciplin  of  warr  That 
they  may  be  handled  and  dealt  with  according  to  the  Law 
of  Armes  as  freely  and  in  as  ample  manner  and  forme  as 
any  Captain  General  of  an  Army  by  virtue  of  his  office 
may  use  the  same  or  hath  been  accustomed  to  doe  ffurther-To  conferre 
more  least  unto  men  honestly  born  and  applying  them-  honour' 
selves  to  the  present  expedition  and  well  deserving  at  our 
hands  and  of  our  Kingdoms  both  in  peace  and  warr  The 
way  to  honor  and  renowne  might  seem  difficult  and  hard 
to  find  in  soe  remote  and  farr  distant  a Country  Therefore 
for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  give  liberall 
and  full  power  unto  the  aforesaid  Captain  John  Mason  and 
his  heyres  to  conferre  favours  and  honours  upon  well  de- 
serving Cittizens  and  persons  inhabiting  within  the  said 
province  And  to  dignify  them  with  any  titles  and  Digni- 
ties whatsoever  (soe  they  be  such  as  in  England  now  are 
in  use)  according  to  his  or  their  pleasure  And  also  liberall 
and  full  power  to  create  villages  into  Burroughs  and  To  create  ctt- 
11  UlTOUgllS  into  Citties  and  to  constitute  and  appoint  such  roughs, 
and  soe  many  ITaires  and  Markets  in  them  or  any  of  them 
for  the  more  conveinency  of  t lie  Inhabitants  and  their 


80 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


continuance  in  these  places  and  for  the  better  setling  and 
incorporating  them  with  meet  privileges  and  immunities 
and  to  doe  all  and  Singular  such  other  things  whatsoever 
concerning  the  premises  as  to  him  or  them  shall  seem  to 
be  most  meet  and  conveinent  although  they  shalbe  be 
such  as  of  their  owne  nature  doe  require  a more  especial 
Commission  or  Warrant  then  in  these  presents  is  ex- 
pressed Our  will  and  pleasure  is  also  and  by  these  pres- 
ents for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  give  and 
grant  unto  the  foresaid  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres 
and  assignes  and  unto  all  the  Dwellers  and  Inhabitants  of 
the  said  province  of  Newhampshire  whatsoever  both  for 
the  present  and  future  times  Licence  by  this  Our  Royall 
Charter  to  export  and  bring  all  manner  of  wares  and  mar- 
chandise  whatsoever  of  the  fruites  and  Commodities  out  of 
the  said  province  either  Land  Commodities  or  Sea  Com- 
modities by  him  or  them  his  or  their  servants  tfactors  or 
assignes  unto  any  the  ports  of  Us  our  heyres  or  Succes- 
sors both  of  England  and  Ireland  and  freely  to  import 
and  bring  in  and  to  unloade  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the 
same  and  if  need  be  to  take  and  loade  againe  in  the  same 
ships  or  in  any  other  the  same  wares  within  one  years  con- 
tinuance after  the  unloading  thereof  and  shall  be  able  to 
export  and  deporte  them  into  what  Countries  they  please 
either  ours  or  fforreigne  in  amity  with  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  freed  and  discharged  by  the  Tenor  of  these 
presents  of  and  from  the  payment  of  any  Customes  Sub- 
sidies taxes  or  duties  other  then  the  payment  of  ffive 
pounds  ^ Centum  only  according  to  the  ancient  trade  of 
Marchandise  heretofore  used  for  wares  marchandise  and 
commodities  due  & payable  unto  Us  our  heyres  and  Suc- 
cessors And  our  will  and  pleasure  is  and  for  Us  our  heyres 
& Successors  by  the  tenor  of  these  presents  Wee  doe  pub- 
lish and  declare  that  for  and  upon  the  paymt  of  the  said 
ffive  pounds  ^ Centum  Wee  doe  freely  exonorate  acquitt 
and  discharge  the  same  wares  goods  and  Marchandise  soe 
to  be  imported  transported  or  exported  as  aforesaid  And 
Wee  doe  hereby  straightly  charge  and  command  our  Lord 
Treasurer  under  Treasurer  or  any  Commissioners  for  our 
Treasury  the  Barons  of  our  Exchecquer  and  all  other  our 
officers  Customers  and  Ministers  for  ever  hereafter  upon 
the  view  of  this  Our  Royall  Charter  or  the  Inrolment 
thereof  to  exonerate  and  acquitt  the  same  according  to  the 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


81 


Tenor  of  this  our  Royall  Grant  beyound  which  Wee  will 
not  greive  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  province  of  New- 
harapshire  nor  any  of  them  And  furthermore  of  our  more 
especial  Grace  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion  for  Us 
our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  grant  unto  the  said 
Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  full  and  ab- 
solute power  and  authority  to  make  erect  and  constitute 
within  the  province  aforesaid  such  and  soe  many  Sea  ports  To  erect  ports 
beys  for  shipping  creeks  and  other  places  of  lading  or  un-  fhTpping 
lading  and  laying  downe  or  landing  of  goods  and  Mar-  goods 
chandise  out  of  Ships  boates  and  other  vessels  and  to 
loade  in  the  same  and  in  such  and  soe  many  places  and 
with  such  rights  Jurisdictions  liberties  and  privileges  to 
the  same  ports  belonging  as  unto  him  or  them  shall  seem 
most  expedient  and  that  all  and  singular  Ships  boates 
and  other  vessels  whatsoever  by  reason  of  trafick  or  mar- 
chandising  going  and  coming  to  and  from  the  said  prov- 
ince shalbe  laden  and  unladen  at  those  ports  soe  by  the 
said  Captain  John-  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  to  be 
erected  and  appointed  as  aforesaid  and  not  elsewhere  any 
use  custome  or  any  other  thing  to  the  contrary  thereof 
Notwithstanding  Moreover  our  will  is  and  Wee  doe  ap- 
point and  ordaine  and  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres 
and  Successors  Wee  doe  giant  unto  the  aforesaid  Captain 
John  Mason  his  heyres  & assignes  from  time  to  time  for 
ever  To  have  and  enjoy  all  such  Tolls  and  Subsidies  in  Toils  and  sub- 
the  ports  and  beys  for  Shiping  and  all  other  Creeks  and  ed  to  the 
places  aforesaid  within  the  province  aforesaid  payable  and  province. the 
arising  for  the  marchandise  and  goods  there  to  be  loaden 
and  unloaden  as  by  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  and  his 
heyres  within  the  said  province  from  time  to  time  as  cause 
or  occasion  shall  require  shalbe  reasonably  assessed  in  that 
behalf  unto  whome  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres 
and  Successors  Wee  doe  give  power  for  any  just  cause  by 
due  proportionate  assess  and  tax  Tolls  and  Subsidies  there 
as  aforesaid  And  furthermore  of  our  Special  grace  certain  sidies. 
knowledge  and  mere  motion  Wee  have  given  granted  and 
confirmed  and  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  Wee  doe  give  grant  and  confirme  unto  the  fore- 
said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  full  and 
absolute  licence  power  and  authority  That  the  aforesaid 
Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  from  time  to 
time  forever  hereafter  at  his  and  their  free  will  and  pleasure 


82 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


shall  or  may  assigne  alien  grant  dimise  or  Enfeoffe  soe 
many  such  and  so  great  parts  or  parcels  of  the  premises 
to  any  person  or  persons  willing  to  purchase  the  same  as 
he  they  or  any  of  them  shall  find  convenient  To  have  and 
to  hold  to  such  person  and  persons  as  slialbe  willing  to 
take  or  purchase  the  same  to  them  and  their  heyres  and 
assignes  in  ffee  simple  ffee  tayle  or  for  terme  of  life  or  lifes 
or  for  yeares  To  be  holden  of  the  said  Captain  John  Mason 
his  heyres  and  Assignes  by  such  and  soe  many  and  soe 
great  services  customes  and  Rents  as  unto  him  or  the 
said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  shall 
seem  good  and  pleasing  and  immediately  of  Us  our  heyres 
and  Successors  And  unto  the  same  person  or  persons  and 
to  every  of  them  Wee  doe  give  and  for  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  Wee  doe  grant  Licence  and  authority  and 
power  That  such  person  and  persons  the  premises  or  any 
part  or  parcell  thereof  of  the  aforesaid  Captain  John 
Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  ma}7  receive  and  take  and 
may  hold  to  him  and  his  assignes  or  to  his  heyres  of  any 
To  grant  es-  estate  of  inheritance  in  ffee  simple  or  ffee  tayle  or  other- 
conffrmatlon  wise  as  unto  them  and  the  now  Captain  John  Mason  his 
heyres  and  Assignes  shall  seem  expedient  The  Statute 
made  in  the  parliament  of  King  Edward  the  Sonn  of  King 
Henry  late  King  of  England  Our  progenitor  commonly 
called  the  Statute  of  Quia  Emplores  terrarum  in  our  Realme 
of  England  in  times  past  made  or  any  other  Statute  Act 
ordinance  use  law  or  custome  or  anything  clause  or  mat- 
ter to  the  contrary  thereof  heretofore  had  made  ordained  or 
provided  in  any  wise  notwithstanding  And  unto  the  said 
Captain  John  Mason  and  his  heyres  Wee  doe  for  Us  our 
heyres  and  Successors  grant  licence  by  these  presents  to 
create  into  Mannors  any  particular  lands  within  the  said 
province  and  in  ever}7  severall  Mannor  to  have  and  hold 
Severall  Courts  Baron  and  to  doe  and  performe  all  things 
which  to  a Court  Baron  belongeth  And  also  to  have  rein 
of  ffrank  pledges  for  the  conservation  of  the  peace  and 
the  better  government  in  those  parts  bj'  him  or  them  or 
his  or  their  Stewards  when  those  Mannors  shalbe  consti- 
tuted being  Lord  or  Lords  of  these  Mannors  for  the  time 

O 


To  erect 
Courts  Baron 


being  and  to  have  and  use  all  things  which  to  the  rein  of 
ffrank  pledges  doe  belong  or  appertain  And  furthermore 
our  will  is  and  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  Wee  doe  covenant  grant  and  agree  to  and  with 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


83 


the  aforesaid  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes 
That  if  he  or  they  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  upon  any 
doubt  which  he  or  they  shall  conceive  concerning  the 
Strength  of  this  Our  present  Grant  be  disirous  to  renew 
the  same  from  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  with  amend- 
ment of  such  imperfections  and  Defects  as  shall  appeare 
fitt  and  necessary  to  be  performed  and  amended  by  Us  our 
heyres  & successors  That  thereupon  the  humble  petition  TheKingCov_ 
of  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  and  his  heyres  such  Snake  better 
further  and  better  assurance  of  all  and  Singular  the  said  assurance  if 

C'  GGSirGQ. 

tracts  and  portions  of  Lands  Islands  and  premises  and  of 
all  and  singular  other  the  privileges  herein  mentioned  to 
be  granted  shall  from  time  to  time  by  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  according  to  the  true  intent  of  these  Our  Let- 
ters patents  be  granted  unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason 
his  heyres  and  assignes  as  by  Our  Attorney  Generali  or 
Sollicitor  Generali  of  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  for  the 
time  being  and  the  learned  Counsell  of  the  said  Captain 
John  Mason  his  heyres  & assignes  shalbe  reasonably  de- 
vised or  advised  And  furthermore  our  will  and  pleasure  is 
and  by  these  presents  for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors 
Wee  doe  covenant  and  grant  to  and  with  the  foresaid  Cap- 
tain John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  That  wee  our 
heyres  and  Successors  will  not  impose  at  any  time  here- 
after any  impositions  or  customs  or  other  taxations  how 
small  soever  or  any  other  contributions  what  soever  nor 
doe  nor  cause  to  be  imposed  in  or  upon  the  dwellers  or  in- 
habitants of  the  foresaid  province  of  Newham pshire  for 
their  goods  lands  or  Tenements  within  the  same  province 
or  upon  any  Lands  Tenements  goods  or  chatties  within  the 
said  province  or  in  or  upon  any  the  goods  or  marcliandise 
within  the  said  province  or  within  any  of  the  ports  or 
Ships  Iveys  of  the  said  province  to  be  laden  or  unladen 
And  that  this  our  Declaration  in  all  Courts  Judgement 
Seats  and  before  any  the  Judges  of  Us  our  heyres  and 
Successors  shalbe  sufficient  for  the  exemption  Ifreedome 
and  acquitting  thereof  from  time  to  time  to  be  received 
or  allowed  And  Our  pleasure  is  and  for  Us  our  heyres 
and  Successors  Wee  doe  will  and  command  giving  in 
charge  unto  all  and  Singular  officers  and  Ministers  of 
Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  in  joining  them  on  pain  of 
our  high  displeasure  That  they  doe  not  presume  to  at- 
tempt any  thing  to  the  contrary  of  the  premises  at  any 


84 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


time  or  goe  against  the  same  by  any  means  but  shalbe 
None  to  at-aidingand  assisting  unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason 
thing  against  and  his  heyres  and  to  the  aforesaid  inhabitants  of  the  said 
thfs  chart.  °f  Provi°ce  called  the  province  of  Newhampshire  or  of  any 
part  or  parcell  thereof  and  the  Marchants  aforesaid  their 
Servants  ministers  ffactors  and  assignes  in  the  fullest  use 
and  fruition  of  this  our  Charter  and  the  benefitt  thereof 
att  all  times  as  it  becometh  them  And  our  will  is  also  and 
for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  declare  and 
ordaine  That  the  said  province  of  Newhampshire  shalbe 
is  ??da!ned  immediately  Subject  to  our  Crowne  of  England  and  de- 
jecUoTto pendant  upon  the  Same  for  ever  And  if  it  shall  happen 
ofeEngiande any  doubt  or  questions  shall  hereafter  arise  about 
the  true  sense  and  meaning  of  any  word  clause  or  sent- 
ence in  this  our  present  Charter  contained  Our  will  is  and 
Wee  doe  charge  and  command  that  in  all  interpretations 
to  be  made  thereof  in  all  Our  Courts  & Judgement  Seates 
the  same  shalbe  taken  and  adjudged  most  beneficiall  and 
favourable  unto  and  for  the  same  Captain  John  Mason 
his  heyres  and  assignes  provided  alwayes  that  noe  inter- 
pretation be  made  whereby  the  Sacred  word  of  God  and 
true  Christian  Religion  or  the  Allegiance  due  to  Us  our 
heyres  and  Successors  may  receive  or  suffer  any  prejudice 
diminution  or  disgrace  And  lastly  Our  will  and  pleasure 
is  and  by  these  presents  Wee  doe  publish  and  declare  and 
for  Us  our  heyres  and  Successors  Wee  doe  grant  and  agree 
to  and  with  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and 
assignes  That  these  our  Letters  patents  and  all  and  sin- 
gular grants  Clauses  and  things  therein  contained  shalbe 
and  continue  firme  strong  and  effectual  in  Law  and  shalbe 
construed  reputed  and  taken  aswell  to  the  intent  and 
meaning  as  to  the  words  of  the  same  most  gracious  and 
favourable  and  to  the  benefitt  of  the  said  Captain  John 
Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  any  omission  misinforma- 
tion or  defects  in  these  presents  or  any  Lawres  Statuts  or 
other  clauses  or  matters  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding 
and  although  express  mention  be  not  made  of  any  guifts 
or  Grants  by  Us  or  any  of  our  progenitors  or  predeces- 
sors to  the  foresaid  Captaine  John  Mason  his  heyres  and 
assignes  heretofore  made  And  notwithstanding  the  misre- 
citing  or  not  rightly  and  truly  reciting  of  any  Letters  pa- 
tents Grant  or  Grants  heretofore  made  of  the  premises  or 
of  any  part  thereof  or  of  any  particular  thing  therein  con- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


85 


tainned  or  Not  withstanding  any  misnaming  or  not  naming 
of  any  the  said  Lands  Island  or  Islands  or  any  of  them  or 
the  places  degrees  or  coasts  wherein  or  whereupon  they 
be  or  any  Statute  act  ordinance  provision  proclamation 
or  restraint  to  the  contrary  thereof  heretofore  had  made 
ordained  or  provided  or  any  matter  clause  or  thing  what- 
soever to  the  contrary  in  any  wise  notwithstanding  In 
Wittness  &c  Wittness  Our  Self  at  Westminster  the  Nine- 
teenth Day  of  August  1635  and  in  the  Eleaventh  year  of 
Our  Reign. 

This  is  a true  Copie  examind 
attested  by 
Ric.  Chamberlain 
Secretary  of  ye  Province  of 
New— Hampshire  Clerk  of 
His  Ma:ies  Councell  there. 


[Deed,  Gorges  to  Mason , Sept.  17,  1635 .] 

[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  the  Maine  Historical 

Society,  p.  46.] 

THIS  INDENTURE  made  the  seaventeentli  day  of  September 
Anno  Dom.  1635  and  in  the  eleaventh  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of  Our 
Sovereign e Lord  Charles  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of  England 
Scotland  ffrance  and  Ireland  Defender  of  the  ffaith  &c.  Between 
Sir  fferdinando  Gorges  of  London  knight  on  the  One  part  and 
Captain  John  Mason  of  London  Esquire  on  the  other  part  Witt- 
uesseth  That  whereas  our  late  Sovereign  Lord  King  James  of 
Blessed  memory  by  his  highness  Letters  patents  under  the  Great 
Seal  of  England  bearing  date  at  Westminster  the  Third  day  of 
November  in  the  Eighteenth  yeare  of  his  highness  reigne  over  the 
Realme  of  England  ffor  the  considerations  in  the  same  Letters  pa- 
tents expressed  hath  absolutely  given  granted  and  confirmed  unto 
the  Councill  established  at  Plimouth  in  the  County  of  Devon1'  ffor 
the  planting  ruling  ordering  and  governing  of  New  England  in 
America  and  to  their  Successors  and  assignes  forever  All  the  Land 
of  New  England  aforesaid  lying  and  being  in  breadth  from  ffourty 
Degrees  to  ffourty  Eight  Degrees  Northerly  Latitude  inclusively 
Together  with  all  ffirm  lands  Soyles  grounds  havons  ports  rivers 
waters  ffishings  hunting  hawking  ffowling  and  all  mines  and  min- 
erals aswell  Royall  mines  of  Gold  and  Silver  as  other  mines  & min- 


86 


CHARTER  RECORDS, 


erals  and  all  and  Singular  other  commodities  Jurisdictions  Royalties 
privileges  and  preheminences  as  by  the  said  Letters  patents  amongst 
diverse  other  things  therein  contained  more  at  large  it  doth  and 
may  appeare  And  Whereas  the  said  Councill  by  their  Indenture  un- 
der their  Common  Seal  bearing  date  the  Two  and  Twentieth  day  of 
Aprill  last  past  before  the  date  hereof  made  between  the  said  Coun- 
cill by  the  name  of  the  Councill  established  at  plimouth  in  the 
County  of  Devon  ffor  the  planting  ruling  ordering  and  governing 
of  New  England  in  America  of  the  One  part  and  the  said  Sir  ffer- 
dinando  Gorges  of  London  knight  on  the  other  part  ffor  the  consid- 
erations in  the  same  Indenture  contained  have  given  granted  aliened 
bargained  sold  enfeoffed  and  confirmed  unto  the  said  Sir  fferdinando 
Gorges  his  heyres  and  assignes  for  ever  All  that  part  purpart  or 
portion  of  the  mainland  of  New  England  aforesaid  beginning  at  the 
Entrance  of  pascataway  harbour  and  soe  to  pass  up  the  same  into 
the  river  of  Newichewanock  and  through  the  same  unto  the  ffurthest 
head  thereof  and  from  thence  Northwestwards  till  Sixty  miles  be  fin- 
ished And  from  pascataway  harbour  aforesaid  Northeastwards  along 
the  Sea  coast  to  Sagadahock  and  up  the  river  thereof  to  the  river 
of  Kenebeck  and  through  the  Same  unto  the  head  thereof  and  soe 
up  into  the  land  Northwestwards  untill  Sixty  miles  be  finished  ffrom 
the  mouth  or  entrance  of  Sagadahock  ffrom  which  period  to  cross 
over  land  to  the  Sixty  miles  end  formerly  accompted  up  into  the 
Land  ffrom  pascataway  harbour  through  Nowichewanock  River 
(which  amongst  other  Lands  are  granted  unto  the  said  Sir  fferdi- 
nando Gorges)  Together  with  all  mines  and  minerals  aswell  royall 
mines  of  Gold  and  Silver  as  other  mines  and  minerals  precious  Stones 
Woods  marishes  rivers  waters  ffishings  hawking  hunting  and  ffowl- 
ing  and  all  other  Royalties  Jurisdictions  privileges  preheminences 
profits  and  commodities  whatsoever  with  all  and  Singular  their 
appurtenances  with  all  other  privileges  liberties  and  immunities 
which  shall  or  may  arise  within  the  said  Limits  and  precincts  afore- 
said as  by  the  said  Indenture  more  at  large  it  doth  appeare  Now 
therefore  this  Indenture  ffurther  Wittnesseth  That  the  said  Sir  ffer- 
dinando Gorges  for  diverse  good  causes  and  considerations  him  here- 
unto especially  moving  hath  granted  aliened  bargained  sold  enfeoffed 
and  confirmed  and  by  these  presents  doth  grant  alien  bargain  Sell 
enfeoffed  and  confirme  unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres 
and  assignes  All  that  part  or  portion  of  land  beginning  at  the  En- 
trance of  Newichewanock  river  and  soe  upwards  alongst  the  said 
river  and  to  the  ffurthest  head  thereof  and  to  containe  in  breadth 
through  all  the  length  aforesaid  Three  miles  within  the  land  from 
every  part  of  the  said  River  and  half  way  over  the  said  river  To- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


87 


gether  with  all  and  Singular  harbours  creeks  marishes  woods  rivers 
waters  lakes  mines  and  minerals  aswell  royal  mines  of  Gold  & Silver 
as  other  mines  and  minerals  precious  stones  fiishings  hawking  hunt- 
ing and  ffowling  and  all  other  royalties  Jurisdictions  privileges  pre- 
heminences  profits  commodities  and  hereditaments  whatsoever  with 
all  and  Singular  their  and  every  of  their  appurtenences  with  all 
other  privileges  liberties  immunities  escheats  and  casualties  thereof 
which  shall  or  may  arise  within  the  Limits  and  precincts  aforesaid 
To  be  holden  of  his  Majesty  his  heyres  and  Successors  as  of  his 
highness  Mannor  of  East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  ffree 
and  Common  Soccage  and  not  in  Capite  or  by  knights  service  yeeld- 
ing  and  paying  to  his  Majesty  his  heyres  and  Successors  the  ffifth 
part  of  the  oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  that  from  time  to  time  and  at  all 
times  hereafter  shalbe  there  gotten  had  and  obtained  ffor  all  services 
duties  and  demands  as  in  and  by  the  said  recited  Letters  patents  are 
reserved  To  have  and  to  hold  all  the  said  part  or  portion  of  Land 
and  all  other  the  said  bargained  premises  with  their  and  every  of 
their  appurtenences  unto  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres 
and  Assignes  To  the  onely  and  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him  the 
said  Captain  John  Mason  his  heyres  and  assignes  for  ever  And  to  be 
injoyed  as  fully  ffreely  and  in  as  large  ample  and  beneficiall  manner 
and  forme  to  all  intents  and  purposes  whatsoever  as  he  the  said  Sir 
fferdinando  Gorges  by  virtue  of  the  said  recited  Indenture  might  or 
ought  to  have  hold  and  enjoy  the  same  or  any  part  thereof  In  Witt- 
ness  whereof  the  said  parties  to  these  present  Indentures  inter- 
changeably have  sett  their  hands  and  Seals  the  Day  and  yeare 
ffirst  above  written. 

Sealed  and  Delivered  fferd.  Gorges 

in  the  presence  of 
Matthew  Bradley 
Roger  Beal 
John  Moor  Sen. 

This  is  a true  copie 
Edw  Cranfield/ 

B Sargeant 
Rich.  Povey 


88 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[John  Mason’s  Will,  Nov.  26,  1635.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  5.] 

In  the  Name  of  God  Amen  I Cap1  John  Mason  of  London  Esqr 
being  Sick  in  Body  but  of  a perfect  mind  & memory  Laud  & 
praise  be  therefore  given  to  Almighty  God  do  make  & Declare 
this  my  present  Last  will  and  Testament  in  manner  & form  follow- 
ing that  is  to  say  First  & principally  I Commend  my  Soul  into  the 
hands  of  Almighty  God  & my  maker  hoping  & assuredly  believ- 
ing that  by  and  thro’  the  merrits  of  the  most  pretious  Death  and 
Passion  of  My  Lord  & Saviour  Jesus  Christ  I shall  be  Saved  & have 
full  & free  pardon  & remission  of  all  my  Sins  & Enjoy  Everlasting 
Life  in  the  Kingdom  of  heaven  amongst  the  Ellect  Children 
of  God  my  body  I committ  to  the  Earth  from  whence  it  Came 
to  be  buried  in  the  Collegiate  Church  of  Sfc  Peter  in  Westminster 
without  any  Funeral  pomp  or  Ceremony  & as  Concerning  all 
& Singuler  the  Goods  Chattels  Depts  & personal  Estate  wch  it 
hath  pleased  god  of  his  goodness  to  bless  me  withall  in  this  life 
after  my  Depts  shall  be  paid  & my  Funeral  Charges  Discharged  I 
give  Devise  & bequeath  the  Same  unto  Such  person  or  persons 
in  such  manner  & form  & under  such  Provisoes  Conditions  & 
Limitations  as  are  hereafter  Expressed  that  is  to  Say  Imprimis 
I give  & bequeath  unto  five  poor  people  of  the'  Town  or  parish  of 
Portsm0  in  the  County  of  South  liampton  the  sum  of  five  pounds  to 
be  Distributed  according  to  the  Discretion  of  the  Church  Wardens 
of  ye  sd  Town  or  parish  for  the  time  being  & to  be  paid  by  my  Ex- 
ecutrix unto  the  Said  Church  Wardens  of  the  Said  Town  or  Par- 
ish within  one  year  next  after  my  Decease  The  said  Church  Wardens 
within  one  year  next  after  The  Receipt  of  the  Said  Legacy  Giving 
unto  My  Executrix  an  Honest  & Just  Account  of  the  Distribution 
of  the  Said  Legacy  to  the  use  of  the  Said  poor  people — 

Item  I give  unto  my  Sister  Dorothy  Moor  in  Case  she  shall  be 
in  want  for  and  During  the  term  of  her  Natural  life  the  yearly  Sum 
of  Ten  pounds  of  Lawfull  money  of  England  to  be  paid  to  her 
or  Assigns  at  the  Two  usual  Feasts  or  half  yearly  paymts  in  the  year 
by  Even  and  Equal  portions  & I give  unto  Every  of  the  Children 
of  my  Said  Sister  Dorothy  Moor  Six  pounds  apeice  of  Lawfull 
money  of  England.  Item  I give  unto  Beatrice  Baldwin  the  Sum  of 
five  pounds  Item  I give  & bequeath  unto  My  Brother  in  Law  Mr 
Joshua  Green  & his  wife  Mr  Edward  Lambert  & his  wife  Mr  Henry 
Burton  & his  wife  Mr  John  Wallaston  & his  wife  & to  my  Loveing 
Cosin  Doctor  mason  of  Greenwich  & his  wife  & mother  To  my  Cozens 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


89 


imr  Thomas  Geer  & his  wife  to  my  Cozen  Thomas  Mason  Gentle- 
man & to  my  Cozens  Mr  Thomas  Assips  & his  wife  to  Every  of  them 
fifty  shillings  apeice  to  make  them  rings  to  wear  in  remembrance  of 
me  all  the  rest  and  residue  of  all  & Singuler  my  Goods  Chattels 
ready  money  Debts  & personal  Estate  whatsoever  & wheresoever 
after  my  Depts  & shall  be  paid  & my  Legacies  & Funeral  Charges 
shall  be  Discharg’d  I will  that  my  wife  shall  have  the  use  thereof  & 
of  Every  part  thereof  & Shall  receive  have  & Injoy  to  her  own 
proper  use  all  ye  Encrease  profitt  & benefitt  y*  Shall  be  made 
thereof  by  for  & Dureing  ye  term  of  her  Natural  life  & from  & 
Imediately  after  ye  Decease  of  my  sd  wife  then  I give  Devise  & 
bequeath  ye  sd  rest  & residue  of  all  & Singular  My  Goods  Chattells 
ready  money  Depts  & personal  Estate  whatsoever  unto  My  four 
'Grand  Children  John  Tufton  Ann  Tufton  Robert  Tufton  & Mary 
Tufton  to  be  Equally  Divided  amongst  them  part  & part  alike  & to 
'be  paid  to  the  men  Children  att  the  several  ages  of  one  & Twenty 
years  and  to  the  women  Children  at  the  ages  of  one  & Twenty  or 
Days  of  Marriage  which  shall  first  happen  & if  any  of  them  Dye  in 
their  Minority  the  then  part  or  portion  of  him  or  them  So  Dying 
Shall  be  paid  & Devided  unto  & amongst  the  Survivor  or  Survivors  of 
my  Sd  four  Grand  Children  respectively  & my  will  & mind  is  & I 
do  hereby  Devise  and  appoint  vl  in  Case  my  Sd  wife  Ann  Mason  Shall 
Dye  & Depart  this  mortal  Life  befor  all  my  sa  four  Grand  Children 
Shall  be  Capable  to  receive  have  hold  & Enjoy  the  several  Legacies 
& bequests  before  in  this  my  will  given  & bequeathed  unto  them 
& to  hold  & Enjoy  the  Lands  & Tenements  hereafter  in  this  my 
will  by  me  given  & bequeathed  unto  them  or  to  them  or  their  heirs 
respectively  yfc  then  & in  such  Case  my  Loving  Brother  in  Law  John 
Wollaston  Shall  receive  the  parts  & portions  of  Such  of  my  Said  four 
Grand  Children  as  shall  be  then  in  their  Minority  & take  possession 
of  such  Lands  as  I Shall  in  this  my  will  give  Devise  & bequeath  unto 
them  & shall  Imploy  ye  Same  for  the  benefit  & maintainance  of  my 
Sd  Grand  Children  & Shall  pay  the  same  to  them  respectively  as  they 
shall  attain  to  their  ages  of  one  & Twenty  years  or  Days  of  Marriage 
as  aforesaid  and  I do  hereby  make  and  ordain  ve  said  John  Wollas- 
ton after  the  Decease  of  My  sd  wife  Sole  Guardian  of  and  for  my 
sd  Grand  Children  or  such  of  them  as  shall  be  in  their  Minoritys 
att  the  time  of  the  Decease  of  my  Said  wife  And  in  Case  my  said 
wife  & my  said  Brother  in  Law  John  Wollaston  shall  both  dye  & 
Depart  this  mortal  life  before  my  Said  Grand  Children  shall  be 
capable  to  have  & receive  their  portions  as  aforesaid  & to  Enjoy 
such  Lands  as  hereafter  in  this  my  will  is  by  me  given  & be- 
queathed unto  them  respectively  Then  I leave  the  Education  & 


90 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


bringing  up  of  Such  my  Said  Grand  Children  as  shall  be  in  their 
minority  and  the  receiving  having  & possessing  of  such  Lands 
Tenemts  Legacies  & bequests  as  I have  & shall  give  them  by  this 
my  will  unto  such  person  or  persons  as  my  sd  Brother  in  Law  John 
Wollaston  shall  in  his  life  time  Nominate  & appoint  for  that  Pur- 
pose & to  no  other  person  or  persons  whatsoever  & I do  hereby 
Charge  my  sd  Grand  Children  & Every7  of  them  to  make  Choice  of  & 
accept  of  my  sd  Brother  in  Law  & such  person  or  persons  as  he  shall 
appoint  & none  other  whatsoever  to  be  Executrix  Guardian 
or  Guardians  for  them  after  the  Decease  of  my  Sd  wife.  And  I do 
hereby  make  name  & ordain  my  sd  Loveing  wife  Ann  Mason  the  full 
& Sole  Executrix  of  this  my  last  will  & Testament  desireing  her  to 
perform  the  same  in  all  things  according  to  my  true  Intent  & mean- 
ing & I do  hereby  Constitute  & Appoint  my  said  Loveing  Bi other 
in  Law  Jn°  Wollaston  the  overseer  of  this  my  will  & Testament 
Entreating  him  to  be  aiding  and  assisting  unto  my  sd  Executrix  in 
the  Execution  thereof  & in  token  of  thankfuliness  for  his  Love  to- 
me I do  hereby  give  & bequeath  unto  him  my  Coach  & Two  Coach 
horses  with  the  furniture  thereto  belonging  Now  as  Concerning  the 
Disposition  of  all  & singuler  my  Mannors  Messuages  Lands  Tene- 
ments & heriditaments  with  their  & Every  of  their  rights  mem- 
bers & appurtenances  as  well  within  the  Realm  of  England  as 
Else  where  I give  Devise  & bequeath  the  Same  & Every  of  them  to 
such  person  and  persons  upon  such  trusts  & Confidence  to  such 
uses  & Intents  and  purposes  & under  such  provisoes  & Con- 
ditions & Limitations  as  are  here  after  Expressed  that  is  to  Say 
first  I give  devise  & bequeath  unto  the  Mayor  & Commonallity  and 
Corporation  of  the  Town  of  Kinglyn  in  the  County  of  Norfolk 
where  I was  born  bv  what  Name  Title  or  addition  Soever  the  Sd 
town  or  Corporation  is  have  been  or  shall  be  called  known  or  In- 
corporated & to  their  successors  forever  under  the  provisoe  or  Con- 
ditions never  the  less  here  after  Expressed  Two  thousand  acres  of 
Laud  in  my  County  of  Newhampr  or  Mason  Hall  in  New  England 
wch  bv  mv  Executrix  & Overseers  aforesaid  shall  be  thought  most  fit 
& the  reversion  & reversions  remainder  & remainders  of  the  Same 
two  thousand  acres  of  Land  & Every  part  thereof  to  have  & to  hold 
ye  same  & Every  portion  thereof  unto  the  sd  Mayor  & Commonallity 
& Corporation  of  the  sd  Town  of  Kingslyn  & their  successors  forever 
for  & under  the  }marly  rent  of  one  penny  of  Lawfull  money  of 
England  to  be  paid  to  my  heirs  if  it  shall  be  Demanded  and  also 
allowing  to  my  heirs  forever  Two  fifth  parts  of  all  such  of  mines 
royall  as  Shall  be  at  any  time  after  my  Decease  found  in  or  upon  the 
Same  Land  or  any  part  thereof  provided  Always  & my  will  & mind 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


91 


is  & I do  hereby  devise  & appoint  yfc  the  sd  mayor  & Commonallity 
their  Successors  or  assigns  shall  within  five  years  next  after  my 
Decease  plant  & set  upon  the  Sd  Thousand  acres  of  Land  five  fam- 
ilies of  people  at  least  to  plant  upon  the  Same  & yt  the  Clear  yearly 
profit  y4  shall  be  made  of  & upon  ye  Sd  Two  thousand  acres 
of  Land  shall  be  yearly  forever  Distributed  & Disposed  of  towards 
ye  maintainance  & relief  of  ye  poor  people  of  the  sd  Town  at  the 
Discretion  of  the  mayor  & aldermen  or  the  Chiefest  Governor  of  the 
Sd  Town  for  the  time  being:  and  I will  yfc  my  Sd  wife  Ann  Mason 
shall  at  ye  request  Cost  & Charges  in  the  Law  of  the  sd  mayor  & 
Commonality  their  successors  or  assigns  Lawfully  & Sufficiently 
Convey  release  & assure  unto  the  sd  mayor  & Commonality  & their 
successors  forever  all  her  right  Estate  Dowry  Title  of  Dower  & 
Intrest  of  and  in  the  sd  Two  thousand  acres  of  Land  yt  by  Such 
Lawfull  wayes  & means  as  bv  ye  sd  mayor  & Commonality  or  their 
successors  or  by  their  Council  Learned  in  the  Law  shall  be  reason- 
ably devised  or  advised  & required.  Item  I give  devise  and  bequeath 
unto  my  Loveing  Brother  in  Law  John  Wollaston  and  to  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever  to  be  holden  of  my  heirs  in  fee  farm  Three  thousand 
acres  of  Land  with  the  appurtenances  in  my  County  of  New  hamp- 
shire  or  Mannor  of  Mason  Hall  aforesd  Where  mv  sd  Brother  & 
Executrix  shall  think  fit  and  the  reversion  or  reversions  remainder 
& remainders  rents  & yearly  profits  whatsoever  of  the  same  three 
thousand  acres  of  Land  & Every  or  any  part  thereof  to  have  & to 
hold  the  Same  unto  the  Sd  John  Wollaston  his  heirs  & Assigns  for- 
ever to  be  holden  of  My  heirs  forever  in  fee  farm  paying  onl}"  twelve 
pence  of  Lawfull  Money  of  England  ^ annum  to  My  heirs  when  the 
same  shall  be  Demanded  of  the  sd  John  Wollaston  his  heirs  or  assigns 
& also  allowing  to  my  heirs  Two  fifth  parts  of  all  my  mines  royall 
as  Shall  be  at  any  time  after  my  Decease  found  in  or  upon  my  Sd 
Land  or  any  part  thereof:  And  I willy4  My  sd  wife  Ann  Mason 
shall  at  the  request  Cost  & Charge  in  the  Law  of  ye  Sd  John  Wol- 
laston his  heirs  or  assigns  in  due  form  of  Law  Convey  release  & as- 
sure unto  the  Sd  John  Wollaston  his  heirs  & assigns  all  her  right 
Title  Dower  Intrest  Claime  & Demand  of  in  or  unto  the  said  three 
Thousand  Acres  of  Land  with  the  Appurtenances  and  of  in  and 
unto  every  or  any  Part  thereof  by  such  Conveyance  ways  & 
means  as  by  the  Said  John  Wollaston  & his  heirs  or  assigns  or  his 
or  their  Council  Learn VI  in  the  Law  shall  be  reasonably  Devis'd  or 
advis’d  and  required.  I Give  devise  and  Bequeath  unto  My  Grand 
Child  Ann  Tuffcon  and  to  her  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  under  The 
Provisoe’s  and  Conditions  nevertheless  hereafter  express’d  all  those 
my  Lands  Tenements  and  lieriditaments  wth  the  Appurtenances- 


92 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


lying  and  being  at  Capham  of  Wagam  upon  the  South  East  side  of 
Sagadahock  in  New  England  aforesd  Called  Masonia  & Containing 
by  Estimation  Ten  thousand  Acres  or  there  abouts  be  the  same 
more  or  less  & the  reversion  and  reversions  remainder  & remain- 
ders rents  & yearly  & other  profits  whatsoever  of  the  same  Land  & 
premises  to  have  & to  hold  the  sd  Land  and  premises  & Every  part 
thereof  with  the  appurtenances  unto  the  sd  Ann  Tufton  my  Grand 
Child  & to  her  heirs  & assigns  for  ever  : Provided  always  & my 
will,  mind  & meaning  is  & I do  hereby  Devise  & appoint  yl  my  wife 
shall  hold  & Enjoy  the  sd  Ten  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  & Every 
part  thereof  & receive  take  & Enjoy  to  her  own  proper  use  & behoof 
of  all  the  rents  Issues  & profits  of  the  same  & Every  part  thereof 
untill  my  Grand  Child  Ann  Tufton  shall  attain  to  the  age  of  one  & 
Twenty  years  or  Day  of  Marriage  wch  shall  first  happen  if  my  sd  wife 
Shall  So  long  live  Item  I give  & Devise  & Bequeath  unto  my  Grand 
Child  Robert  Tufton  & to  his  heirs  & assigns  forever  under  the  pro- 
visoes & Conditions  nevertheless  hereafter  Expressed  all  that  my 
Manuor  of  Mason  Hall  in  New  England  aforesaid  with  all  the 
Land  Tenements  & hereditaments  rights  members  & appurtenances 
thereto  belonging  Except  Such  part  of  the  Land  thereunto  belong- 
ing as  is  before  Bequeathed  by  this  my  will  & the  reversion  & re- 
versions remainder  & remainders  rents  & other  yearly  profits  what- 
soever of  the  same  premises  to  have  & to  hold  the  same  & Every 
part  thereof  Except  before  Excepted  unto  my  said  Grand  Child 
Robert  Tufton  & to  his  heirs  and  assignes  forever  provided  always 
& upon  Condition  nevertheless  and  my  true  Intent  & meaning  is  that 
the  said  ann  my  wife  shall  have  & Enjoy  the  said  mannor  & premises 
given  unto  my  sd  Grand  child  Robert  Tufton  as  aforesaid  & receive 
take  & Enjoy  to  her  own  proper  use  the  rents  Issues  & profits 
thereof  untill  My  said  Grand  son  Robert  Tuffton  shall  attain  & 
accomplish  his  full  age  of  one  & Twenty  years  if  my  said  wife  shall 
live  so  long  provided  also  & my  further  will  mind  & meaning  is  & 
I do  hereby  devise  & appoint  ytt;  my  sd  Grand  Child  Robert  Tufton 
shall  alter  his  sirname  & sirname  himself  Mason  before  he  shall  be 
capable  to  Enjoy  the  Said  Mannor  & premises  according  to  this  mv 
will  for  that  my  true  Intent  and  meaning  is  yn  the  sd  Mannor  and 
premises  Shall  Continue  in  my  name  as  now  it  doth  & no  other  wise 
- — Item  I give  devise  & bequeath  unto  my  said  Brother  in  Law 
John  Wollaston  his  heirs  & assigns  forever  upon  the  trusts  & Confi- 
dence & to  the  uses  Intents  & purposes  nevertheless  hereafter  Ex- 
pressed two  thousand  Acres  of  [land]  in  my  County  of  Newhamp- 
shire  in  New  England  aforesd  where  my  sd  Brother  & Executrix 
aforesd  shall  think  fit  upon  trust  & Confidence  & to  the  use  Intents 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


& purposes  that  my  sd  Brother  John  Wollaston  or  his  heirs  & my 
said  wife  Ann  Mason  shall  with  all  Speed  Convenient  after  my  De- 
cease att  the  Charge  of  my  Estate  in  Due  form  of  Law  Settle  & con- 
vey one  thousand  acres  of  ye  sd  Land  to  some  feoffees  in  Trust  & to 
their  heirs  forever  for  & towards  the  maintainance  of  an  honest 
godly  & religious  preacher  of  god’s  word  in  some  church  or  chappel 
or  other  publick  place  appointed  for  Divine  worship  & service  within 
the  Said  County  of  Newhampshire  where  my  sd  wife  & Brother  Shall 
think  fit  the  sd  feoffees  & their  heirs  paying  & allowing  unto  my 
heirs  forever  the  yearly  rent  of  one  penny  if  it  be  demanded  & two 
fifth  parts  of  all  such  mines  royall  as  shall  be  found  in  & upon  the 
sd  one  thousand  acres  of  Land  or  any  part  thereof  & one  Thousand 
acres  more  residue  of  the  sd  Two  thousand  acres  of  Land  I will  shall 
be  Setteled  or  Conveyed  as  aforesd  to  some  feoffes  in  trust  & to  their 
heirs  forever  for  & towards  the  maintainance  of  a free  Grammer 
school  for  the  Education  of  youth  in  some  convenient  place  within 
the  sd  County  of  Newhampshire  where  my  sd  wife  & Brother  in  Law 
shall  think  fitt  they  also  paying  & allowing  unto  my  heirs  forever 
the  yearly  rent  of  one  penny  if  it  be  Demanded  and  two  fifth  parts 
of  all  such  mines  royall  as  shall  be  found  in  & upon  the  sd  one  thou- 
sand acres  of  Land  or  any  part  thereof  all  the  rest  & residue  of  all 
& singuler  my  mannors  messuages  Lands  & Tenements  & Heridita- 
ments  with  their  & Every  of  their  appurtenances  lying  & being 
within  the  sd  County  of  Newhampshire  or  else  where  in  New  Eng- 
land aforesaid  not  before  bequeathed  by  this  my  will  I give  devise 
& bequeath  the  same  and  Every  part  thereof  & the  reversion  & rever- 
sions remainder  & remainders  thereof  & of  Every  part  thereof  under 
the  provisoes  & Conditions  nevertheless  hereafter  Expressed  unto 
my  Grand  Child  John  Tufton  & to  the  heirs  of  his  body  Lawfully 
begotten  and  for  want  of  such  Issue  to  the  Sd  Robert  Tuffton  or  my 
Grand  Child  & to  the  heirs  of  his  body  Lawfully  begotten  & for 
want  of  such  Issue  to  my  Cozen  Doctr  Robert  Mason  Chancellor  of 
the  Diocess  of  winchester  & to  the  heirs  male  of  his  body  Lawfully 
begotten  or  to  be  begotten  & for  want  of  such  Issue  to  my  right 
heirs  & assigns  forever  provided  always  nevertheless  & my  will  mind 
& meaning  is  that  my  wife  Ann  Mason  shall  have  hold  & Enjoy  the 
sd  mannors  messuages  Lands  & premises  by  me  given  unto  my 
Grand  Child  John  Tuffton  as  aforesaid  & receive  the  rents  Issues  & 
profits  thereof  & of  every  part  thereof  to  her  own  profit  use  & behoof 
untill  my  sd  Grand  Child  John  Tuffton  shall  attain  to  and  accom- 
plish his  full  age  of  one  & Twenty  years  if  ye  sd  Ann  my  wife  shall 
so  long  live  provided  also  & my  further  will  mind  & meaning  is  & I 
do  hereby  devise  and  appoint  yl  my  sd  Grand  child  John  Tuffton 


94 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


shall  alter  his  Sirname  and  shall  Name  himself  Mason  before  he 
shall  be  Capable  to  Enjoy  the  said  manners  Lands  & premises  or  any 
part  thereof  according  to  my  bequest  for  that  my  true  Intent  & 
meaning  is  that  the  Said  Lands  shall  not  descend  from  the  Name  of 
Mason  but  that  my  said  Grand  Child  & his  heirs  shall  Enjoy  ye  same 
Lands  & premises  in  my  own  Sirname  & not  otherwise  Provided 
also  & my  will  & mind  is  & I do  hereby  devise  & appoint  yl  my  Sd 
Grand  Child  John  Tufton  or  his  heirs  shall  well  or  truly  pay  or 
Cause  to  be  paid  unto  my  Grand  Child  mary  Tuff  ton  his  sister  out 
of  the  mannors  messuages  Lands  & Tenements  by  me  bequeathed 
unto  him  as  aforesd  the  Sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  of  Lawfull 
Money  of  England  for  her  better  preferm1  and  advancenff  in  mar- 
riage, the  same  to  be  paid  to  her  or  her  assigns  within  one  year  next 
after  the  Day  of  her  marriage  of  the  sd  mary  Tuffton  without  fraud  or 
Coven:  provided  also  & my  further  will  mind  & Meaning  is  & I do 
hereby  devise  & appoint  yfc  in  Case  My  sd  Grand  Children  John 
Tuffton  Ann  Tuffton  Robert  Tufton  & Mary  Tufton  or  any  of  them 
Shall  refuse  or  be  unwilling  to  take  & accept  of  my  sd  Brother  in 
Law  John  Wollaston  or  such  person  or  persons  as  he  shall  appoint 
to  be  in  his  or  their  Guardian  or  Guardians  after  ye  Decease  of  my 
wife  dureing  their  or  any  of  their  Minorities  or  in  case  my  sd  four 
Grand  Children  or  any  of  them  their  or  any  of  their  heirs  PIxectrs 
administrs  or  assigns  or  any  of  them  shall  at  any  time  or  times  after 
my  Decease  bv  any  wavs  or  means  whatsoever  Sue  Vex  or  mollest 
trouble  or  prosecute  my  Executor  or  administrs  for  the  Sum  of  one 
thousand  pounds  of  Lawfull  Money  of  England  which  was  heretofore 
deposited  in  my  hand  by  Joseph  Tufton  their  father,  or  for  any  part 
thereof  y*  then  to  from  thenceforth  in  either  of  these  cases  the 
Legacies  & bequests  by  me  given  & bequeathed  to  such  of  my  sd 
four  Grand  Children  & to  his  or  their  heirs  as  shall  offend  Contrary 
to  the  true  meaning  herein  before  declared  shall  be  Voide  & of  none 
Effect  as  if  the  same  had  never  been  Expressed  in  this  my  will  & yl 
yn  also  & in  such  Case  I give  devise  & bequeath  all  & every  ye  Mes- 
suages Lands  tenements  <&  heriditaments  Money  Goods  & Chatties 
whatsoever  before  or  hereafter  in  this  my  will  given  devised  or 
bequeathed  unto  such  of  my  Grand  Children  & their  heirs  which 
shall  so  Disobey  my  true  meaning  herein  before  declared  unto  my 
Loving  Cozen  Doctr  Robert  Mason  Chanceller  of  the  Diocess  of 
Winchester  & his  heirs  & assigns  from  henceforth  forever  Item  I 
give  devise  & bequeath  all  & singuler  my  messuages  Lands  Tene- 
ments & heriditamts  with  their  & every  of  their  appurtenances  lying 
being  within  the  Realm  of  England  or  else  where  not  bequeath’d 
by  this  my  will  unto  my  Loving  wife  Ann  Mason  & her  assigns  for 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


95 


& During  the  term  of  her  natural  life  & after  her  Decease  to  my 
above  sd  Brother  in  Law  Jn°  Wollaston  & his  assigns  for  & dureing 
the  Joynt  lives  of  my  sd  Daughter  Ann  Tufton  & her  now  husband 
upon  trust  & Confidence  nevertheless  yl  the  sd  Jn°  Wollaston  & his 
assigns  shall  pay  & Disburse  the  rents  & profits  of  ye  sd  premises  & 
every  part  thereof  for  & toward  ye  proper  maintainance  stay  of  Liv- 
ing of  & for  the  Sd  Ann  My  Daughter  & no  other  wise  & in  Case 
my  sd  Daughter’s  now  husband  shall  dye  & Depart  in  this  life  in  the 
life  time  of  my  sd  Daughter  Ann  Tufton  then  & from  thence  forth  I 
give  devise  & bequeathed  my  Sd  lastmentioned  messuages  Lands 
Tenements  & heriditamts  every  part  thereof  unto  my  said  Daughter 
Ann  Tufton  for  & dureing  the  term  of  her  natural  life  & from  & 
i mediately  after  ye  decease  of  my  sd  wife  & Daughter  & of  the  longest 
liver  of  them  then  to  my  sd  Grand  Children  John  Tufton  Ann 
Tufton  Robert  Tufton  & mary  Tufton  & to  their  heirs  & assigns 
forever  & to  none  other  use  Intent  or  purpose  whatsoever  undr  ye 
provisoes  & Conditions  nevertheless  herein  before  declared  : finally 
I do  herebv  revoke  Countermand  & make  Voide  all  former  wills 
Testaments  Codocils  Executrs  Legacies  & bequests  what  soever  by 
me  at  any  time  made  named  given  willed  or  appoint’d  before  the 
making  of  this  my  will  willing  & minding  yfc  these  presents  only 
shall  stand  & be  taken  for  my  last  will  & testament  & none  other 
Saveing  & reserving  unto  my  self  nevertheless  full  power  & author- 
ity to  make  add  or  annex  hereunto  one  or  more  Codocil  or  Codocils 
at  my  free  will  & pleasure,  any  thing  whatsoever  before  in  this  my 
last  will  & testament  Expressed  to  the  Contrary  thereof  in  any  wise 
notwithstanding:  In  Witness  whereof  I ye  sd  Cap1  John  Mason  the 
testator  to  this  my  present  will  & testament  being  written  in  four- 
teen sheets  of  paper  with  my  name  subscribed  to  every  sheet  have 
sett  my  seal  ye  twenty  sixth  day  of  November  Annoq:  Domini  one 
thousand  six  hundred  thirty  five  & in  the  Eleaventh  year  of  the 
reign  of  our  sovereign  Lord  Charles  by  ye  Grace  of  God  King  of 
England  Scotland  France  & Ireland  defendr  of  ye  Faith  &ct : & in 
Case  my  sd  Grand  Children  Jn°  Tufton  Robert  Tufton  should  both 
die  in  ye  life  time  of  my  wife  without  Issue  of  their  or  either  of 
their  bodys  Lawfully  begotten  then  I give  & bequeath  all  my  man- 
nors  messuages  Lands  & tenem19  By  me  given  to  my  sd  two  Grand 
Children  or  either  of  them  unto  my  wife  during  the  term  of  her 
natural  life  & after  her  decease  to  my  Daughter  Ann  Tufton  dureing 
the  term  of  her  natural  life  and  after  both  their  deceases  then  to 
such  person  or  persons  as  ye  same  is  mentioned  to  be  given  & 
bequeathed  unto  by  this  my  will 


John  Mason 


96 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


signed  sealed  published  & declared  by  ye  sd  Capfc  Jn°  Mason  ye 
Testator  as  his  Just  will  & Testament  on  the  day  & year  above 
written  In  the  presence  of  us  whose  names  are  hereundr  written 
Thos  Noell  Mathew  Mason  J fferret  Notary;  probation  fuit  Testa- 
mentum  Supra  scriptum  apud.  London  Coram  venirble  viro  magis- 
tro  Willo  Clark  Legum  d’re  surr  venirabli  viri  d’mi  Henri  Martin 
militi  Legum  Etiam  Doctoris  Curia  prerogative  Comit  Magistri 
Custodis  Sive  Commisarii  Legitime  Constit  vicisimo  sedo  die  mensis 
Decembrs  Anno  Domini  millisimo  Sexceptesimo  Tricesimo  Quin  to 
Juramento  Annse  Mason  relictis  dicti  defunti  et  Excecutrices  in 
hujusmodi  Testimento  nominat  Cui  Commisa  fuit  administrate  oum 
& singulorum  bonorum  Jurium  et  Creditorum  dis  defunti  de  bene 
fid.  bl  administrando  eadem  adsto  dei  Evangelica.  Jurat — 

Sadler  127  Qr  Tho  : Williams  Regrs  Deputy 

Tertio  Examinat 

Province  of  ) A True  Copy  from  the  Supr  Court  files  Compared 
Newhampr  j ye  21st  March  1701 

^ Theo  : Atkinson  Cler 

Province  Newhampr  Vera  Copia  Compared  9th  July  1706 

^ Theo : Atkinson  Clerk 

Vera  Copia  from  the  file  in  the  Infr  Court  of  Common  Pleas  at 
Portsm0  Compared  24tb  April  1707/ 

^ Curm  Henry  Penny  Cler 

The  foregoing  Sixteen  Pages  is  a Copy  Examin’d 

^ Geo  : Jaffrey  Cl 


[ Vaughan  to  Gribbons , April  10 , 1636. 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  33.] 

London  10th  Aprill  1636 — 

Loving  ffrend  Gibbens 

Wee  put  in  to  Ireland  goinge  home,  and  there  was  Taken  Sike, 
and  Lefte  behind  and  Laye  So  Longe  before  I got  well ; that  it  was 
the  Latter  End  of  December  Laste  before  I got  to  London,  and  mr 
Mason  was  Ded  But  I Spoke  With  Sr  fferdenando  Gorges  and  the 
other  owners,  but  they  gave  mee  no  Incoradgm*  for  New-England,  I 
Acquainted  ym  ffully  of  what  you  and  I Discoursed  but  theye  ware 
quite  Could  in  that  matter  mr  Masson  being  Ded,  and  Sr  ffardenando. 
Minding  only  his  one  Divityon,  he  teles  me  he  is  a geting  a Pattente 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


97 


for  it  from  the  King,  from  Piscatequa  to  Sagadehocke,  & that 
betwene  Meremake  and  Piscatequa,  He  Left  ffor  mr  Mason,  who,  If 
hee  had  Lived  Would  a Tooke  a Patten6  for  that  allso,  and  so  I 
Supose  the  Affairs  of  Laconia  is  Ded  allso  I Intend  to  goe  for  the 
Este  Inidges,  A ffrend  of  mine  have  made  me  a Very  good  proffer 
and  I Thinke  to  take  Up  wth  it,  which  is  what  offers  at  present 
Thus  with  my  kind  Love  to  you  and  your  Wife  and  Daughter  I am 

Your  Loving  ffrend 

George  Vaughan 


[Lease  to  Francis  Matthews , Oct.  1 , 1637 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  34.] 

This  Indentur  made  the  first  day  of  October  Ann:  Do:  1.6. 3. 7. 
and  in  the  thirtenth  year  of  the  rayne  of  our  soveraigne  Lord  knge 
Charlls  whearas  Sr  fferdinando  Georgis  knight:  Cap1  John  Mason 
Esquier  and  thear  asotiats  by  vertue  of  a pattinte  is  Rightlly  Inter- 
ested and  seased  on  a persill  of  land  in  Niw  Ingland  in  America 
Called  pascataway  and  for  the  executinge  of  thear  affaiers  in  thos 
parts  hath  asigned  Richard  vines  Henry  Joslin  and  Thomas  wanner- 
ton Gentel:  tlieare  Agents  : wee  thearfor  Richard  vines,  Henry  Joslin 
and  Thomas  wannerton,  do  demise  grante,  lette,  unto  ffransis  mathews, 
all  that  parsed  or  portion  of  lande  In  pascataway  River  lyinge  upon  the 
north  west  Side  of  the  great  Uland  Commonly  Called  muskito  hall, 
beinge  a necke  of  land  by  estemation  on  hundred  acers  or  thear 
abouts  more  or  lesse  to  have  and  to  hould  all  the  demised  premisis 
the  appertenancis  to  the  sayd  ffrances  matheus  his  heirs  executers 
administrators  and  asignes  from  the  date  hearof  untell  the  terme  of 
on  thousand  years  be  ffully  Compleat  and  ended  yealding  and  pay- 
inge  thearfore  the  annuall  Rente  of  two  shillings  unto  the  sayd  Sir 
fardinando  gorgis  Captin  John  masson  thear  hiers  executers  admin- 
istraters  and  asignis  if  it  bee  lawfully  demanded  upon  every  ffirst 
day  of  October  duringe  the  sayd  terme  of  one  thousand  years,  in 
witnes  of  the  treuth  wee  have  hearunto  sete  over  hands  and  sealls 
the  day  and  year  above  wrighten 

witnesis  Rich  : vines 

Xavius  Hawkins  Henry  Jocelyn 

Vera:  Copia  Tho:  wannerton 

7 


98 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Anne  Mason  to  Ambrose  Gibbons , May  22,  1638 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  85.] 

Loving  freind  Mr  Gibbins 

I understand  that  you  have  some  swine  in  yor  hands  belonging  to 
my  late  husband  Captaine  John  Mason  & now  to  mee  i pray  good 
sr  deleiver  them  speedily  to  ye  bearer  hereof  ffranceis  Norton  whome 
I have  made  my  general  1 attournie  for  my  whole  estate  in  yor  parte 
to  whome  I pray  you  afford  your  loving  assistance  in  what  is  Con- 
venient & your  equitie  & love  heerein  shall  oblige  mee  to  remaine 

Yor  lovinge  freind 

Anne  Mason 

East  Greenwich  May  22th 
1638 


[ Richard  Rogers  to  Ambrose  Gibbons , March  2,  16/fl3\ 
[Council  Book  1,  p.  36.] 

lovinge  and  kinde 

Contryman  Gibins  my  love  with  my  wives  and  my  sonnes  love 
and  Respeckte  to  you  and  to  your  wiffe  hopinge  that  you  are  all  in 
good  heallth  as  wee  are  at  this  time  I have  Reseavd  my  sonne  saffe 
and  well  the  which  I give  you  manye  thankes  and  your  wiffe  for 
your  greate  Care  and  paynes  that  you  have  bestowed  with  him  I 
have  Given  Mr  Trevisse  ffor  his  pasage  ffortye  shillings  beinge  as 
much  as  I gave  for  my  daughters  pasage  in  monye  but  it  is  as  I 
tollde  him  beter  paye  then  Clabords  or  pipestaves  but  if  his  under 
taker  should  have  Reseaved  it  of  mee  1 would  have  had  a discharge 
from  him  for  it  but  you  gave  him  a bill  that  if  I did  not  pay  }Tou 
would  when  you  see  the  bill  you  gave  him  at  the  botome  of  the  bill 
you  shall  see  a discharge  from  mee  write  with  my  owne  liande  and 
sinned  with  Mr  Trevisses  owne  hand  fora  discharg  of  that  bill  which 
you  gave  him  / now  my  desire  to  you  will  be  to  know  wheather  you 
have  Reseaved  those  debts  of  mine  which  I lefte  but  of  Tom 
Jonsone  & old  nicklis  Espesyally  for  my  sonne  telles  mee  that  Tom 
Jonsone  lives  with  you  and  I would  intreate  you  to  give  me  an 
Acounte  wheather  I have  that  theare  which  will  give  you  satis- 
faxyon  I shall  desire  you  to  make  salle  of  the  house  and  ground  and 
of  the  Cheste  of  linen  and  all  other  detes  and  that  I may  under- 
stand wheather  theare  will  be  anythinge  lefte  and  If  theare  be  let  it 
be  sente  in  bever  or  Corne  or  any  tliinge  Ellse  deare  skins  or  bare 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


99 


skines  and  I will  Returne  it  to  yon  Againe  in  Tradinge  Cloath  or 
any  thinge  filllse  that  you  shall  write  for  and  so  will  Eaverv  yeare 
after  as  you  shall  sende  but  if  you  please  to  sende  me  those  thinges 
in  that  Cheste  I shall  be  willinge  to  Repay e what  you  shall  thinke 
fitt  for  your  use  lieare  so  desiringe  to  heare  ffrom  you  as  soune  as 
may  be  I Reste 

Your  lovinge  ffrend  and  Contryman 

to  his  power 

March  ye  2 1647  Richard  Rogers 

I pray  you  tell  Tom  Jon  son  that  my  sonne  John  hath  bin  at  his 
Cosen  Jonsons  the  shumaker  in  sainte  martins  and  he  hath  asked 
him  much  of  him  wheare  he  lives  and  how 

[Then  follows  Mr.  Rogers’s  account  in  the  handwriting  of 
Ambrose  Gibbons.  Ed.] 

[Endorsed]  a letter  to  mr  Gibbines  from  his  frend  aboute 
Accompts  1648 

To  His  Respeckted  ffrend  and  Contryman  Mr  Ambrous  Gibins  at 
his  Howse  in  oyster  River  upon  the  River  of  Passcataway  in  new 
ingland  this 


Joseph  Mason’s  protest  against  Richard  Leader,  July  4,  1651, 
State  Papers,  Yol.  17,  p.  502. 


[Deposition  of  Biles  and  Mason , May^  1652 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  37.] 

The  Doposition  of  Stephen  Biles  and  Joseph  Mason 

The  said  Biles  aged  about  thirty  five  years  and  the  said  Mason 
about  fifty  eight  yeares  both  Testifieth  and  sayth  that  in  March 
1650  we  were  both  at  the  house  of  mistriss  Ann  Mason  in  London 
the  relict  of  Cap1  John  Mason  Deceased  and  saw  a branch  of  his 
will  wherein  he  made  his  Said  wife  Ann  Sole  executrix  and  after 
that  died  it  being  his  Last  will  and  further  these  Deponants  Saith 
not 

Testified  upon  Oath  before  mee 

Jo  Endecott  Govr 

That  what  is  above  written  is  a true  Copie  Compared  wth  its 
originall  so  signed  & produced  in  the  Gennerall  Court  of  the  Massa- 
chusets  in  new  England  by  mr  Joseph  Mason  may  1652 

Attestr  Edward  Rawson  secret 


100 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Joseph  Mason’s  petition,  May  6,  1653,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p. 
504. 


[Petition  of  Robert  Mason.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  7.] 

To  ye  Kings  most  Excelk  Matie 

The  humble  Petic’on  of  Rob1  Mason  Proprietor  of  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  in  New  England.  Sheweth. 

That  yor  Ma'ties  Royall  Grandfather  King  James  of  ever  blessed 
memory  did  by  his  Highness  l’res  Pattents  under  the  Great  Seale 
of  England,  beareing  date  at  Westminster  the  third  day  of  Novem- 
ber in  the  18th  yeare  of  his  Reigne,  Give  Grant  & Confirme  unto 
severall  of  the  Principall  Nobillity  and  Gentry  of  this  Kingdome  by 
the  Name  of  the  Councell  of  New  England  their  Successors  and 
assignes  for  Ever,  all  the  Land  in  America  lyeing  between  the 
Degrees  of  40  & 48  North  Latitude,  By  the  Name  of  New  England 
to  be  held  in  ffee,  with  many  Royall  Privilledges  and  Immunities, 
only  Paying  to  his  Ma’tie  his  heires  and  Successors  one  fifth  Part  of 
all  the  Oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  that  should  at  any  time  be  found 
upon  the  said  Lands.  As  by  the  said  Letters  Pattents  doth  at 
Large  appeare. 

That  John  Mason  Esqr  yo1  Petrs  Grandfather  by  Virtue  of  Sev- 
erall Grants  from  the  said  Councell  of  New  England,  under  their 
Common  seale  beareing  date  the  9th  day  of  March  1621,  the  10th  day 
of  Aug1  1622,  the  7 th  of  Novemr  1629  and  the  22th  day  of  A prill 
1635,  was  instated  in  ffee  in  a Great  Tract  of  Land  in  New  Eng- 
land by  the  name  of  New  Hampshire,  lyeing  upon  the  Sea  Coast 
between  the  Rivers  of  Naumkeck  and  Passcattaway,  and  runing  up 
into  the  Land  Westward  three  score  miles,  with  all  ye  Islands  lyeing 
within  five  Leagues  distance  of  any  <^t  thereof,  and  also  the  South 
lialfe  of  the  Isles  of  Shoales.  And  also  the  said  John  Mason 
togeather  with  Sr  fferdinand  Gorges  Knfc  was  Enffeofed  by  the 
aforesd  Councell  of  Newengl1  in  other  Lands  by  the  Name  of  the 
Province  of  Laconia  By  their  Deed  beareing  date  the  27  day  of 
Novemr  1629.  the  said  Lands  Lyeing  and  Bordering  upon  the  Great 
Lakes  & Rivers  of  the  Irroqois  and  other  Nations  adjoyning.  All 
which  said  Lands  to  be  held  as  fully  ffreely  in  as  large  Ample  and 
Beneficiall  manner  and  form  to  all  intents  & Purposes  whatsoever 
as  the  said  Councell  of  New  Eng’d  by  Virtue  of  his  Ma’ties  said 
Letters  Pattents  might  or  Ought  to  hold  and  Enjoy  the  same  as  by 
the  said  severall  Grants  appeare  Whereupon  you  Petrs  said  Grand- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


101 


father  did  expend  upward  of  2200011  in  transporting  People  Build- 
ing houses  fforts  and  Magazines  furnishing  them  with  Great  store 
of  Armes  of  all  sorts  with  Artillery  great  & small  for  defence  and 
Protection  of  his  Servants  and  Tennants,  with  all  other  necessarie 
Comodities  and  materialls  for  Establishing  a settled  Plantation. 

That  iu  the  veare  1628.  in  the  fourth  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of 
yor  Ma’ties  Royall  ffather,  some  ^sons  did  surruptitiously  and 
unknowne  to  the  said  Councell,  gett  the  seale  of  the  said  Councell 
affixed  to  a Grant  of  Certaine  Lands,  whereof  the  greatest  Part, 
were  sollemnely  past,  unto  yor  Petrs  Grandfather  and  others  long 
before,  and  soone  after  did  the  same  Persons  by  their  subtill  Prac- 
tices gett  a Confirmation  of  the  said  Grant  under  ye  Great  seale  of 
England,  as  a Corporation,  By  the  name  of  the  Corporation  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  yor  Ma’ties  Royall  ffather 
being  also  Unwitting  thereof,  and  haveing  thus  by  fraud  obte}Tned 
a Grant  and  Confirmation,  they  Compelled  the  Rightfull  Inhabitants 
to  desert  their  Plantations,  and  by  many  Outragious  actions,  they 
became  Possessed  of  that  Part  of  the  Countrey,  declareing  them- 
selves to  be  a free  People,  frameing  to  themselves  new  Lawes  with 
new  methods  in  Religion  absolutely  Contrary  to  the  Lawes  and 
Customes  of  this  Yor  Ma’ties  Realme  of  England  Punishing  diverse 
that  would  not  approve  thereof,  some  by  Whipping  others  by  burn- 
ing their  Houses,  and  some  by  Banishing  and  the  like. 

At  last  the  Complaints  of  the  Oppressed  Subjects  Reaclieing  the 
Eares  of  yor  Royall  ffather,  his  Ma’tie  caused  the  Whole  matter  to 
be  Examined  before  his  most  honourable  Privy  Councell  and  all 
being  fully  Proved,  his  Ma’tie  did  Comand  the  Councell  of  New 
England  to  give  an  acco*  by  What  authority,  or  by  whose  Procure- 
ment those  People  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  were  sent  Over,  his 
Ma’tie  Conceiveing  the  said  Councell  to  be  guilty  thereof. 

But  the  said  Councell  of  New  England  made  it  Plainely  to  appeare 
to  his  Ma’tie  that  they  were  ignorant  of  the  whole  matter,  and  that 
they  had  noe  share  in  the  Evills  Comitted  and  wholly  disclaimed  the 
same,  and  the  said  Councell  finding  they  had  not  sufficient  Meanes 
to  give  Redress  And  Rectifie  what  was  brought  to  Ruine,  they 
humbly  referred  it  to  his  Matie  to  doe  therein  as  hee  Pleased,  and 
thereupon  said  Councell  of  New  England  Resolved  to  Rosigne  and 
did  Actually  Resigne  the  Great  Charter  of  New  England  into  his 
Ma’  ties  Royall  Hands,  seeing  there  was  an  absolute  necessity  for  his 
Ma’tie  to  take  the  mannagem1  of  that  Countrey  to  himself  It  being 
become  a business  of  high  Consequence  and  only  to  be  Remedyed  by 
his  soveraign  Power,  all  which  appeares  by  the  Declaration  of  the 
Councell  of  New  England  Dated  the  25th  of  Aprill  1635.  togeather 


102 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


with  the  Act  of  Surrender  of  the  Great  Charter  of  New  England 
dated  the  7th  day  of  June  the  same  Yeare. 

That  irnediately  thereupon  his  Ma’tie  in  Trinity  terme  1635. 
Caused  a Quo  Warranto  to  be  brl  by  Sr  John  Banks  his  Ma’ties  then 
Attorney  Generali  against  the  Governour  Deputy  Govern1,  and  Every 
of  the  Assistants  of  the  said  Corporation  of  Massachusetts  in  New 
England,  severally  according  to  their  names  mention'1  in  the  said 
Pattents  of  Incorporation,  being  twenty  six  ^sons  Whereof  two 
being  dead,  of  the  Remayning  twenty  four  ^sons  there  did  fourteen 
at  severall  times  appeare  at  the  Kings  Bench  Barr  and  disclaimed 
the  Charter,  the  Remayning  tenn  ^sons  were  Out  Lawed,  and 
thereupon  Judgement  given  for  the  King,  That  the  Liberties  and 
franchises  of  the  said  Corporation  of  Massachusetts  Bay  should  be 
seized  into  the  Kings  hands,  and  the  Body  of  the  Governour  to  be 
taken  into  Custody  for  Usurpeing  the  said  Liberties,  all  which 
appeares  by  the  Roles  in  the  Crowne  Office,  and  Office  of  Custos 
Brevium  for  the  Kings  Bench  of  the  Proceedings  in  the  severall 
Termes  from  the  Yeare  1635  to  1637. 

That  thereupon  his  said  Royall  Ma'tie  on  the  third  day  of  May 
1637.  did  Order  in  Councell  yt  the  Attorney  Generali  be  Required 
to  Call  for  the  said  Patient  and  Present  the  same  to  the  Board,  and 
his  Ma’tie  hy  his  Declaration  of  the  three  & twentieth  day  of  July 
1637.  in  the  thirteenth  yeare  of  his  Reigne  declared  His  Royall 
Pleasure  for  the  Establishing  a Generali  Govern nP  in  his  Territory 
of  New  England  for  Prevention  of  the  Evills  that  otherwise  might 
ensue  for  default  thereof  thereby  declareing  Sr  fferdinando  Georges 
to  be  Govern1’  Generali  of  the  Whole  Countrey,  and  requireing  all 
*^sons  to  give  their  Obedience  accordingly. 

That  the  Warrs  and  Trobles  irnediately  Ensueing  in  Scotland  and 
Presently  after  here  in  England,  did  hinder  his  said  Ma’tie  from 
settling  that  Countrey  or  Prosecuteing  the  Right  which  hee  intended 
his  Subjects  however  the  Proceedings  of  his  Ma’tie  Caused  some 
Respite  to  the  further  Violences  and  Oppressions  of  the  said  Massa- 
chusetts, and  they  Conteynecl  themselves  for  the  time  within  their 
Pretended  Bounds,  but  noe  sooner  was  that  King  of  Blessed  memory 
yor  Royal  ffather  become  a Sacrifise  but  they  renewed  their  former 
Violencies,  by  Oppressing  all  the  Other  Collonies  and  designeing  by 
encouragem1  from  some  in  England  to  Erect  themselves  into  a 
Com’on  wealth,  and  in  Order  to  lay  a foundation  for  this  Power  and 
Dominion  which  they  now  asspired  unto,  they  thought  it  necessary  to 
Extend  their  Bounds  and  spread  into  a Larger  Territory,  then  as  yet 
they  had  usurped,  and  that  this  Great  Work  might  not  be  done  with- 
out a Mask  or  Couler  of  Right  they  doe  in  an  assembly  held  in  Bos- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


103 


ton  the  19  of  October  1652  seriousely  ^use  the  Grant  (wch  had  been 
Procured  as  aforesaid)  and  therein  weighing  the  Words  and  tryeing 
what  new  sence  they  might  beare  more  suteahle  to  their  encrease 
of  Power,  they  thought  fitt  at  Length  to  declare  themselves  mis- 
taken in  what  they  had  done  in  the  Yeare  1631.  when  they  erected 
Bound  houses,  and  had  for  soe  many  yeares  Confined  themselves 
thereunto,  whereas  now  by  the  Help  of  an  Imaginary  Line,  or 
Rather  by  a New  Reason  of  State,  there  is  a sence  imposed  by  them- 
selves upon  their  Owne  Words,  and  they  stretch  their  Rights,  to 
neer  two  hundred  miles  of  Land  Northward,  and  as  much  South- 
ward more  then  they  were  satisfyed  withall  before  swallowing 
up  yor  Ma’ties  Petrs  as  Well  as  Others  whose  Properties  were 
Established  long  before  the  said  People  had  any  being.  And  that 
they  might  give  Execution  to  this  Righteous  Sentence,  they  Present- 
ly invade  and  by  force  of  Armes  Seize  upon  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  and  other  lands  of  Right  belonging  to  yor  Petr  besides 
what  they  did  to  Others  Compelling  the  Inhabitants  to  Sweare  to  be 
true  to  them  and  to  Cast  Off  their  Lawfull  Lords,  and  such  as 
Refused  were  either  Ruined  Bannished  or  Imprisoned,  and  any 
Appeales  to  Engld  utterly  denyed  unto  them,  then  they  Proceed  to 
the  Coyning  of  Money  with  their  Owne  Impress,  Raiseing  the  Coine 
of  England  and  acting  in  all  matters  in  a most  absolute  and  arbi- 
trary Way.  And  allthough  yor  Petr  by  his  Agent  Joseph  Mason, 
did  demand  Redress  of  the  Generali  Court  of  Massachusetts  sitting 
at  Boston  in  1652.  Offering  to  make  Out  the  Right  and  title  of  yor 
Petr  to  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  and  other  lands  agfc  all 
^sons  whatsoever  yet  noe  Restitution  Could  be  Obteyned  without  a 
Submission  to  their  authority,  and  to  hold  the  lands  from  them 
which  the  Petr  then  did  Refuse,  and  hath  allw^aies  Refused,  Chuse- 
ing  Rather  to  Waite  for  more  happy  times  wherein  to  Expect  releif 
then  by  a Legall  Resignation  of  his  Rights  to  those  who  had  none  at 
all,  divest  himselfe  of  what  his  Anchestors  had  Purchased  at  soe 
Deare  a Rate:  yor  Petr  haveing  as  Equall  a Right  to  the  Governm’t 
in  the  said  Province  as  he  hath  to  the  Land  it  selfe,  all  which 
appeares  by  a Report  made  to  yor  Ma’tie  the  15th  of  ffebrur’ay  1661, 
when  yor  Petr  first  Expos’d  to  }Tor  Matie  the  Opressions  under  which 
hee  had  soe  long  Groaned  in  the  Evill  times,  and  which  greives  him 
now  much  more  to  beare  while  hee  has  the  Protection  of  soe  Just 
and  Gracious  a Soveraigne  to  resort  unto. 

Wherfore  yor  Petr  most  humbly  implores  Your  Ma’tie  to  take 
notice  that  by  a Plaine  discovery  of  What  ffraud  in  the  Beginning 
and  the  lenghth  of  Trobled  times  has  helped  to  Conceal  The  Bos- 
toners  have  noe  Pattent  of  Incorporation  at  all,  that  yet  they  have 


104 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Utider  Couller  of  Right  and  authority  from  The  Crovvne  devoured 
yor  Petr  and  other  Proprietors  whose  titles  are  by  yor  Ma’ties 
learned  Councell  allowed  as  Strong  as  the  Law  Cann  make  them. 

That  all  Waies  have  been  trved  and  Methods  Used  to  Obtayne 
Justice  from  the  Bostoners,  but  all  have  Proved  ineffectual],  that 
yor  Petrs  losses  have  been  soe  many  and  Great,  and  his  Sufferings 
soe  Continued,  that  hee  Cannot  any  longer  support  the  Burthen  of 
them,  And  when  yor  Ma’tie  will  but  Consider  how  small  the  Respect 
has  been  wherewith  those  People  have  treated  yor  Ma’tie  since  yo1 
Happy  Restauration,  and  what  dayly  Breaches  are  by  them  Made 
upon  yor  Ma’ties  Acts  of  Navigation,  which  turnes  soe  greatly  to 
the  Detriment  of  this  Kingdome  in  Generali,  These  Losses  & suffer- 
ings of  a ^ticular  Subject  cannot  much  be  question’d  soe  that  Yor 
Petr  humbly  hopes  that  yor  Ma’tie  will  think  it  high  time  to  stretch 
forth  yor  Royall  hand  of  Justice  to  assist  yor  Petr  that  hee  may  have 
the  quiet  Possession  of  his  Province  and  Reparation  made  him  for 
the  losses  susteyned  in  such  wayes  and  methods  as  the  importance 
of  the  Case  requirs  and  yor  Ma’tie  in  vor  Royall  Wisdome  shall 
think  most  fitt. 

And  yor  Petr  shall  Ever  pray 

Rob*  Mason. 


Answer  of  Massachusetts  to  Mason  and  Gorges’s  complaints,  etc., 
State  Papers,  Vol.  1,  pp.  826-338. 


Abstract  of  Robert  Mason’s  title,  State  Papers,  Vol.  IT,  p.  533. 


[ Report  on  Mason's  Petition .] 

[Council  Book,  Vol.  1,  p.  39.] 

To  the  Kinges  most  Excellent  Ma According  to  yo1  Matie3 

Refference  uppon  the  Petition  of  Robert  Maso hereunto  An- 
nexed, bearing  date,  at  Whitehall,  the  Seaventeenth  of  Novem 

heard  the  Claimes,  and  Complaints,  of  the  Peticoners  and  also  Sum- 
moned by  Executed,  att  the  Exchange,  on  the  21th  day,  of 

January  Laste,  against  all  in  that  Businesse,  butt  none  ap- 
peared, butt  Cap1  Jn°  Leverett,  who  acknowledged  hee  was 

Commissionated,  as  an  Agent  of  the  Corporac’on  of  Boston,  in  New 
that  now,  hee  had  noe  Authority,  to  appeare,  or  Act  on  their 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


105 


behalf,  Uppon  produceing  of  divers  Letters  Pattents,  and 

Examinac’on  of  Witnesses,  wee  That  Cap4  Jn°  Mason,  Grand 

father  to  Robert  Mason,  one  of  the  Petitioners,  and Godfrey, 

one  other  of  the  Pettic’oners  by  Vertue,  of  Severell,  Letters  Pat- 
tents,  under  the  great  Seale  of  England,  Graunted  unto  them,  and 

others,  by  yr  Maties  Late  Royall  F themselves,  and  their  as- 

signes,  have  beene,  in  Actuall,  and  quiet  possession,  of  Sev 

Tracts,  parsells,  and  Divissions,  of  Land,  in  New  England,  as  in  and 

by  the  Said  letter is  particylarly,  Expressed,  and  that  the  Said 

Cap4  Jn°  Mason,  and  the  said  Edward  Godfrey  did  Expend  and  lay 
out  Considerable  sum’es  of  money,  in  Settleing  Plantac’ons,  and 
Collonyes  here  That  the  Said,  Edward  Godfrey,  hath  lived  there, 
for  five,  and  Twenty  yeares,  haveing  under  gone  and  discharged  the 
Office  of  the  Governour,  of  the  Province,  of  Mayne  with  much 
Reputac’on,  of  Integrity,  and  Justice,  Indeavouring,  the  Regulac’on, 

and  Govern of  those  parts,  where  hee  dweels,  according  to 

the  Knowne  and  Setled  lawes,  of  this  That  Notwithstand- 

ing, the  said  Edward  Godfrey,  hath  not  onely  beene  turned  out 

of  his  Said  of  Governour,  butt  hath  beene  Utterly  ousted  and 

dispossessed,  of  his  lands,  and  Estate,  in  that  wch  the  inhabi- 

tants of  the  Massachusets  have  forcibly  Seized,  and  still  doe  deteyn 

& That  itt  appeares,  as  well  by  Testimony  of  Witnesses  as  by 

a Coppie that  they  were  not  to  act  anything  Repugnant  to  the 

Lawes  of  England,  Nor their  bounds  and  Limmits  of  the  Said 

Reservac’on  farther  then  three  miles  Northwards Merrymacke 

River,  And  as  a Memorial,  and  Evidence  thereof,  the  Governour,  of 

the did  Set  up,  an  house,  about  Thirty  }reares  Since,  which  is 

Called,  the  bound  house, by  that  name,  to  this  day,  and  with 

this  Division,  and  assignement,  or  lott  of  land Inhabitants,  and 

Pattentees,  of  the  Said  Corporac’on  of  the  Massachusets,  for 

the  Space,  of  Sixteene  yeares,  together  Untill  about  the  yeare:  1652 

Enlarge,  and  Stretch  theire  Line,  above  three  score  Miles 

beyond  their bounds  aforesaid;  And  have  thereby,  not  onely, 

Invaded,  and  Incroach Plantac’ons,  and  Inheritances,  of  the 

Petition1-8,  and  other,  yor  Ma4ies  Sub Menaces,  and  Armed  forces, 

Compelled  them,  to  Submitt,  to  their  usurped  Government, 

which  they  have  declared,  to  bee  Independent,  of  this  yor  Ma 

England,  and  not  Subordinate  thereunto. 

Itt  appeares  further,  by  the  Witnesses,  that  the  Collony  of  the 

massachusets many  yeares  past  Endeavoured  to  Moddell,  and 

Contrive  themselves  State  or  Common  wealth,  without  any 

Relac’on,  to  the  Crowne  of  Eng themselves,  the  name,  and 

Stile,  of  a Common  Wealth,  Issuing  names,  Imposeing  of 


106 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Taxes,  to  bee  Lawe  unto  themselves,  Contrary Coyneing  of 

money,  with  their  owne  Stampe,  and  Signatures,  Ex Power, 

over  the  Estates,  and  persons,  of  all  such  as  Submit  ment, 

allowing  them  noe  Appeales,  to  England,  and  Some  hath Pub- 

liquely,  to  affirme,  that  iff  his  Matie  should  Send  them,  a and 

Churches,  throughout  the  whole  Country,  under  their  Government, 
pose  him,  and  others  have  saide  that  before  they  of  New  Eng- 
land, would  submitt,  to  any  Appeale  to  England,  they  would 

sell,  that  Countiy,  or antac’on,  to  the  King  of  Spaine. 

That  by  reason  of  the  premisses,  the  Said  Rob.  Mason,  and 
Edward  Godfrey,  have  beene  damnified,  in  their  Plantac’ons,  and 
Estates,  to  the  V allew  of  five  Thousand  pounds,  according  to  the 
Judgnff,  and  Estimac’on,  of  Severall  witnesses,  Examined,  in  that 
behalfe,  Butt  by  what  pretense,  of  Right,  or  authority,  the  Massa- 
chusets  have  taken  uppon  them,  to  proceede,  and  Act  in  such  man- 
ner, doth  not  appeare,  to  us. 

All  which,  wee  most  humbly  represent,  to  yor  Matie  in  duty,  and 
Obedience,  to  yor  Com’ands,  not  presumeing,  to  offer  any  opinion, 
in  a buisnesse,  of  Soe  high  Importance,  wherein  the  Publicque 
Interrest,  and  Government,  of  yo1  Matie  appeares,  Soe  much  Inter- 
mixt,  and  Concerned,  with  the  private  Interrest,  of  the  Petic’oners. 
Rob1  Mason  G:  sweit 

Ja:  Bunce  Richard  foxe 

Jh:  Ecton  Jo:  Myles 

Tho : Povey 

[The  dashes  indicate  places  in  the  original  that  have  been  eaten 
off  by  mice.  Ed.] 


[ Opinion  of  Sir  Geoffrey  Palmer , Nov.  <§,  1660.] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  6.] 

May  it  Please  your  most  Excellent  Majesty 

In  Obedience  to  your  Royal  Command’s  according  to  your 
Majesty’s  Reference  upon  the  Petition  of  Robert  Mason  hereunto 
annexed  dated  at  Whitehall  the  25th  of  October  last  I have  Con- 
sidered thereof  and  Examined  the  Title  & Claim  of  the  Petitioner 
to  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  and  do  find 
that  your  Majesty’s  Royal  Grandfather  King  James  of  ever  blessed 
Memory  did  by  his  Highness  Letters  Patents,  under  the  Great  Seal 
of  England  bearing  date  at  Westminster  the  third  day  of  November 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


107 


1620  in  the  Eighteenth  Year  of  his  Highnesses  Reign  for  Sundry 
Reasons  and  Considerations  therein  Expressed,  give,  grant  and  con- 
firm unto  several  Persons  of  Honour,  by  the  name  of  the  Council  of 
New  England,  their  Successors  and  Assigns  forever,  all  that  part  of 
the  main  Land  in  America  lying  between  the  Degrees  of  Forty  & 
Forty  Eight  North  Latitude  to  be  held  in  fee  as  of  the  Man  nor  of 
East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent  with  many  great  Priviledges 
Royalties  & Immunities  under  certain  Conditions  and  Limitations 
in  the  said  Letters  Pattents  expressed  and  that  John  Mason  Esqr 
Grandfather  to  the  Petitioner  b}^  Vertue  of  several  Grants  from  the 
said  Council  of  New  England  under  their  Common  Seal  bearing 
date  the  9th  day  of  March  1621.  the  7th  day  of  November  1629.  and 
the  22d  April  1635.  was  Instated  in  fee  of  sundry  great  Tracts  of 
Land  in  New  England  by  the  name  of  New  Hampshire,  to  be 
Enjoyed  as  fully  & freely  to  all  Intents  & Purposes  whatsoever  as 
the  said  Council  of  New  England  by  Vertue  of  his  Majesties  said 
Letters  Pattents  may  might  or  ought  to  have  hold  & enjoy  the 
same,  as  by  the  said  Several  Grants  it  doth  fully  appear  upon  which 
said  Several  Grants  I am  of  opinion  that  the  Petitioner  Robert 
Mason  who  is  Grand  son  & Heir  to  the  said  John  Mason  hath  a 
good  & legal  Right  & Title  to  the  Lands  above  Conveyed  by  the 
name  of  New  Hampshire 

All  which  I do  most  humbly  Certifie 

8th  November  1660. — G Palmer. 

The  Original  was  delivered  unto  Sr  Wm  Morrice,  pincipal  Secre- 
tary of  State — 

Vera  Copia  Rich  : Partridge  Cler. 

Pro  : of  N.  Hampr 

Vera  Copia  from  the  Superiour  Court  Records  the  8th  June  1704 — 

^ Theodr  Atkinson  Cler. 

Copy  of  that  on  file  in  a Case  Allen  vs  Lawrence  tried  1704  / 5. 

Examin’d  ^0  Geo  : Jaffrey  Cl 


Summary  of  the  title  of  Robert  Mason  to  New  Hampshire,  March 
5,  1674-5,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  516. 


108 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Report  of  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General , May  17,  16757\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  7.] 

May  it  please  your  Lordps 

In  Obedience  to  yor  Lord118  order  of  reference  to  us  upon  the  Peti- 
tion of  Robert  Mason  we  have  Considered  thereof  and  Exam*1  the 
title  and  Claim  of  the  Petitioners  to  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire in  New  England  and  do  find  that  his  Majties  Royall  Grand- 
father King  James  of  Ever  Blessed  memory  by  his  highnesses  let- 
ters pattents  under  the  great  Seale  of  England  bearing  Date  at 
westminr  the  third  day  of  November  1620  in  the  Eighteenth  year  of 
his  highnesses  reign  for  Sundry  reasons  & Considerations  therein 
Expressed  did  Grant  and  Confirme  unto  Severall  persons  of  Honour 
by  the  Name  of  the  Councell  of  New  England  their  Successors  and 
assigns  forever  all  that  part  of  the  maine  land  in  America  lying 
between  the  Degrees  of  forty  & forty  Eight  North  latitude  to  be 
held  as  of  the  Mannor  of  East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent 
with  many  great  Privileges  Royalties  & Immunities  under  certain 
Conditions  and  limittations  in  the  Said  letters  pattents  Expressed 
and  that  John  Mason  Esqr  Grandfather  to  the  Petitinor  by  virtue  of 
Severall  grants  from  the  Said  Councell  of  New  England  under  their 
Com’on  Seal  bearing  date  the  ninth  day  of  March  one  thousand  Six 
hundred  & twenty  the  Seventh  day  of  November  1629  & the  22d  day 
of  Aprill  1635  was  Instated  in  fee  in  Sundry  Great  Tracts  of  land 
in  New  England  by  the  name  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  enjoyed 
as  fully  & freely  to  all  intents  & purposes  whatsoever  as  the  Said 
Councell  of  New  England  by  virtue  of  his  majties  Said  letters 
Pattents  may  might  or  Ought  to  have  hold  or  enjoy  the  Same  as 
by  the  Said  Severall  grants  doth  fully  appear  upon  which  Said 
Several  conveyances  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  the  now  Peti- 
tioners Robert  Mason  who  is  Grandson  and  Heir  to  the  said  John 
mason  hath  a good  and  legal  Title  to  the  lands  above  conveyed  by 
the  Name  of  the  province  of  new  Hampshire 
all  which  we  humbly  certify 

17th  may  Wm  Jones 

1675  Fra:  Winnington 

a true  Copy  William  Blathwaite 

The  original  was  Delivd 
to  Sr  Robfc  Southwell 
Vera  Copia 
True  Copy  Examd 


^ Richard  Partridge  Cler — 
^ B Gambling  Clerk 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


109 


[Endorsed]  Sr  Wm  Jones  att : Gen1  Sr  Fra:  winning-ton  Solr  Gen1 
yr  report  concerning  Robr  Mason  his  Title  to  the  prov  : of  new 
Hampshr  in  new  England  17th  may  1675 


[ Judges’  Report.'] 

[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  Maine  Historical 
Society,  p.  65.] 

The  Judges  Report  conserning  the  Tytle  of  Mason  and  George 

In  obedience  to  your  Lordships  order  wee  appointed  a day  for  the 
hearing  of  all  prties  and  considering  the  matters  refferred  haveing 
received  from  them  Such  papers  of  their  cases  as  they  were  pleased 
to  deliver.  Att  which  time  all  parties  as  appearing  the  Respondents 
did  disclaime  Title  to  the  Lands  claimed  by  the  Peticonrs  and  it 
appeared  to  us  that  the  said  Lands  are  now  in  the  possession  of 
seaveral  other  prsons  not  before  us  whereupon  wee  thought  not  fitt 
to  examin  any  claimes  to  ye  said  Lands  it  beeing  in  Our  Opinion 
improper  to  Judge  of  any  titles  of  Land  wth  out  hearing  the  Perten- 
ants  or  some  other  persons  on  their  Behalf  and  if  there  bee  any 
Courte  of  Justice  upon  the  place  haveing  Jurisdiction  wee  esteemed 
it  most  proper  to  derect  the  parties  to  have  a Recourse  thither  for 
the  decision  of  any  question  of  property  untill  it  shall  appear  that 
there  is  just  cause  of  complaining  against  y1  cours  of  Justice  there 
for  Injustice  or  Greivance 

Wee  did  in  the  presence  of  the  said  parties  examine  their  seav- 
erall  claimes  to  ye  Governm1  and  the  petic’on1-  haveing  weighed  the 
pretence  of  a grant  of  governm1  from  ye  Counsell  att  plimouth 
wherein  they  where  Convinced  by  there  Own  Counsell  y*  no  such 
power  or  Jurisdiction  could  bee  transferred  or  assigned  by  any  Col- 
our of  Law 

The  question  was  Reduced  to  the  province  of  Maine  whereto  ye 
Petir  Gorges  made  his  Title  by  a grant  from  King  Charles  the 
first  in  ye  15e  of  his  Raigne  made  to  Sr  ferdinando  Gorges  and  his 
heirs  of  the  province  of  Maine  and  the  Government  thereof  In 
answer  to  this  the  Respondents  alleadged  that  Long  time  Before 
viz  in  quarto  Caroly  prim  the  Governm1  was  granted  to  them  and 
produced  coppies  of  Lett19  pattents  wherein  it  is  recited  that  ye 
Councell  of  Plimouth,  haveing  granted  to  Certaine  persons  a Terri- 
tory thus  discribed  viz: 

All  that  part  of  New  England  in  America  which  lyes  and  extends 
between  a great  River  there  Commonly  called  Monomack  and  a cer- 


110 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


taine  other  River  there  called  Charles  River  beeing  in  a Bottom  of  a 
certain  Bay  there  called  Massachuts  Bay  and  also  all  and  singuler 
the  Lauds  and  hereditaments  whatsoever  Lying  and  beeing  within 
the  space  of  three  Engl : miles  on  the  south  part  of  the  said  Charles 
River  or  any  or  every  Part  thereof,  and  also  all  and  singular  the 
Lands  and  Hereditaments  whatsoever  lying  and  beeing  within  the 
space  of  three  English  miles  to  the  Southwards  of  the  southermost 
part  of  the  said  Bay  called  Massachusetts  Bay  and  all  those  Lands 
and  Heriditaments  whatsoever  which  lyes  and  bee  within  the  space 
of  three  English  miles  to  the  norward  of  the  said  River  called  Mono- 
mack als  Merrimack  or  to  the  norward  of  any  and  every  Part  there- 
of and  all  lands  and  Heridatements  what  soever  lying  within  the 
Limmits  aforesaid  North  and  south  in  Latitude  and  Breadth  & in 
lenght  and  Longitude  of  and  withall  the  Breadth  aforesaid  throw- 

out  ve  Maine  Lands  there  from  the  Atlantick  and  western  Sea  and 
« / 

Ocean  on  ve  East  pt  to  ye  South  sea  on  ye  west 

By  the  said  Letters  patents  the  king  Confirmed  that  grant  made 
them  a Corperation  and  gave  them  power  to  make  Laws  for  Gov- 
erning of  the  Lands  and  people 

The  Grant  of  the  Government  can  extend  no  further  then  ye  own- 
ership of  ye  soyle  the  Boundereys  of  which  is  recited  in  the  patent 
wholy  excluded  the  province  of  Main  which  lyes  norward  more  then 
3 miles  bevound  the  River  Marmack. 

w Wee  have  Considered  the  Matters  and  Doe  humbly  Conceave  as  to 
the  first  Matter  that  the  patent  before  Carol i pm0  is  good  not  with- 
standing they  are  not  made  in  18  Jacoby  for  it  appeared  to  us  in  the 
Recitall  in  ye  Patent  4 Caroli  pmo  that  the  Councell  of  Plim0  had 
granted  away  all  their  Intrest  in  the  Lands  the  year  before  and  it 
must  bee  presumed  they  deserted  ve  Govern mt.  whereupon  it  was 
Lawfull  and  necessary  for  the  King  to  establish  a sutable  forme  of 
Governmt.  according  to  his  Royall  wisdome  which  was  don  by  that 
Patent  of  4 Caroli  pmo  extend  no  further  then  the  Boundereys  Ex- 
pressed in  the  Patent  and  those  Boundereys  cannot  bee  continued  to 
extend  further  norward  then  the  Marmack  River  then  3 English 
miles 

ffor  the  North  and  South  Bounds  of  the  Lands  granted  so  far  as 
the  River  extends  are  to  follow  the  Course  of  the  River  which 
makes  the  Breath  of  ye  Grant  and  the  wordes  discribing  the  Lenght 
to  Comprehend  all  the  Lands  from  the  Atilantick  Oacian  so  to  the 
South  Sea  and  is  in  all  the  Breadth  aforesaid  doe  not  containe 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


Ill 


| Letter  from  King  to  Massachusetts  Government , March  10 , 1675-6. ] 


[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  Maine  Historical 
Society,  p.  49.] 


10  March 
75-6 


Charles  R. 

Trusty  and  Welbeloved  Wee  greet  you  well.  Wee 
have  been  for  a long  time  sollicited  by  the  Complaints 
of  Our  Trusty  and  Welbeloved  Subjects  Robert  Mason 
and  fferdinando  Gorges  Esqrs  to  interpose  Our  Royall 
authority  for  their  releif  in  the  matter  of  their  Claimes 
and  Right  pretended  by  them  to  the  Two  provinces  of 
Newhamp shire  and  Main , in  Our  Territory  of  New  Eng- 
land, out  of  the  possession  whereof  they  are  kept  as 
they  alleadge  by  the  violence  and  strong  hand  of  Our 
Subjects  the  people  of  Boston  and  others  of  the  Massa- 
chusets  Colony.  The  said  petitioners  have  presented 
unto  Us  a very  long  deduction  of  all  proceedings  from 
the  begining,  as  well  in  proof  of  their  demands,  as  of  the 
hardshipp  they  have  undergone  and  upon  debate  of  these 
matters  before  Us  in  Councill,  Wee  think  it  high  time  to 
affoord  a Solemne  hearing  to  the  Complaints  of  Our 
Subjects,  and  to  see  that  Justice  be  Equally  administred 
to  all.  But  for  asmuch  as  no  man  hath  appeared  before 
Us  to  make  answer  in  behalf  of  the  said  people  Our  Sub- 
jects who  are  now  under  your  Command,  and  that  it  is 
not  agreable  to  Our  Royall  Justice  to  conclude  any  thing 
on  the  hearing  of  one  side  without  the  other  be  called, 
Wee  have  therfore  directed  that  Coppies  of  the  Two 
petitions  presented  unto  Us  be  transmitted  herewith 
unto  you.  That  you  may  see  and  know  the  matters 
they  contain,  and  show  cause  why  Wee  should  not 
afford  the  Petitioners  that  Releif  which  is  prayed  for  by 
them  Therefore  Wee  doe  by  the  Advice  of  Our  said 
Councill  hereby  Command  that  you  send  over  Agents  to 
appeare  before  Us  in  Six  Moneths  after  yor  Receipt  of 
these  Our  Letters,  Who  being  fully  instructed  and  Suffi- 
ciently impowred  to  answer  for  you  may  receive  Our 
Royall  Determination  in  this  matter  depending  for 
Judgement  before  Us.  And  to  the  end  these  Our  Gra- 
cious intentions  for  doing  Equall  Justice  to  all  parties 
may  be  the  better  effected  without  any  delay  or  frustra 
tion  Wee  have  thought  fitt  and  doe  hereby  require  and 


112 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Command  That  this  Our  Letter  together  with  the  fore* 
mentioned  petitions  herewith  transmitted  to  you  be  read 
in  publick  and  full  Councill  And  that  Edward  Randolph 
by  whom  Wee  send  Our  said  Letter  with  the  petitions 
be  admitted  into  the  Councill  to  heare  the  same  read 
there,  he  being  by  Us  appointed  to  bring  Us  back  yor 
Answer,  or  render  Us  an  Account  of  yor  proceedings  in 
this  matter.  And  soe  Wee  bid  you  farewell  Given  at 
Our  Court  at  Whitehall  the  10th  day  of  March  167fin 
the  Eight  and  Twentieth  year  of  Our  Reign/. 

By  his  Majties  Command 

H.  Coventry 

To  Our  Trusty  and  welbeloved 
the  Governor  and  Magistrates 
of  Our  Towne  of  Boston 
in  New  England. 


Depositions  of  Edward  Johnson  and  William  Seavey,  Aug.  25 
and  Sept.  3,  1676,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  521. 


Extract  of  letter  from  Gov.  Leverett  to  the  Lord  Chancellor  of 
England,  Oct  22,  1677,  State  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  349. 


Petition  of  Mason  and  Gorges  for  a separate  government  for 
Maine  and  New  Hampshire,  Jan.  9,  1677-8,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17, 
p.  529. 


[Letter from  King  to  Massachusetts  Government , July  1679. j 

[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  Maine  Historical  Soci- 
ety, p.  50.] 

Charles  R. 

24  juiy  Trusty  and  Welbeloved  Wee  Greet  you  well  These  Our 

Letters  are  to  accompany  Our  Trusty  and  Welbeloved 
William  Stoughton  and  Peter  Bulldey , Esqrs  yo.  Agents, 
who  having  manifested  to  Us  great  necessity  in  their 
Domestick  concerns  to  returne  back  into  New  England, 
Wee  have  graciously  consented  thereunto,  and  the  rather, 
because  for  many  moneths  past  Our  Councill  hath  been 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


113 


taken  up  in  the  discovery  and  prosecution  of  a popish 
Plott,  and  yet  there  appears  little  prospect  of  any  Speedy 
leisure  for  entring  upon  such  Regulation  in  yor  affaires  as 
is  certainly  necessary,  not  only  in  respect  of  Our  dignity, 
but  of  your  owne  perfect  settlement.  But  it  is  very 
probable,  that  if  either  yor  said  Agents  had  brought  Com- 
mission to  intermeddle  in  such  Regulation  (which  they 
have  disowned)  or  that  you  had  sent  such  Commission 
after  them,  when  from  time  to  time  intimations  were 
given  them  of  what  Wee  did  expect,  and  what  Wee  were 
thereupon  willing  to  Grant  neither  their  stay  had  been 
thus  long,  nor  had  the  matter  been  now  undetermined. 
Wee  must  therefore  attend  a further  opportunity  for  this 
work.  And  in  order  thereunto  Our  will  and  pleasure  is 
That  you  choose  out  such  other  htt  person  or  persons 
duly  instructed  by  you,  and  send  them  over  in  Six 
moneths  after  the  receipt  of  these  Our  Letters  that  they 
may  here  attend  Us  in  the  prosecution  of  the  Same,  ffor 
since  the  Charter  by  its  frame  and  constitution  was  origi- 
nally to  be  Executed  in  this  Kingdome,  and  not  in  New 
England,  otherwise  then  by  Deputation  (as  is  accordingly 
practised  in  all  other  Charters  of  like  nature)  it  is  not 
possible  to  establish  that  perfect  Settlement  Wee  soe 
much  desire,  untill  these  things  are  better  understood. 

In  the  meantime  Wee  doubt  not  but  the  Bearers 
hereof,  who  have  demeaned  themselves  during  their 
attendance  here  with  good  care  and  discretion,  will  from 
their  own  observations  acquaint  you,  with  many  impor- 
tant things  which  may  be  of  Such  use  and  advertisement 
to  you,  that  Wee  might  well  hope  to  be  prevented  by  yor 
applications  in  what  is  expected  or  desired  by  Us,  so 
much  it  is  yor  interest  to  propose  and  intercede  for  the 
same,  ffor  Wee  are  graciously  inclined  to  have  all  past 
errors  and  mistakes  forgotten,  and  that  yor  condition 
might  be  soe  amended  as  that  neither  yor  Settlement,  or 
the  minds  of  Our  good  Subjects  there,  should  be  liable  to 
be  shaken  and  disquieted  upon  every  Complaint.  Wee 
have  heard  with  satisfaction  of  the  great  readyness 
wherewith  Our  good  Subjects  there  have  lately  offered 
themselves  to  the  taking  of  the  oath  of  Allegiance,  which 
is  a cleer  manifestation  to  Us,  That  the  unanswerable 
defect  in  that  particular  was  but  the  fault  of  a very  few 
in  power,  who  for  soe  long  a time  obstructed  what  the 


114 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Charter  and  Our  Express  Commands  obliged  them  unto, 
as  will  appear  in  Our  Gracious  Letters  of  the  28th  June 
in  the  fourteenth  year  of  Our  Reign,  And  Wee  shall 
henceforth  expect,  that  there  wilbe  a sutable  obedience 
in  other  particulars  of  the  said  Letter,  as  namely  in 
respect  of  ffreedome  and  liberty  of  Conscience,  soe  as 
these  who  desire  to  serve  God  in  the  wa}T  of  the  Church 
of  England,  be  not  thereby  made  obnoxious  or  discounte- 
nanced from  their  sharing  in  the  Government,  much  less 
that  either  they  or  any  other  of  Our  good  Subjects  (not 
being  papists)  who  doe  not  agree  in  the  Congregationall 
way,  be  by  Law  Subjected  to  ffines  or  forfeitures  or  other 
incapacities  for  the  same,  which  is  a Severity  the  more  to 

be  wondred  at,  when  as  Liberty  of  Conscience  was  made 

€/ 

one  principall  motive  for  3’or  first  transportation  into 
those  parts. 

Nor  doe  Wee  think  it  fitt,  that  any  other  distinction 
be  observed  in  the  making  of  freemen,  then  that  they 
be  men  of  competent  estates  rateable  at  Term  shillings 
according  to  the  Rules  of  the  place,  and  that  such  in 
their  Turns  be  also  capable  of  the  Magistracy,  and  all 
Laws  made  void  that  obstruct  the  same.  And  because 
Wee  have  not  observed  any  fruits  or  advantage  by  the 
dispentation  granted  by  Us  in  Our  said  Lettrs  of  June  in 
the  fourteenth  year  of  Our  Reign,  whereby  the  Number 
of  Assistants  setled  by  the  Charter  to  be  Eighteen  might 
be  reduced  unto  the  Number  of  Tenn  Our  will  and 
pleasure  is  that  the  ancient  number  of  Eighteen  be  hence- 
forth observed  according  to  the  Letter  of  the  Charter 
And  Our  further  will  and  pleasure  is  that  all  persons 
coming  to  any  privilege  Trust  or  Office  in  that  Colony 
be  first  enjoined  to  take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance,  And 
that  all  the  Military  Commissions  as  well  as  the  proceed- 
ings of  Justice  may  run  in  Our  Royall  Name/. 

Wee  are  informed  that  you  have  lately  made  some 
good  provision  for  observing  the  Acts  of  Trade  and  Nav- 
igation, which  is  well  pleasing  unto  Us,  and  as  Wee 
doubt  not  and  doe  expect  that  you  will  abolish  all  Laws 
that  are  repugnant  to,  and  inconsistent  with  the  Laws  of 
Trade  with  Us,  Wee  have  appointed  Our  Trusty  and 
wellbeloved  Subject  Edward  Randolph  Esqr  to  be  Our 
Collector  Surveyor  and  Searcher,  not  only  for  that  Col- 
ony, but  for  all  other  Our  Colonies  in  New  England,  con- 
stituting him  by  the  Broad  Seal  of  this  Our  Kingdome  to 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL, 


115 


the  said  Imployments,  and  therefore  recommending  him 
to  yor  help  and  assistance  in  all  things  that  may  he  requi- 
site in  the  discharge  of  his  Trust./ 

There  is  one  thing  which  Wee  cannot  omitt  to  left  you 
know  Wee  are  Surprised  att,  which  is  That  during  the 
time  Wee  had  the  Complaints  of  Mr  Gorges  under  Our 
consideration,  you  should  presume  without  asking  Our 
Royall  permission  to  purchase  his  Interest  in  the  province 
of  Maine , the  Truth  whereof  is  but  lately  owned  by  yor 
said  Agents,  when  allmost  at  the  same  time  Wee  come  to 
heare  of  some  Effects  of  a Severe  hand  laid  by  you  on  Our 
Subjects  there,  in  consequence  therof.  And  whereas  yor 
Agents  declare  you  have  paid  to  Mr  Gorges  the  Summ  of 
Twelve  hundred  pounds  for  the  said  province,  Wee  doe 
Expect  upon  Our  Reimboursement  of  what  it  shall  appear 
you  have  paid  for  the  Same  That  there  be  a Surrender  of 
all  Deeds  and  Writings  therof  made  into  Our  hands,  and 
that  your  future  Agents  doe  bring  them  over,  for  as 
much  as  Wee  were  sometime  in  treaty  for  the  said  prov- 
ince, and  doe  disapprove  what  you  have  done  therin. 
And  as  for  that  part  of  the  province  of  Newhampshire 
lying  Three  miles  Northward  of  Merrimack  River,  which 
was  granted  unto  Mr  Mason,  and  wherof  the  Govern- 
ment remains  still  vested  in  Us,  you  are  not  to  expect 
(according  to  the  desire  of  yor  Agents)  that  the  same 
shoidd  be  annexed  to  yov  Government,  ffor  Wee  have  it 
under  Our  consideration,  how  to  establish  such  method 
there  as  may  be  of  most  benefitt  and  satisfaction  to  Our 
good  Subjects  of  that  place,  And  therefore  Our  will  and 
pleasure  is  that  you  doe  recall  all  Commissions  granted 
by  you  for  Governing  within  that  province,  which  Wee 
doe  hereby  declare  to  be  void,  and  doe  require  that  you 
doe  in  all  things  for  the  future  conforme  yor  selves  unto 
the  Resolution  which  Wee  have  taken  in  this  behalf. 
And  soe  not  doubting  of  yor  Duty  and  Obedience  herein 
Wee  bid  you  ffarewell  Given  at  Our  Court  at  Whitehall 
the  ffour  and  Twentieth  day  of  July  1679  in  the  One  and 
Thirtieth  year  of  Our  Reigne/. 

By  his  Majts  Command 

To  Our  Trusty  and  well-  Sunderland 

%/ 

beloved  the  Governor 
and  Company  of  the 
Massach  usets  Bay 
in  New  England/. 


116 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


“ Mr  Gorges  Selling  the  Province  of  Maine  to  ye  Massachusetts  & 
overtures  to  Mr  Mason  from  y*  Colony  for  New  Hampshire,”  March, 
1679-80,  State  Papers,  Yol.  17,  p.  538. 


Petition  of  Robert  Mason,  received  Aug.  6,  1680,  State  Papers, 
Yol.  17,  p.  540. 


[. Letter  from  the  King  to  the  Massachusetts  Government , Sept.  SO , 

1680.] 


[From  manuscript  volume  in  possession  of  the  Maine  Historical 
Society,  p.  53.] 


Charles  R. 


3°sept  Trusty  and  Wellbeloved  Wee  greet  you  well.  When 
32  car,  2 by  Our  Royall  Letters  bearing  date  the  24th  da}7  of  July 
in  the  One  and  Thirtieth  year  of  Our  Reign.  Wee  sig- 
nified unto  you  Our  gracious  inclination  to  have  all  past 
errors  forgotten,  setting  before  you  the  means  whereby  you 
might  deserve  Our  pardon,  and  commanding  yor  ready  obe- 
dience to  Severall  particulars  therein  contained,  requiring 
with  all  a speedy  complyance  with  the  intimations  of 
your  duty  given  to  yor  late  Agents  during  their  attend- 
ance here,  all  which  Wee  esteem  essentiall  to  yor  quiett 
settlement  and  naturall  obedience  due  unto  Us,  Wee 
then  little  thought  those  marks  of  Our  Grace  and  favour 
should  have  found  no  better  acceptance  among  you,  but 
that  before  all  other  things  you  should  have  given  pref- 
erence to  the  Execution  of  all  Our  Commands,  when 
after  soe  many  moneths  Wee  come  to  understand  by  a 
Letter  from  you  to  One  of  Our  principal  Secretaries  of 
State  dated  the  21th  of  May  last,  that  very  few  of  Our 
directions  had  been  pursued  by  yor  Generali  Court,  the 
further  consideration  of  the  remaining  particulars  having 
been  putt  off  upon  insufficient  pretences,  and  even 
wholly  neglecting  your  appointment  of  other  Agents, 
which  were  required  to  be  sent  over  unto  Us  within  Six 
moneths  after  the  receipt  of  Our  said  Letters  with  full 
Instructions  to  attend  Our  Royall  pleasure  here  in  rela- 
tion to  that  Our  Government.  Wee  have  also  received 
the  petition  of  Our  Trusty  and  Welbeloved  Robert  Mason 
Esqr,  whose  Ancestors  obtained  diverse  Grants  and  made 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


117 


large  purchases  of  Land  in  New  England,  humbly  laying 
before  Us  the  State  of  his  further  pretensions  to  the  pro- 
priety of  Soyle  in  a Tract  of  Land  lying  between  Merri- 
mack and  Naumkeck  Rivers  by  virtue  of  a Grant  bearing 
date  in  the  Nineteenth  year  of  the  Reign  of  Our  Royall 
Grandfather.  In  the  Examination  whereof  the  Lords 
of  Our  Committee  of  fforreign  plantations  had  made  such 
a progress,  that  the  right  of  Our  Subjects  had  allready 
been  therupon  setled,  without  the  humble  intreaty  of 
yor  said  Agents,  and  consent  of  the  said  Robert  Mason, 
That  in  regard  of  their  suddain  departure,  and  want  of 
powers  in  that  behalf,  the  determination  thereof  might 
be  suspended  untill  the  arrivall  of  other  Agents  to  be 
appointed,  according  to  the  limitation  of  Our  said  Letters, 
as  yo1  Agents  were  able  to  informe  you.  And  alltliough 
the  vindication  of  Our  Authority  and  the  demand  of  Jus- 
tice from  one  of  Our  Subjects  might  have  well  induced 
Us  to  the  most  Speedy  means  of  redress  by  doing  Us  and 
Our  Subjects  right,  Wee  have  nevertheless  continued 
Our  Royall  Clemency  towards  you  and  thought  fitt  to 
give  you  further  opportunity  of  bearing  evidence  of  yor 
duty  towards  Us,  soe  as  no  further  occasion  of  complaint 
may  be  offered  in  respect  of  yor  behaviour.  Wee  doe 
therefore  by  these  Our  Letters  strictly  command  and 
require  you,  as  you  tender  yor  allegiance  unto  Us,  and 
will  deserve,  the  effects  of  Our  Grace  and  favour  (which 
Wee  are  inclined  to  afford  you)  seriously  to  reflect  upon 
Our  Commands  contained  in  Our  said  Letters  and  other 
directions  at  severall  times  intimated  unto  yor  late 
Agents,  while  they  were  yett  attending  Our  Councill, 
and  particularly  Wee  doe  hereby  command  you  to  send 
over,  within  Three  moneths  after  the  receipt  thereof, 
such  other  person  or  persons  as  you  shall  think  fitt  to 
choose,  and  that  you  give  them  sufficient  Instructions  to 
attend  the  regulation  and  Settlement  of  that  Our  Gov- 
ernment, and  to  answer  yor  proceedings  therein.  And 
that  the  matter  of  Complaint  of  the  said  Robert  Mason 
may  be  then  determined,  Wee  expect  that  yor  Agent  or 
Agents  be  not  onelv  prepared  to  lay  before  Us  such  Evi- 
dences of  Right,  as  you  may  have  to  the  propriety  of  Soyle 
in  that  Tract  of  Land  claimed  by  him,  but  Wee  direct 
you  also  to  make  a publick  signification  of  Our  pleasure 
unto  all  the  Inhabitants  and  Tertenants  thereof,  that  they 


118 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


doe  furnish  at  the  same  time  yor  said  Agents,  or  such 
others,  as  they  may  depute  with  the  proofs  of  their 
respective  titles  to  the  Land  possessed  by  them,  to  the 
end  they  may  be  f ullyr  satisfied  in  Our  Royall  Justice, 
that  they  have  not  been  prevented  in  the  full  improve- 
ment of  their  lawfull  defense,  which  Wee  hereby  direct 
them  to  make  before  Us  in  Councill,  such  is  the  care  and 
tenderness,  that  Wee  will  always  continue  towards  you, 
and  other  Our  Subjects,  by  removing  those  difficulties 
and  mistakes,  that  have  arisen  by  the  Execution  of  the 
powers  of  yor  Charter,  at  such  a distance  from  Us,  which 
by  the  first  intendment  and  present  constitution  thereof 
(as  by  the  Charter  appears)  has  its  natural  seat  and  imme- 
diate direction  within  Our  Ivingdome  of  England.  And 
that  the  due  observance  of  all  Our  Commands  above 
mentioned  may  not  be  any  longer  protracted,  Wee 
require  you  upon  Receipt  hereof  forthwith  to  call  a Gen- 
erali Court,  and  therein  to  read  these  Our  Letters,  and 
provide  for  Our  speedy  satisfaction,  in  default  whereof. 
Wee  shall  take  the  most  effectual  means  to  procure  the 
same.  And  soe  Wee  bid  you  ffarewell.  Given  at  Our 
Court  at  Newmarkett  the  30th  day  of  September  1680,  in 
he  Two  and  Thirtieth  year  of  Our  Reign/. 

By  his  Majts  command 

Sunderland. 


To  Our  Trusty  and 
Welbeloved  the 
Governor  and  Magistrates  of 
the  Massachusets  Colony  in 
New  England  now  and  for 
the  time  being/. 


[ King's  Instructions , Oct.  i,  1680.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  8.] 

Charles  R not  being  in  the  Province  Book 

Trusty  & welbeloved  wee  greet  you  well  whereas  we  have  thought 
fit  to  take  into  our  Especial  care  & Protection  our  Province  of  New 
HampslT  and  Provide  for  its  Prosperity  and  good  Government  and 
the  Setlement  of  the  Estate,  and  Possessions  of  our  good  Subjects 
there  and  that  for  the  Avoiding  any  Suits  or  Contentions  in  matter 


MASOMIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


119 


of  title  and  the  determining  Any  demands  which  Might  be  made  by 
our  well  beloved  Subject  Rob1  Mason  Esqr  as  Proprietor  under  us  of 
that  Province  by  virtue  of  a Grant  derived  from  Our  Royal  Grand- 
father King  James  under  the  great  Seal  of  England  we  have  So 
Composed  all  Matters  with  him  that  for  the  time  passed  untill  the 
24th  day  of  June  1679  he  Shall  not  Claim  or  Demand  any  rent  dues 
or  arrears  whatsoever  and  for  the  future  he  his  Heirs  or  Assigns 
Shall  receive  only  Six  pence  in  the  Pound  yearly  of  Every  Tennant 
by  way  of  Quit  Rent  according  to  the  true  & just  yearly  value  of 
what  is  improved  by  Any  of  the  Inhabitants  as  is  more  fully 
Expressed  in  Our  Commission  under  Our  great  Seal  bearing  Date 
the  l$th  day  of  September  in  the  One  and  thirtieth  year  of  our  reign. 

And  Whereas  the  Said  Rob1  Mason  hath  humbly  Signified  to  us 
that  he  is  preparing  to  transport  himself  for  the  taking  care  of  his 
affairs  and  intrests  in  the  Said  Province  & for  the  giving  a secure 
and  legal  Confirmation  of  the  estates  of  such  persons  as  are  now  in 
possession  but  without  any  right  or  legal  Title  to  the  same  and  he 
being  a Person  whom  we  have  esteemed  useful  to  our  Service  as  he 
is  chieflv  concerned  in  the  welfare  of  that  our  Province  we  have 
further  thought  fit  to  constitute  and  appoint  him  to  be  one  of  our 
Council  therein  and  we  do  hereby  order  and  require  you  our  Presi- 
dent and  Council  that  immediately  after  his  arrival  you  do  admit 
him  one  of  our  Council  of  our  Province  of  new  Hampshire  he  first 
taking  the  oaths  enjoyned  in  our  said  Commission — 

And  we  do  further  require  you  & him  that  you  do  betake  your 
selves  to  such  discreet  and  -equitable  ways  and  methods  in  your 
Proceedings  agreements  and  Settlements  for  the  future  that  there 
may  be  no  occasion  of  Complaints  to  our  Royal  person  and  author- 
ity here,  We  being  lesolved  to  discountenance  all  such  as  shall  wil- 
fully or  unnecessarily  avoid  or  delay  the  submitting  to  those  deter- 
minations which  may  be  reasonably  decreed  according  to  Justice 
and  good  Conscience  which  you  are  to  signify  to  all  our  good  Sub- 
jects within  our  sd  Province  that  they  may  govern  themselves 
accordingly  — and  so  we  bid  you  heartily  farewell 

Given  at  our  Court  at  newmarket  the  first  day  of  October  1680  in 
the  two  & thirtieth  year  of  our  Reign 

By  his  majesty’s  Com’and 

Sunderland 

To  our  Trusty  & well  beloved  the  President  & Council  of  our 
Province  of  new  IIampr  in  new  England 

The  above  is  a true  Copy  as  it  stands  recorded  in  the  Council 
Book  of  the  Province  of  new  Hampshr  Examined  this  12th  day  of 
august  1707 


120 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Charles  Rex  above  not  being  in  the  Council  Book 

^ me  Wm  Vaughan  Recordr 
True  Copy  Exam'1  B Gambling  Clerk 


Appointment  of  Richard  Otis  as  steward,  March  22,  1680-1,  State 
Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  429. 


Richard  Chamberlain’s  report  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  Planta- 
tions describing  the  organization  of  the  provincial  government,  etc., 
May  16,  1681,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  546. 


Letter  from  the  council  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  king,  May  31, 
1681,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  552. 


Petition  of  Robert  Mason  against  the  council  of  New  Hampshire, 
read  Nov.  10,  1681,  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  559. 


[ Extract  from  Gov.  Cranfield’s  Commission , May  9 , 168&.'] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  10.] 

Ll  Govr  Cranfeilds  Com’ission  from  King  Charles  the  2d  in  the 
34th  year  of  his  Reign 

And  whereas  Severall  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Said  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  have  been  Som  time  & now  are  in  the  Possession  of 
Severall  Quantitys  of  Land  & are  Said  to  have  made  Considerable 
Improvements  therein  having  no  Title  for  the  Same  or  Such  Pre- 
tended title  only  as  hath  been  Derived  from  the  Government  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay  in  vartue  of  theire  Imaginary  Line  which  Title 
as  it  hath  by  the  opinion  of  our  Judges  in  England  been  all  Together 
Sett  aside  soe  ye  Agents  Duly  impowred  by  our  said  Collony  of  ye 
Massachusetts  Bay  have  Consequently  Disowned  Any  Right  Either 
in  the  Soile  or  Government  there  of  from  the  three  Milles  line  afore 
said  and  itt  Appearing  unto  us  that  ye  Ancestor  of  Rob“  Mason 
Esqr  obtained  Grants  from  Our  Great  Councill  Established  att  Ply- 
mouth for  the  Tract  of  Land  Aforesaid  & were  att  very  Great 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


121 


Expence  upon  the  Same  Untill  Molested  & finally  Driven  out  Such 
hath  Occasioned  a Lasting  Complaint  for  Justice  by  the  said  Roblt 
Mason  Ever  since  our  Restoration  however  to  Prevent  in  this  Case 
Any  unreasonable  Demands  which  Might  be  Made  by  the  Said 
Robu  Mason  for  the  Right  he  Claims  in  the  said  Soile  wee  have 
oblidged  the  said  Robtl  Mason  under  his  hand  & Seale  to  Declare 
that  he  will  Demand  Nothing  for  ye  time  past  which  was  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  God  untill  the  24th  Day  of  June  1679  Nor  Molest 
any  in  their  Possession  for  ye  time  To  com  but  will  Make  out  titles 
to  them  & their  heirs  for  Ever  Provided  that  they  will  Pay  unto 
him  upon  a fair  Agreement  in  Lieu  of  all  other  rents  Six  pence  in 
the  Pound  According  to  the  Just  and  true  yearly  value  of  all  Houses 
built  by  them  & of  all  Lands  whether  Gardens  Orchards  Arable  or 
Pastire  which  hath  been  Improved  by  them  which  he  will  Agree 
shall  be  bounded  out  unto  Every  the  persons  Concerned  & that  the 
Residue  may  Remaine  unto  Himself  To  be  Disposed  for  his  Best 
Advantage  but  If  not  withstanding  y®  said  overture  from  the  Said 
Robfc  Mason  which  Semes  to  be  fair  unto  us  Any  of  ve  Inhabitants 
of  the  sd  Province  of  New  Hampshire  shall  refuse  to  Agree  with  the 
said  Rob1  Mason  or  his  Agents  upon  ye  tearmes  aforesaid  our  will 
& Pleasure  Is  that  you  shall  have  Power  & you  are  hereby  impowred 
to  interpose  & Reconcile  all  differences  If  you  Can  that  shall  or 
may  arise  between  ye  Sa  Rob1  Mason  & the  inhabitants  But  If  you 
Cannot  Then  we  doe  hereby  Command  & requier  you  to  Send  unto 
England  Such  Cases  farly  & Impartially  stated  together  with  your 
opinion  & Reasons  upon  the  same  that  soe  wee  our  Heirs  & Succes- 
sors by  & with  advise  of  our  & their  Privy  Councill  May  Determine 
therein  According  to  right — 

Part  of  Lfc  Govr  Cranfields  Com’ission  as  on  file  In  Allen  & Wal- 
drons Case  formerly  Tryed 

Copia  Vera  ye  5'11  Novemr  1707 

Test  Theodore  Atkinson  Cler 

The  above  is  a Copy  of  that  on  tile  in  a Case  Allen  vs  Waldron 

Examind  ^ Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Cle: 


[King's  Proclamation , June  23,  1682.'] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  47.] 

Charles  R. 

Trusty  & Welbeloved  We  greet  you  wel.  There  having  been  long 
depending  before  Us  the  Petic’on  & Complaint  of  Our  Trusty  & 


122 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Welbeloved  Subject  Robert  Mason  Esqr  representing  ye  great  hard- 
ships & injuries  lie  has  for  many  years  suffered  by  being  opposed  in 
ye  prosecution  of  his  right  by  Our  Corporation  of  ye  Massachusets 
Bay,  and  by  them  wrongfully  kept  out  of  possession  of  a Tract  of 
land  lying  between  ye  Rivers  of  Naumkeck  and  Merrimack,  & three 
miles  Northward  thereof,  granted  unto  him  by  vertue  of  Letters 
Patents  from  Our  Royal  Grandfather  of  Blessed  memory  : And 
whereas  We  have  received  the  Opinion  of  Our  Attoiny  & Sollicitor 
general,  that  ye  said  Rob1  Mason,  who  is  Grandson  & heir  of  John 
Mason,  has  a good  and  legal  Title  to  ye  Lands  convey’d  to  him  by 
ye  name  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  whereupon  We  were 
pleased  to  referr  ye  matters  in  difference  between  Our  said  Cor- 
porac’on  and  the  Complainant  unto  y®  Lords  Chief  Justices  of  Our 
Courts  of  Kings  Bench  & Com’on  pleas,  who  have  presented  Us 
with  their  Report,  setting  forth,  that  all  Parties  appearing  before 
them,  William  Stoughton  & Peter  Buckley  Esqrs  your  Messengers 
& Agents  had  disclaimed  Title  to  ye  Lands  claimed  by  ye  Petic’onr ; 
And  that  it  appearing  to  them  that  ye  said  Lands  were  y11  in  ye  pos- 
session of  several  other  persons  not  before  them,  so  they  esteemed  it 
most  proper  to  direct  ye  Parties  to  have  recourse  to  the  Judicature 
setled  upon  the  place  for  ye  decision  of  any  Question  of  propertie, 
until  it  should  appear  that  there  is  just  cause  of  complaint  against 
Our  Courts  of  Justice  there  for  injustice  or  greevance.  To  ye  end 
therefore  that  Justice  may  be  administred  withy0  most  ease;  and 
ye  least  expence  to  all  ye  sd  Parties  who  shal  see  cause  to  defend 
their  respective  Titles,  We  have  thought  fit  hereby  to  signify  Our 
Pleasure  unto  you,  that  ye  sd  Robert  Mason  be  forthwith  admitted 
to  prosecute  his  Right  before  }'e  Courts  of  Judicature  established 

limits  of  that  Our  Corporac’on  ; & that  in  all  cases Mason 

shall  claim  any  improved  Lands,  & that  ve shal  dispute  his 

Right,  a Trial  at  Law  may  b wherein  no  ^son,  who  has  any 

Lands  in  ye servants  or  tenants  under  him  depend which 

such  person  shall  be  so  impl And  that  if  it  shal  so  happen,  that 

ye  dispensation  of  Justice  hereby  directed  shal  be  clelayd  by  you  ; or 
such  Judgment  given,  wherein  ye  sd  Robert  Mason  shal  not  acquiesce, 
he  may  yn  appeal  unto  Us  in  Our  Privy  Councel ; & that  all  ^sons 
concerned  be  obliged  to  answer  such  appeal  within  ye  term  of  Six 
months  after  ye  same  shal  be  so  made  And  for  as  much  as  Yor  sd 
Messengers  have  in  yor  name  disclaimed  before  ye  Lords  Chief  Jus- 
tices as  aforesd,  all  title  to  ye  Lands  claimed  by  the  sd  Rob1 
Mason,  Our  further  Wil  & Pleasure  is,  That  in  case  ye  said  Robfc 
Mason  shal  lay  claim  to  any  ^cel  of  Lands  situate  within  the  bounds 
aforesd,  which  are  not  improved  or  actually  possessed  by  any  partic- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


123 


ular  ^son  or  tenant  in  his  own  right,  you  do  thereupon  proceed  to 
put  ye  sd  Rob1  Mason  into  ye  possession  of  those  Lands,  & cause  his 
Title  to  be  recorded,  so  yt  he  may  not  receiv  any  further  disturbance 
thereupon.  And  in  case  you  shal  refuse  so  to  do,  & shal  not  show 
good  cause  to  ye  contrary  within  ye  space  of  Six  months  after 
demand  of  possession  so  to  be  made  by  ye  sd  Rob1  Mason,  We  shal 
then  without  further  delay  take  ye  whole  Cause  of  ye  sd  Rob1  Mason 
into  Our  considerac’on  in  Our  Privy  Councel,  with  the  damages 
sustained  by  him  by  reason  thereof,  & shal  give  Judgm1  upon  ye 
whole  matter  as  in  a cause  where  Justice  has  bin  denied.  And  to  ye 
end  ye  sd  Robfc  Mason  may  not  be  any  ways  hindred  in  ye  prosecu- 
c’on  of  his  right,  We  do  strictly  charge  & com’and  you  to  secure 
him,  his  servants  & agents  from  any  arrests  & molestations  whoever 
during  his  or  their  aboad  within  ye  limits  of  yor  Jurisdiction,  We 
having  granted  him  Our  Royal  Protection  until  ye  matters  com- 
plain’d of  by  him  shal  be  fully  determined  And  so  expecting  yor 
ready  obedience  to  Our  Com’ands  hereby  signified  unto  you,  We 
bid  you  farewel.  Given  at  Our  Court  at  Whitehall  ye  231*1  day  of 
June  1682  in  ye  ffour  & thirtieth  Year  of  Our  Raign. 

By  His  Majts  Command 

L : Jenkins 

Superscr.  To  Our  Trusty  & Welbeloved  ye  Goverar  & Company 
of  Our  Colony  of  ye  Massachusets  Bay  in  New  England. 

Vera  Copia  from  ye  Original mined  by  it  being  left  in 

ds  by  Rob11  Mason  Esqr 

Chamberlain  Seer 

-Provce  of  New  HampslT 

[The  dashes  indicate  places  in  the  original  that  have  been  eaten 
off  by  mice.  Ed.] 


Answer  of  Elias  Stileman  and  others  to  Mason’s  claim,  Nov.  15, 
1682,  State  Papers,  Vol.  1,  pp.  509-514 


Nathaniel  Weare's  first  complaint  against  Gov.  Cranfield,  State 
Papers,  Vol.  1,  pp.  515-519. 


124 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Statement  of  Richard  Chamberlain , 16831\ 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  77.] 

New  Hampsh  ) I Richard  Chamberlain  Esq1'  Just  P.  for  His 
in  > Mats  said  Province,  do  humbly  certify,  That 

New  England.  ) William  Vaughan  of  Portsmouth  in  the  sd 
Province  Esqr,  & Richd  Waldron  of  Portsmth  aforesd  MerclP  on  the 
ffirst  day  of  November  instant,  came  to  me  to  make  oath  in  relation 
to  Mr  Masons  conveyance  (to  the  Govern1)  of  this  Province  Which 
I was  ready  to  take,  having  bin  appointed  thereto  by  the  Governor 
according  to  the  Letter  of  the  Right  Honble  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
’ittee  for  Trade  & Plantations.  And  the  Copy  is  the 

matter  & substance  of  what  they  sd  they  would  depose  ; save  only 
the  last  words  (but  for  what  term  they  do  not  remember:)  Which, 
because  I told  them,  was  necessary  to  be  inserted  in  their  Deposition, 
I having  asked  them  (for  ye  clearing  of  Truth)  for  what  term  ye 
Conveyance  was,  and  whether  absolute,  or  condic’onal,  and  they  or 
one  of  them  answering  he  had  forgot ; They  both  left  the  room 
imediately,  refusing  to  be  sworn.  And  notwithstanding  I was 
ready  & made  it  my  sole  business,  both  to  give  the  Complaints 
Copies  of  any  Records  or  Papers  in  my  custody  whoever  they  should 
desire,  (&  had  so  done  to  several  of  them,)  as  also  to  take  the  Depo- 
sitions of  many  of  ym,  sum’oned  & near  at  hand  ; yet  not  one  of 
them  offered  to  be  deposed  as  Witnesses,  but  went  away  presently 
with  the  sd  Vaughan  & Waldron.  Besides,  They  have  not  since  made 
any  CompP  to  the  Governr  nor  proceeded  to  make  any  other  proof. 
And  the  Governor  Ordered  me  to  tell  them  when  they  should  come  to 
me  again,  yt  they  should  have  Copies  of  the  abovesd  Conveyance  to  ye 
Govern1  from  Mr  Mason,  for  payment  of  1501  ^ an  for  7 years  toward 
his  allowance,  ye  sd  Deed  bearing  date  ye  20th  June  1682.  And  the 
Govern1  doth  remember,  he  told  some  of  them  the  Term  for  which 
the  sd  Mason  conveyed  the  sd  Province,  was  for  One  & twenty 
years. 


Letters  from  Gov.  Cran field  to  Commissioners  of  Trade  and 
Plantations,  Dec.  1,  1682;  State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  pp.  570.  575,  578, 
580,  591,  592. 

[. Deed , Mason  to  Ceorge  Broughton  and  others , April  12,  1683. ] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  38.] 

Thts  Indenture  made  the  Twelfth  day  of  April  in  the  ffive  & 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


125 


thirtieth  year  of  the  Raygn  of  our  Soveraign  Lord  Charles  the 
Second  by  ye  grace  of  God  King  of  England  Scotland  ffrance  & Ire- 
land Defender  of  the  ffaith,  &c  A’oq  D’ni  1683  Between  Robert 
Tufton— Mason  Esq1’  Proprietor  of  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
in  New  England  of  one  part  And  George  Broughton  of  Berwick  in 
the  Province  of  Main  Gent  Richard  Otes  of  Cacheecha  within  the 
prsent  reputed  precincts  of  Dover  in  the  sd  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Blacksmith  And  James  Chadborn  of  Barwick  aforesd  Car- 
pentar  of  the  other  part  Witnesseth  that  W here  as  the  sd  Robert 
Tufton=Mason  by  vertue  of  a Grant  from  King  James  of  ffamous 
memory  in  the  Eighteenth  year  of  His  Raign  Is  instated  in  fee  of 
All  those  Lands  Islands  & Rivers  lying  between  ye  Rivers  of  Naum- 
kege  & Pascataqua  called  New  Hampshire  And  of  all  Rights  Royal- 
ties & Preheminences  within  the  same  Now  this  Indenture  further 
Witnesseth,  That  the  sd  Robert  Tufton=Mason  for  divers  good 
causes  & considerac’ons  him  thereto  especially  moving  hath  granted 
bargained  sold  infeoffed  & confirmed  And  hereby  doth  grant  bargain 
sell  infeoff  & confirm  to  the  sd  George  Broughton  Richard  Otes  & 
James  Chadborn  their  heirs  & assigns  All  that  Tract  of  land  lying 
& being  at  the  Salmon  falls  within  the  Precincts  of  Dover  so 
reputed  on  the  West  side  thereof  To  begin  below  the  sd  ffalls  & 
adjoin’g  to  Edward  Taylours  land  And  to  run  in  length  up  the 
River  three  hundred  & sixty  Pole  to  the  Northwest  And  in 
breadth  one  hundred  & twelv  Pole  Containing  by  estimac’on  Two 
hundred  & fifty  six  acres  Excepting  out  of  the  pbnisses  a conven- 
ient Path  or  high  way  for  com’on  use  if  it  shall  be  found  needfull 
Also  Excepting  & reserving  out  of  this  present  Grant  to  ye  sd  Robfc 
Tufton=Mason  his  heirs  & assigns  All  Mines  & minerals  that  shall 
be  found  or  be  within  ye  pbnisses  hereafter  And  all  Pine  trees  fitting 
for  masts  of  ships  of  ffour  & twenty  inches  through  to  be  measured 
ten  foot  from  the  ground  To  have  & to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  land 
(except  before  excepted)  to  the  said  George  Broughton  Richd  Otes 
& James  Chadborn  their  heirs  & assigns  To  the  only  use  and  behoof 
of  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  yielding  & paying  therefore 
yearly  & every  year  for  ever  to  the  sd  Robert  Tufton— Mason  his 
heirs  & assigns  the  annual  Rent  of  Ten  shillings  of  lawful  mony  cur- 
rant in  New  England  And  One  shilling  for  every  Dwelling  house 
(more  then  ffour)  that  is  or  shall  be  built  upon  the  premisses  On 
the  ffeast  of  Sl  John  Baptist  and  ye  Nativity  of  our  Lord  God  by 
equal  porc’ons  Without  any  abatement  of  defalcac’on  whatsoever 
The  first  paym1  to  be  made  on  the  said  ffeast  of  John  Baptist  or 
the  Nativity  of  our  Lord  God  which  shall  first  happen  after  the 
determinac’on  of  the  interest  or  Mill  grant  granted  by  the  said 


126 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Robert  Tufton=Mason  to  the  sd  Broughton  Otes  and  Chadborn  by 
Indenture  bearing  even  date  herewith  And  if  it  shall  happen  the 
said  an’ual  Rent  of  Ten  shillings  and  one  shilling  or  any  part  thereof 
to  be  behind  and  unpaid  by  the  space  of  twenty  days  next  after 
either  day  of  payment  aforesd  being  lawfully  demanded  Then  the  sd 
George  Broughton  Richard  Otes  & James  Chadborn  their  heirs  & 
assigns  shall  forfeit  & pay  to  the  said  Robert  Tufton=Mason  his 
heirs  & assigns  Double  the  mony  so  behind  and  unpaid.  And  the 
said  Robert  Tufton=Mason  for  himself  his  heirs  & assigns  doth 
hereby  covenant  with  ye  sd  George  Broughton  Richard  Otes  & 
James  Chadborn  their  heirs  and  assigns  That  he  the  said  Robert 
Tufton=Mason  his  heirs  and  assigns  the  hereby  granted  premisses 
to  the  said  George  Broughton  Richard  Otes  & James  Chadborn  yr 
heirs  & assigns  against  all  persons  shall  & will  warrant  and  for  ever 
hereby  defend.  And  the  said  George  Broughton  Richard  Otes  & 
James  Chadborn  for  themselves  and  either  of  them  their  & either  of 
their  heirs  & assigns  Do  hereby  covenant  with  the  said  Robert 
Tufton=Mason  his  heirs  and  assigns  That  they  the  said  George 
Broughton  Richard  Otes  & James  Chadbourn  their  heirs  and  assigns 
Shall  and  will  from  time  to  time  preserv  and  keep  the  Buttals  and 
boundals  of  and  upon  any  the  hereby  granted  premisses  And  at  the 
end  of  every  ten  years  deliver  to  the  said  Robert  Tufton=Mason  his 
heirs  and  assigns  a Terrer  fairly  ingrossed  of  the  said  premisses  with 
3^e  most  known  Buttals  and  boundals  of  the  same  In  witness  whereof 
the  Parties  hereto  have  interchangeably  set  their  hands  and  seals 
the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 

Robert  Tufton=Mason  ) P1(^Pr^e^s  I 

f seal.  \ 

Endorsed  thus. 

Sealed  & delivered 
in  prsence  of 

Walter  Barefoot 
Rich'1  Chamberlain. 

Vera  copia  Teste  Ried0  Chamberlain  Prothon10 
October  lm0  1683. 


[ Certificate  of  Gov.  Cranfield , Sept.  1683.] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  54.] 

These  are  to  certify,  That  upon  my  being  made  Governour  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  His  Ma^  was  gra- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


127 


ciously  pleased,  by  an  Order  in  Councel  of  the  Twenty  fifth  of  Jan- 
uary One  thousand  six  hundred  eighty  and  one  to  the  Lords 
Com’iss13  of  His  Mats  Treasury,  to  make  an  augmentac’on  to  my 
allowance  as  Govern1-  of  the  said  Province;  And  among  other  things 
Ordered  Sr  Robert  Sawyer  Kl  His  Mats  Attorny  Generali,  and  others 
His  Mats  Councel  learned  in  the  Law;  to  settle  as  well  all  the  Hines 
and  forfeitures,  and  one  fifth  part  of  the  Quit  rents,  was  then  sur- 
rendred  to  His  Maty  in  Councel  by  Robert  Mason  Esqr  the  Proprie- 
tor of  the  said  Province,  by  a grant  derived  from  His  Mats  Royal 
Grandfather;  The  surrender  was  graciously  accepted  by  His  Maty 
from  the  said  Mr  Mason  as  lawful  Proprietor  of  the  said  Province, 
and  the  Deed  was  acknowledged  and  ini  oiled  in  His  Mats  High 
Court  of  Chancery.  Given  under  my  hand  this  Twenty  fourth  day 
of  September  One  thousand  six  hundred  eighty  and  three. 

Edw:  Cranfield. 

Vera  copia  from  ye  Original  Teste  Ricd0  Chamberlain  Seer10 


[Mason  vs.  Vaughan , etc.,  1683.] 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  11.] 

Newham  pshire 

To  James  Sherlock  Gent  Provost  Marshall  or  his  Deputy 

In  his  Majty8  Name  you  are  hereby  required  to  attach  ye  Goods  or  for 
want  thereof  the  body  of  Win  Vaughan  of  Portsm0  in  ye  Sd  Pro:  Esqr 
& take  bond  of  him  of  one  Thousand  pounds  Value  with  Suficient 
Surety  or  Suretvs  for  his  appearance  at  the  Court  of  Pleas  to  be 
held  at  Great  Island  in  t lie  said  Prov : on  the  First  Tuesday  in 
November  next  Ensueing  the  date  hereof  Then  & there  to  ans1  the 
Complaint  of  Rob1  Mason  Esqr  proprietor  of  ye  S'1  Provein  an  Action 
of  Trespass  for  Illegally  Keeping  him  out  of  possession  of  Certain 
Lands  & Tenem,s  in  Portsmouth  aforesaid  and  felling  his  woods  to 
his  Damage  one  Thousand  pounds  or  what  shall  Justly  appear  Fail 
not  & make  yor  return  according  to  Law  dated  the  Eight  of  Octobr 
1688/ 

R : Chamberlin  Protho 


Att  a Court  of  Pleas  held  at  Great  Island  6th  of  Novemb1-  1683 
Walter  Barfoot  Esqr  Judge  Nath"  Fryer  & Henry  Green  Esqrs  Jus- 
tices assistance — 

Verdict — The  Jury  find  for  the  Pla1  Ilob1  mason  Esqr  Proprialor 
of  the  Prove  of  Newham  pshire  ve  Lands  & Tenemt#  Sued  for  accord- 


128 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in g to  the  Royal  Commission  with  Two  shillings  Damage  and  Costs 


of  Court 

The  Costs  are  £6-7-2 

Entering  the  Action  £1 — 0 — 0 

attachm4  & Serving  0 — 3 — 0 

Swareing  witnesses  0 — 1 — 8 

five  witness  attending  five  Days  1 — 17 — 6 

attorneys  fees  0 — 5 — 0 

Mr  Masons  Charges  & Expences  3 — 0 — 0 


The  whole  is 


£6 — 07 — 2 


Nath11  Wear  of  hampton  Yeoman  attached  in  £500  as  in  the  writ 
of  Vaughan,  The  Jury  finds  as  above  5 Shillings  Damage  & Costs 
of  Court — 

Richd  Waldron  of  Cochecho  Esqr  attached  in  £3000  as  in  the  writ 
of  Vaughan  The  Jury  finds  as  above  Ten  Shilling  Damages  & Costs 
of  Court 

Vera  Copia  from  the  Court  book 

Test  R : Chamberlin  Protho 


I Richd  Chamberlin  Esqr  Secretary  of  his  Majties  Province  of 
Newhampshire  do  humbly  Certifie  that  upwards  of  Thirty  Six  per- 
sons of  the  Inhabitants  & freeholders  in  ye  sd  Prove  have  been  sworn 
of  the  Jury  upon  the  actions  brought  by  Rob4  Mason  Esqr  proprietr 
& y4  several  persons  whome  mr  mason  had  Sued  & had  Judgem4 
ag4  them  were  afterward  Summoned  to  be  of  the  Jury  in  the  like 
Actions  Some  whereof  ware  fined  for  refuseing  to  be  of  ye  Jury 
others  for  not  appearing  & some  desired  to  be  Excused  from  being 
put  on  the  Jury  & y4  in  the  actions  which  were  tryed  in  apr  & may 
Last  being  about  Thirty  The  Jury  found  Damages  to  mr  mason 
from  five  pounds  to  Twrenty  pounds  according  to  the  value  of  the 
lands  the  Def4  possessed,  & that  Mr  Vaughan  nor  any  other  did 

produce  any  Evidence  or  record  to  make  out  a title 

Vera  Copia  Test  R.  Chamberlin  Secretary 

The  names  of  the  Jury  men  & place  of  abode — 


Sam11  Wentworth 
Richd  Webbe 
James  Rendell 

John  Lewis 
Edward  Carter 
Thos  parker 


Portsm0 
Sam11  Clarke 
Richd  Sortridge 
James  Leach  Junr 
Great  Island 
Shadrach  Walton 
James  Robinson 
Jeremiah  Hodsdon 


John  Seve 
James  Leach  Senr 


Joseph  purmott 
Humphery  Spencer 
Henry  Russell 


MASON  IAN  TAPERS  GENERAL. 


129 


Benja  Mathews 
Step11  Otis 

Henry  Roby 
Thomas  Marston 
John  lock 

Wm  liilton 
Sam]1  liall 


Dover 

John  Rand 
Edward  Leathers 

Hampton 

VVm  Marston 
John  Redman 

Exeter 

Sam11  liilton 
Edward  Sewell 


Rob1  Wattson 
W’11  Graves 


Nath11  boulter 
Chr : Palmer 


Francis  Lyford 
Charles  liilton 


Such  of  the  Jury  as  were  excepted  agl  were  Sworn  upon  A Voire 
dire  that  they  shall  not  have  profitt  or  Loss  in  the  Cause  Vera 
Copia  Rich'1  Partridge  D Cler. 

Pro : Newhampshire  Vera  Copia  from  the  Superiour  Court  Rec- 
ords Compared  the  8th  of  June  1704 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Cler 

Vera  Copia  Compared  the  9th  July  1704 — 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Cler 

Copy  Examin’d  <|9  Geo:  Jaffrey  Cl 


[ Conveyance , Mason  to  Lyford , Oct.  29,  1683. ] 

[ Mason ian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  12.] 

This  Indenture  made  ye  29Ul  day  of  Octr  In  ye  35th  year  of  y® 
Reign  of  our  Soveraign  Lord  Charles  y®  2'1  by  ye  Grace  of  God  King 
of  Engld  Scotland  France  & Ireland  Defend1,  of  ye  faith  &c  An°q  : 
Dom:  1683  Between  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  Proprietor  of  y* 
Pro*  of  N=Hampsr  In  N=Engld  of  one  part  & Francis  Leyford  of 
Exeter  In  ye  sd  Pro®  Mariner  of  ye  other  part  Witnesseth  yl  wr  as  v® 
s'1  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  by  virtue  of  a Grant  from  King  James  of 
famous  Memory  In  y‘‘  18th  year  of  v®  Reign  is  Instated  In  Fee  of  al 
those  Lands  Island8  & Rivers  Lying  Between  y®  Rivers  of  Naum- 
kege  & Piacataqua  (’all*1  N=IIampsr  & of  al  Rights  Royalty’s  & Pre- 
heminencys  wtbin  y®  Same  Now  this  Indenture  further  Witnesseth 
yl  y®  s'1  Robf  Tufton  Mason  for  divers  good  Causes  & Considerations 
him  thereto  Especially  Moveing  hath  Grant'1  Bargain'1  Sold  Enfeoff'1 
o 


130 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& Confirm'1  & hereby  doth  Grant  Bargain  Sell  Enfeoff  & Confirm  to 
ye  sd  pranc[s  Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  all  y1  ^Jcell  of  Pasture 
Land  In  Exeter  aforesd  Com’only  Call'1  or  known  by  ye  Name  of 
Sam11  Dudleys  great  Pasture  Containing  about  Sixty  Acres  Also  fif- 
teen Acres  of  Marsh  land  or  thereabouts  adjoyning  to  ye  sa  Pasture 
land  Bound'1  Westerly  bv  ye  highway  Notherly  by  ye  land  of  Corne- 
lius Lary  Easterly  by  ye  River  & Southerly  by  Staniels  Creek  Also 
Seven  Acres  of  land  In  ye  sheeps  Pasture  lying  on  ye  West  Side  of 
ye  highway  Begining  at  ye  Nothermost  End  or  Side  of  Sam11  Dudley 
Dec'1  his  House  all  wch  flmisesare  now  In  ve  Possession  of  ye  sd 
Francis  Leyford  Excepting  out  of  Each  ^cel  of  ye  sd  finises  a Con- 
venient Path  or  highway  for  Com’on  use  if  it  shal  be  found  needful — 
Also  Excepting  & Reserveing  to  ye  sd  Robert  Tufton  Mason  his 
heirs  & Assigns  out  of  this  ^sent  Grant  all  Mines  & Minerals  y1 
shall  be  found  or  be  hereafter  wthin  ye  finises  & al  Pine  Trees  fit  for 
Masts  of  Ships  of  four  & twenty  Inches  throu  to  be  measured  ten 
foot  from  ye  Ground  To  have  & to  hold  ye  sd  land  wth  ye  Houses 
thereto  Belonging  wth  ye  Appurten8  (Except  Before  Except'1)  to  ye 
sd  Francis  Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  to  the  Only  use  & Behoof  of 
him  ye  sd  Francis  Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  forever — Yielding  & 
paying  therefore  yearly  & Every  year  forever  to  ye  sd  Rob1  Tufton 
Mason  his  heirs  & Assigns  ye  An’ual  Rent  of  thirteen  Shill’s  of  law- 
ful Money  of  N=Engld  & one  Shill:’  for  Every  Dwelling  House 
(more  then  one)  y1  is  or  shal  be  Built  upon  the  ^mises  on  ye  feast 
of  s1  John  Baptist  & ye  Nativity  of  our  Lord  God  by  Equal  portions 
wlhout  any  abatem1  or  Defalcation  whoever  & if  it  shal  happen  ve 
sd  An’ual  Rent  of  thirteen  Shills  & one  Shill:’  or  any  part  thereof 
to  be  Behinde  & unpd  by  ye  Space  of  twenty  days  next  after  Either 
day  of  paym1  aforesd  Being  Lawfully  Demandd  then  ye  sd  Francis 
Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  shal  forfiet  & pay  to  ye  sd  Rob1  Tufton 
Mason  his  heirs  & Assigns  double  ye  Money  so  Behind  & unpd  & ye 
sd  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  for  himself  his  heirs  & Assigns  doth  hereb}^ 
Coven1  wth  ye  sd  Francis  Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  y1  he  ye  sd  Rob1 
Tufton  Mason  his  heirs  & Assigns  the  hereby  Grantd  ^pmises  to  ye 
sd  Francis  Leyford  his  heirs  & Assigns  ag1  all  ^sons  shall  & will 
Warrant  & forever  hereby  Defend  & ye  sd  Francis  Leyford  for  him- 
self his  heirs  & Assigns  doth  hereby  Coven1  wth  ye  sd  Rob1  Tufton 
Mason  his  heirs  & Assigns  y1  he  ye  sd  Fran8  Leyford  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  shal  & wil  from  time  to  time  preserve  & keep  ye  Buttalls  & 
Boundals  of  & upon  any  ye  hereby  Grantd  flmises  & at  ye  End  of 
Every  ten  years  deliver  to  y®  s'1  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  a Terror  fairly  Ingrossd  of  ye  sd  ^mises  wlh  ye  most  known 
Buttals  & Boundals  of  ye  Same  In  Witness  wrof  ye  parties  hereto 


MASON  IAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


181 


have  Interchangably  Set  their  hands  & Seals  ye  day  & year  first 
above  written 

Seald  & Dd  In  ')  Robert  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

^sence  of  [ 

Richd  Chamberlain  f 

Henry  Crowne  J 

Enter'1  & Record11  According  to  ye  Originall  ye  10th  day  of  May 
1693— 

Thos  Davis  Secry 

Proe  New  ( the  foregoing  is  a True  Copy  from  Libr  N°  4 : fol° 

Hampsr  \ 36  & 37 — 

Examd  this  9lh  da}7  of  Decr  1737 

^ Josh  : Peirce  Recordr 


[ Robert  Mason's  Waive r,  l)ec.  5,  1683 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  62.] 

Whereas  Robert  Mason  Esqr  hath  obtained  Judgement  against  &c 
&c  & all  persons  Inhabitants  of  ye  sd  Prove  for  Lands  and  Tenements 
therein  And  for  as  much  as  Some  of  the  Said  persons  seem  dissatis- 
fied with  the  Said  Judgements.  The  Said  Robert  Mason  did  openly 
in  Court  Declare  that  with  every  person  with  whom  he  had  a Tryal, 
he  woud  wave  the  benefit  of  the  Judgement  obtained  against  them  & 
Suspend  Execution  with  a New  Tryall  with  Each  person  in  any  of 
his  Majt8  Courts  in  Westmr  Hall,  Either  in  Easter  or  Trinity  Terms 
Next  ensuing  provided  the  Defend1  doth  give  in  Security  to  this 
Court  to  pay  Such  damages  as  shalbe  awarded  to  him  the  Said 
Mason  by  any  his  Majt8  Courts  aforesaid  And  he  doth  allow  One 
Moneths  time  from  this  Day  being  the  5th  DecenT  1683  for  giving  in 
Such  Security 


ip,  'oclamation  about  Deeds,  Feb.  17.  1683-4 .] 

[Council  Book  1,  p.  85.] 

New  Hampshire 

By  the  Governr 

Whereas  Robert  Mason  Esqr  hath  made  complaint  unto  me,  that 
very  few  of  the  Inhabitants  have  come  to  him  to  take  Deeds  of  their 
lands  in  this  Province  from  him  according  to  y0  condic’ons  laid  down 


132 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in  His  Mats  Royal  Com’iss11  of  the  9th  of  May  10«2,  notwithstanding 
lie  hath  bin  upon  the  place  for  almost  five  months  time  ready  to 
grant  the  same  upon  yc  terms  aforesd  : But  now  in  regard  several! 
persons  may  still  expect  the  same  benefit  after  ye  prosecuc’on  of  His 
Claim,  he  hath  desired  me  to  signify  to  all  persons  concerned  that 
they  have  one  months  time  after  the  date  hereof  to  make  an  agree- 
ment with  himself  (if  they  think  lit)  otherwise  I am  desired  to 
certify  to  His  Maty  such  their  refusal!,  that  the  sd  Mason  may  be 
discharged  from  such  Obligac’on : Given  under  my  hand  & ye  Seal 
of  the  Province  ye  17th  of  ffebr  1083. 

Edw  : C ran  field 

Vera  copia  from  ye  Original  j 
Teste  Ricdo  Chamberlain  Seer10  j 


Statement  of  Walter  Barefoot,  Nov.  6,  1684,  State  Papers,  Yol.  1, 

p.  503. 


Petition  of  inhabitants  against  Mason,  1085,  State  Papers,  Vol.  1, 
pp.  575-578. 


Papers  in  Mason  vs.  Wiggin  and  Nutter,  for  assault,  1685,  State 
Papers,  Vol.  1,  pp.  578-582. 


[Deed,  Wonalancet  to  Jonathan  Tyng , Oct.  10.  1685. ] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  13.] 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  Come  Greeting 
Know  Ye  That  Wanalansit  Indian,  the  only  Son  Surviving  of  Passa- 
conoway,  who  was  the  Great  and  Chief  Sachem  upon  Merimack  River 
to  whom  the  Rest  of  the  Indians  Annually  Paid  Tribute  in  his  Days; 
The  said  Wanalansit  Sachem  for  and  in  Consideration  of  the  full 
and  just  Sum  of  Three  Score  and  Ten  Pounds  to  him  well  and  truly 
Paid  in  hand,  Together  with  Several  other  Charges  Expended  upon 
and  Gifts  and  Kindnesses  Shewd  to  him,  by  Mr  Jonathan  Tyng  of 
Dunstable  on  Merimack  River,  in  the  Massachusetts  Colony  in  New 
England,  all  which  is  to  the  full  Satisfaction  and  Content  of  the 
said  Wanalansit;  and  thereof  and  of  every  Part  of  said  Payment 
the  said  Wanalansit  Do  Acquit  and  Discharge  the  said  Jonathan 
Tyng  his  Heirs  and  administrators  forever  by  these  Presents,  Have 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


133 


Granted  Bargained  and  Sold  and  by  these  Presents  Do  fully  freely 
and  Absolutely  Grant  Bargain  and  Sell  Alien  Enfeoff  and  Confirm 
to  said  Jonathan  Tyng  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever.  One 
Tract  of  Land  Situate  Lying  and  being  on  the  said  Merimaek  River 
and  to  Lye  full  Six  English  Miles  on  each  Side  of  said  River,  the 
said*  River  Lying  in  the  Center  of  it,  to  begin  at  a Place  Commonly 
Called  by  the  Indians  Pen’icook,  and  Commonly  known  by  the 
English  by  that  Name,  to  begin  upon  said  River  Three  Miles  up  the 
River,  beyond  that  Place  in  Pennicook,  where  the  Old  Indian  Fort 
now  Standeth,  and  so  to  Assend  up  said  River  until  you  Come 
to  the  Great  Pond,  which  Pond  is  full  of  Small  Islands, 
which  Pond  is  the  Utmost  Northward  to  which  the  Honrd 
Major  Simon  Willard  Esq1  went  with  his  Company,  when  sent  by 
the  Honrd  General  Court  up  said  River  upon  Discovery,  To  Have 
and  to  Hold  the  abovesaid  Tract  of  Land,  with  all  the  Islands 
in  said  River,  with  all  the  Rivulets  on  each  Side  said  River,  Ponds 
Fishing  Places,  Hunting  Grounds,  Swamps  Meadows  Contained 
within  the  Six  Miles  Wide  on  each  Side  said  River,  from  End  to 
End  as  aforesaid  to  him  the  said  Jonathan  Tyng  and  to  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  forever,  to  his  and  their  only  Proper  Use  and  Behoof 
And  he  said  Wanalansit  for  himself  his  Heirs  and  Administrators 
Do  Covenant  with  the  said  M1  Jonathan  Tyng  his  Heirs  and  Assigns 
by  these  Presents  that  he  said  Wanalansit,  is  the  Proper  owner  of 
the  whole  Tract  of  Land  aforesaid,  and  will  Warrant  and  Defend 
the  same,  with  all  the  Priviledges  and  Appurtenances  as  aforesaid, 
to  the  said  Jonathan  Tyng  for  a good  and  Indefeasable  Estate  of 
Inheritance  in  Fee  Simple  for  him  and  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  Quietly 
and  Peaceably  to  Enjoy  forever  to  their  own  Proper  Use  and 
Behoof,  Defending  the  same,  to  him  and  them  from  all  Lawful 
Claims  from  any  Person  or  Persons  whatsoever.  In  Witness  whereof 
the  said  Wanalansit  Sachem  hath  Affixed  his  Hand  and  Seal  here- 
unto, this  Tenth  Day  of  October,  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  God  One 
Thousand  Six  Hundred  Eighty  and  five.  And  in  the  first  Year  of 
the  Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  King  James  the  Second — 

His  Mark  and  Seal 


Signed  Sealed  and 
Delivered  in  the  Presence 
of  Us. 

Jonathan  Danforth  Senr  ] 

Samuel  Beale 

The  Mark  of 

Capt  C Tom — , 


Wanalansit 


(Seal) 

Signed 


134 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


This  Writing  freely  Acknowledged  by  Wanalansit  the  27th  of 
October  1685.  Before  me 


Daniel  Gookin  Assistant 


Entred  and  Recorded  According  to  the  Original  this  10th  of 
November  1686 

A true  Copy  as  of  Record 

Examined  ^ J Willard  Sec’ry 


[ Depositiovis  about  Mason  Property , 1685. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  15.] 

George  Walton  of  Great  Island  in  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Yeoman  aged  Seventy  years  or  therabouts  testifieth  That  lie 
hath  been  an  Inhabitant  in  the  said  Province  about  fifty  years  that 
most  part  of  the  Lands  he  now  possesses  were  granted  by  Cap1 
Henry  Jocelyne  Steward  to  Capfc  Mason  the  Proprietor  That  this 
Deponent  doth  very  well  know  that  Cap1  Mason  had  many  Servants 
& a great  Stock  of  Cattle  upon  his  lands,  That  the  said  Servants 
and  others  after  the  Decease  of  the  sd  Cap1  Mason  did  imbezill  and 
mine  the  Estate  & particularly  Capfc  ffrancis  Norton  Agent  or  Stew- 
ard to  Cap1  Mason  or  his  heirs  about  fforty  years  Since  did  Drive 
from  off  Capc  Masons  Plantation  at  Pascattaway  Called  the  Great 
House  about  one  hundred  head  of  Great  Cattle  wch  were  then  usu- 
ally valued  at  ffive  & twenty  pounds  the  head  And  as  this  Deponant 
was  credibly  informed  the  aforesaid  Cattle  were  Sold  in  or  about 
Boston  by  the  Said  Norton  who  also  Setled  himself  therabouts  & 
Deserted  Cap1  Masons  Plantation  that  there  upon  the  rest  of  the 
Stock  goods  & implements  belonging  to  Cap1  Masons  Plantation 
were  made  away  by  the  Said  Servants  and  others  And  this  Depo- 
nant doth  very  well  remember  ye  ffort  built  by  Cap1  Mason  upon  the 
Great  Island  in  the  Same  place  where  the  ffort  now  Stands  & that  it 
was  Strong  & Substantially  made  & furnished  with  Great  Guns  of 
which  Some  were  Brass  & were  Afterwards  taken  away  by  Major 
Waldron  & his  Brother  William  Waldron  & others  but  by  .what 
Authority  this  Deponant  never  heard  <fc  some  of  the  Guns  this 
Deponant  did  see  put  into  a Ship  belonging  to  one  Lane  & this 
Deponant  Knows  that  the  Great  house  at  Pascattaway  aforesd  there 
were  adjoyning  about  one  Thousand  Acres  of  improved  Lands 
Marsh  Meadow  & Planting  grounds  which  were  Divided  and  par- 
celled out  by  the  Servants  of  Cap1  Mason  and  others  the  Select  or 
prudential  men  (of  the  Town  of  Portsm0)  As  they  were  so  Called 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


135 


who  Still  enjoy  the  Same  or  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  whereof  Wil- 
liam Vaughan  and  his  Brother  in  Law  have  a Large  share  given 
them  by  their  ffather  in  Law  Richard  Cutt  And  the  Said  Great 
House  bv  the  means  aforesaid  came  to  Decay  and  fell  Down  the 
ruins  being  yet  to  be  seen  out  of  which  Several  good  ffarms  are  now 
made  And  this  Deponent  doth  very  well  remember  that  the  said 
Cap1  Mason  had  made  a great  Plantation  at  a place  Called  Newiche- 
wanock  about  Sixteen  Miles  from  that  of  Pascattaway  which  by  the 
means  Aforesaid  was  ruined  and  Shared  among  Several  of  the  Said 
Cap1  Masons  Servants  and  others  And  this  Deponent  doth  further 
Say  that  to  his  particular  knowledge  the  Servants  Sent  over  by 
Cap1  Mason  of  which  Some  are  Living  and  those  Descended  from 
them  which  are  mamT  have  been  and  are  the  Most  violent  opposers 
of  the  now  Proprietor  Robert  Mason  Esqr  And  this  Deponant  fur- 
ther Saith  that  those  Lands  in  Portsmouth  Called  both  now  & for- 
merly Strawberry  Bank  were  the  planting  grounds  & pasture  Belong- 
ing to  the  Great  house  at  Strawberry  Bank  wherein  Thomas  Wan- 
nerton  did  Inhabit  that  was  Some  time  Agent  for  Cap1  Mason  & 
after  the  Death  of  Wannerton  who  was  Slain  about  fforty  years 
Sin  ce  the  said  house  and  Lands  were  possessed  b}r  Sampson  Lane 
but  by  what  right  this  Deponent  doth  not  know — 

George  Walton 


Taken  before  me  the  18th  December  1685 

Walter  Barefoot  Dep1  Goverr 

Vera  Copia  from  ye  original 


Teste  R Chamberlain  Secer 


The  above  is  Copy  of  that  on  hie  in  a Case  Allen  vs  Waldron 
Examin'd 

IP  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  ('1 


Nathaniel  Boulter  Aged  Sixty  years  and  John  Redman  Aged 
Seventy  years  of  the  Towne  of  Hampton  in  ye  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  Yeomen  Make  Oath  that  they  were  two  of  the  first 
Planters  that  did  Set  Down  at  Hampton  aforesaid  about  fforty  three 
years  Since  by  Authority  of  the  Massachusets  General  Court  which 
gave  power  to  Some  few  persons  (Called  Select  men)  who  came  like 
wise  to  inhabit  in  the  said  town  to  grant  or  Sell  lands  to  others  as 
they  thought  fit  That  upon  these  Deponants  first  Setling  at  Hampton 
Several  of  the  Servants  of  Cap1  Mason  or  his  Heirs  Came  from  Pas- 
cattaway to  Hampton  and  did  forbid  these  Deponants  and  others 
from  Setling  in  the  Said  Town  without  license  from  tin1  Proprietor 
or  his  Agents  & paying  a Quit  Rent  But  these  Deponents  & Others 


C IIAIITEU  RECORDS. 


186 

the  Inhabitants  being  backed  by  Authority  of  the  Massachusets  Gov- 
ernment which  had  declared  those  Lands  to  be  in  their  Jurisdiction 
no  Regard  was  had  to  the  Prohibition  by  Cap1  Masons  Servants 
& these  Deponents  doe  very  well  remember  that  Cap1  Mason  had 
made  a great  Plantation  at  Pascattaway  & Newichewanock  where 
there  were  a great  Stock  of  Cattle  and  much  land  improved  And 
these  Deponants  about  fforty  years  Since  did  see  a Drove  of  one 
hundred  head  of  Great  Cattle  or  therabouts  that  Came  from  off 
Cap4  Masons  Plantation  at  Pascattaway  and  Drove  throng  the 
Town  of  Hampton  towards  Boston  by  Cap1  Norton  & others  ye  Ser- 
vants of  Cap1  Mason  or  his  heirs  & there  Sold  & Disposed  of  (as 
these  Deponants  were  informed)  by  the  Said  Cap1  Norton  who  did 
then  Settle  himself  in  or  near  Boston  & Deserted  the  Plantation  at 
Pascattaway  & these  Deponants  doe  further  testifie  that  Such  Cattle 
were  Com’only  valued  at  ffive  & twenty  pounds  the  head  being  very 
Large  Beasts  of  a Yellowish  Colour  & Said  to  be  brought  by  Cap4 
Mason  from  Denmark  & these  Deponents  Say  that  Soon  after  Cap4 
Nortons  going  to  Boston  to  inhabit  the  Massachusets  Government 
did  Lay  Claim  to  the  whole  Province  of  New  Hampshire  as  pre- 
tending it  to  be  within  their  Patent  & did  Accordingly  Exercise  a 
Jurisdiction  therein  & required  those  Inhabitants  to  take  an  oath  of 
ffidelity  to  them/ 

Nathaniel  Boulter 
John  Redman 

Sworn  before  me  ve  6th  of  November  1685: 

i/ 

R Chamberlain  Jus4  P. 

Vera  Copia  from  the  Original 

Teste  R Chamberlain  Seer 

The  above  is  Copy  of  that  on  file  in  a Case  Allen  vs  Waldron 
Examin’d 

^ Geo.  Jaffrey  Cle 

Francis  Small  of  Pascattaway  in  New  England  Planter  Aged 
Sixty  five  years  Maketh  Oath  that  he  hath  lived  in  New  England 
upward  of  ffi fty  years  that  he  very  well  Knew  y®  Plantations  Cap4 
Mason  had  Caused  to  be  made  at  Pascattaway  Strawberry  Bank 
and  Newichewanock  and  was  well  Acquainted  with  all  the  Servants 
imployed  by  Cap4  Mason  upon  the  said  Plantations  Some  whereof 
are  yet  Living  & that  there  was  a great  Stock  at  Each  of  those 
Plantations  And  this  Deponant  doth  very  well  remember  that  Cap4 
Mason  Sent  into  this  Country  Eight  Danes  to  build  Mills  to  Saw 
Timber  and  tend  them  & to  make  Pot  ashes  And  that  the  first  Saw 
Mill  & Corn  Mill  in  New  England  was  Erected  at  Cap4  Masons 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


137 


Plantation  at  Newichewanock  upward  of  fififty  years  where  was 

Also  a large  house  with  all  Conveniences  of  out  houses  And  Store 

houses  And  well  fortified  with  Store  of  Arms  That  about  ffourtv 

«/ 

years  Since  the  said  house  & buildings  were  burned  to  the  ground 
but  by  what  means  this  Deponent  cloth  not  know  That  about  the 
Same  time  this  Deponent  with  others  was  imploj'ed  by  Cap1  ffrancis 
Norton  (who  then  Lived  at  Cap1  Masons  house  at  Pascattaway 
called  the  Great  house)  to  Drive  about  One  hundred  head  of  great 
Cattle  towards  Boston  & ye  Said  Cap1  Norton  did  goe  with  the 
Cattle,  that  Such  Cattle  were  then  usually  Sold  at  ffive  & Twenty 
pound  the  head  Money  of  England  and  the  Said  Norton  did  Settle 
himself  at  Charles  Town  near  Boston  & wholy  left  Cap1  Masons 
Plantation  upon  which  the  other  Servants  Shared  the  residue  of  the 
goods  & stock  among  them  which  were  left  in  that  & the  other 
Plantations  and  possessed  themselves  of  the  houses  and  Lands  And 
this  Deponent  doth  verily  beleive  that  from  The  Cattle  Sent  hither 
by  Cap1  Mason  Most  of  the  Cattle  in  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Main  have  been  raised  ffor  this  Deponent  doth  not 
remember  or  heard  that  any  one  person  else  did  bring  over  any 
That  Thomas  Wannerton  x-V  Servant  to  Cap1  Mason  & Lived  in  a 
fair  house  at  Strawberry  Bank  about  the  year  1644  did  Carry 
quantities  of  Goods  & Arms  belonging  unto  Cap1  Masons  Planta- 
tions & Sold  them  to  the  ffrench  who  Did  inhabit  about  Port  Royal 
where  ye  Said  Wannerton  was  Slain  that  Sometime  after  one  Samp- 
son Lane  Came  over  from  England  with  Power  as  he  pretended 
to  look  after  & take  Care  of  the  Aforesaid  Plantations  and  did 
Settle  himself  in  the  Great  house  at  Strawberry  Bank  and  made 
additions  thereunto  where  lie  Continued  about  three  years  and  then 
returned  for  England  upon  whose  Departure  John  & Richard  Cutts 
got  into  Possession  of  ye  aforesd  house  & Lands  at  Strawberry  Bank 
but  by  what  right  this  Deponent  never  heard,  And  have  Sold 
Several  Small  Tracts  upon  which  Many  houses  are  now  built  and 
possessed  by  the  Relations  of  the  said  Cutts — 

ffrancis  Small 

Sworn  before  me  ye  8th  SeptenT  1685 — 

R Chamberlain  Just  P 

Vera  Copia  from  the  Original 

Teste  R Chamberlain  Seer 

The  above  is  Copy  of  that  on  file  in  a Case  x'Ulen  vs  Waldron 

Examin'd  ^ Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Cl: 


138 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Deed,  Mason  to  Usher,  Lidgett,  and  McCarty,  April  15,  1686. ] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  17.] 

This  Indenture  made  the  fifteenth  day  of  April  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  One  thousand  Six  hundred  & Eighty. six  Between  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  Esq1  under  His  Royal  Majesty  King  James  the  second, 
Proprietor  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  of  the  One  part,  And 
John  Usher  Charles  Lidgett  & Thaddeus  McCarty  of  Boston  in 
N England  Merchts  of  the  Other  part — Whereas  the  sd  R.  T. 
Mason  by  Virtue  of  a Grant  from  His  Majesty  of  famous  Memory 
King  James  the  First  bearing  date  at  Westminster  the  third  of  No- 
vember in  the  Eighteenth  Year  of  His  sd  Majesty’s  Reign  is  Enstated 
in  fee  of  all  those  Lands  Islands  & Rivers  Lying  between  the  Rivers 
of  Namkeage  and  Piscataqua  together  with  ye  said  Rivers  & of  all 
Islands  Lying  within  five  Leagues  of  ye  same  with  all  Rights  Royal- 
ties & preheminences  thereto  belonging  Now  this  Indenture  Wit- 
nesseth  That  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  for  & in  Consideration 
of  ye  sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  of  the  Current  Money  of  & in  ye  Massa- 
chusetts Colony  in  N Engd  to  him  in  hand  paid  by  ye  sd  J Usher 
C Lidgett  & Thad.  Maccarty^  the  Receit  whereof  he  doth  by  these 
Presents  acknowledge  & of  the  Rents  Reservations  & Covenants 
herein  after  reserv’d  covenanted  & agreed  upon,  And  for  the 
Encouragement  of  Planting  the  said  Province  & specially  in  its 
extream  & inland  parts  Hath  given  granted  bargained  & sold  & by 
these  presents  for  him  his  heirs  & Assigns  Doth  give  grant  bargain 
& sell  unto  the  s'1  J Usher  C.  Lidgett  & T.  Maccarty  their  heirs  and 
assigns,  All  that  & those  Tract  & Tracts  of  Land  situate  Lying  & 
being  on  ye  Westerly  side  of  the  River  of  Merrimack  beginning  at 
the  East  End  of  Sou hegon nock  River  where  the  same  issues  into 
Merrimack  aforesd  &■  thence  running  up  Westward  along  the  s'1 
Souhegonnock  River  Six  English  Miles  & an  half  and  at  ve  End  of 
ye  sd  Six  English  Miles  & an  half  to  turn  off  by  a Line  of  Twenty 
deg.  Westerly  of  the  N.  Ten  English  Miles  and  thence  that  is  to  say 
to  the  Northwesterly  Angle  of  ye  sd  Tract  running  in  a direct  Line 
Northwards  in  Length  on  ve  Sd  West  side  of  y®  s'1  River  of  Merri- 
mack unto  & as  far  as  the  most  Southerly  End  of  the  great  Pond  or 
Lake  comonly  called  or  known  by  ye  Name  of  Wenepesiocho  Lake 
which  issues  into  ve  said  Merrimack  River  so  always  as  that  ye  sd 
Outmost  Line  Westward  shall  not  come  nearer  the  said  River  in  any 
Place  than  Six  English  Miles  on  that  side  the  said  River  And  also 
all  that  & those  Tract  & Tracts  of  Land  on  the  Easterly  side  of  the 
said  River  of  Merrimack  beginning  as  Low  Southerly  as  the  North 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


139 


End  of  the  Land  commonly  called  or  known  by  the  Name  of  Mr 
Brenton’s  Land  Six  English  Miles  in  Breadth  from  ye  sd  liiver  of 
Merrimack,  & thence  running  in  a direct  Line  Northward  in  Length 
on  the  said  East  side  of  the  sa  River  of  Merrimack  unto  A as  far  as 
ye  most  Southerly  End  or  part  of  the  said  Wenepesioclio  Lake  so 
always  as  that  the  sd  Outmost  Line  Eastward  shall  not  come  nearer 
in  any  place  to  the  said  River  than  Six  English  Miles  in  all  the 
Length  aforesaid — And  also  all  that  part  of  the  said  River  of  Mer- 
rimack lying  within  the  Limits  of  all  A singular  ye  aforementiond 
Tract  A Tracts  of  Land  And  all  ye  Islands  lying  within  ye  same 
Together  with  all  other  Rivers  A Rivolets  issuing  into  ye  said  River 
of  Merrimack  And  all  ponds  Waters  fishings  fowlings  Huntings 
Swamps  Meadows  Woods  Underwoods  & Ways  contained  or  lying 
within  ye  sd  East  & West  Lines  on  each  of  ye  Sd  River  from  End  to 
End  as  aforesd  And  ye  sole  Right  A priviledge  of  Salmon  fishing 
from  ye  sd  Wenepesioclio  Lake  to  ye  Mouth  of  ye  said  Rivers  on  ye 
Sea  Coasts  & also  of  Erecting  Kedges  & Wracks  in  said  River  of 
such  Mesh  or  distance  as  Alewives  & other  small  Fish  may  pass 
freely  for  ve  Comon  Benefit  of  all  ye  Plantations  that  are  or  may  be 
on  the  sd  River  And  all  Rights  Priviledges  Royalties  Powers  Juris- 
dictions A Hereditaments  of  him  the  sd  R.  T.  Mason  to  the  sd  sev- 
eral Tracts  A premises  belonging  A every  part  and  parcel  thereof 
To  Have  A to  Hold  all  & singular  the  Premises  with  their  A 
every  of  their  Rights  Members  Hereditaments  A Appurces  And  ye 
Reverc’on  A Reverc'ons  Remainder  & Remainders  thereof  A of  every 
part  A parcel  thereof  Or  such  of  them  as  upon  survey  shall  appear 
to  lye  & fall  within  ye  Limits  & Bounds  of  the  sd  Province  of 
N Hampsh1  by  Virtue  of  the  Letters  Patents  aforemd  Unto  the  sd 
J Usher  Ch.  Lidget  & Th.  Maccartv  their  Heirs  & Assigns  To  the 
only  proper  Use  Benefit  A Behoofe  of  them  the  sd  J Usher  C. 
Lidgett  & T Maccartv  their  Heirs  A Assigns  for  Ever  Yeilding  A 
paying  unto  the  sd  Robert  Tufton  Mason  his  Heirs  A Assigns  or 
unto  such  other  Person  or  Persons  unto  whom  the  next  immediate 
Remainder  or  Reverc’on  of  the  Premises  for  ye  time  being  shall  of 
Right  belong  or  appertaine  for  Ever  the  Yearly  Rent  Charge  or 
Sum  of  Ten  Shillings  at  or  upon  the  four  A Twentieth  day  of  June 
in  every  Year  the  first  PaynP  to  Com’ence  on  ye  sd  24  June  which 
shall  be  in  1687  or  within  28  days  after  if  demanded  for  such  part 
of  ye  Premises  as  upon  survey  shall  to  Lye  & fall  within  ye 
sd  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  Virtue  of  the  Letters  Patents 
aforemenrt  And  Also  rendering  one  fourth  part  of  all  Gold  & 
Silver  Ore  that  shall  be  found  dug  out  & taken  off  from  & within 
such  part  of  ve  said  Premises  or  any  of  them  for  A in  Lieu  of 


140 


C HA RTEI l RECORDS. 


such  part  of  such  Ore  as  b}T  ye  Letters  Patents  aforemend  are 
reserved  unto  His  Majesty  His  Heirs  & Successors  And  if  it  shall 
happen  that  the  sd  Yearly  Rent  Charge  of  Ten  Shillings  or  any  part 
thereof  to  be  behind  or  unpaid  for  ye  space  of  20.  days  next  over  or 
after  the  Expiration  of  ye  s'1  28  days  being  Lawfully  demanded  on 
the  Premises  That  then  y®  s(l  Rent  Charge  so  in  Arrears  shall  be 
doubled,  And  that  it  shall  & may  thenceforth  be  Lawful  to  & for  ye 
sd  R.  T.  Mason  his  heirs  or  assigns  or  such  other  Person  or  Persons 
who  shall  or  may  have  the  then  Lawful  Right  & Title  to  the  Rever- 
c’on  or  Remaind1’  thereof  as  aforesd  into  ye  sd  Premises  or  any  part 
thereof  to  Enter  & distrein  for  ye  same  And  the  distresse  found  & 
taken  to  lead  drive  carry  away  sell  & dispose  for  satisfying  the 
sd  Yearly  Rent  Charge  & Arrearages  thereof  together  with  all 
Charges  & disbursemts  thereby  occasion’d  Rendering  ye  Overplus 
And  the  sd  R.  T.  Mason  for  himself  his  heirs  & assigns  Doth 
Covenant  promise  & grant  to  & with  the  sd  J Usher  Cha.  Lidgett 
their  Heirs  & Assigns  That  for  or  notwithstanding  any  Act  or 
Thing  whatsoever  by  him  ye  sd  R.  T.  Mason  done  to  the  Contrary, 
he  the  said  R.  T.  Mason  hath  good  Right  & Lawful  Power  to  grant 
& convey  the  Premises  in  Manner  & form  aforesd  by  Virtue  of  ye 
Letters  Patents  aforemention’d  And  that  they  the  sd  J Usher 
C Lidgett  & Th.  Maccarty  their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  All  and 
singular  ye  Lands  & premises  herein  before  mention'd  to  be  bar- 
gained & sold  shall  & may  Lawfully  & quietly  have  hold  & enjoy  ye 
same  free  of  & from  all  manner  of  Incumbrances  had  made  or  done 
by  him  the  sd  R.  T.  Mason  his  heirs  or  Assigns  or  Captaine  John 
Mason  or  any  other  Person  or  Persons  Lawfull}”  claiming  or  deriv- 
ing by  from  or  under  the  sd  Captain  John  Mason  or  any  other 
claiming  any  Right  Title  or  Estate  therein  by  Virtue  of  the  said 
Letters  Patents.  In  Witness  whereof  the  Parties  first  above-named, 
to  these  present  Indentures  have  interchangeably  set  their  hands  & 
Seals  the  day  & Year  first  abovewritten. 

Memorandum/. 

That  before  sealing  & delivering  it  was  assented  to  & agreed  to 
by  all  Parties  to  these  Presents  That  if  the  above  named  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  or  John  Tufton  his  Eldest  son  shall  at  any  time  within 
24  Months  after  datepay  to  any  of  the  Parties  to  these  Presents 
for  use  of  themselves  & Company,  One  full  Share  & part  (accord- 
ing to  the  Number  already  admitted  or  within  ye  sd  time  to  be 
admitted  Partners  in  the  Premises)  of  all  Paymts  Charges  & dis- 
bursem*8  that  have  been  or  may  in  ye  Interim  be  expended  or  accrue 
by  any  Adventures  or  Tmprovemts  thereon,  that  then  he  shall  be 


MAS0.X1AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


141 


admitted  a Partner  in  ye  Premises  & all  Improvemts  that  shall  be 
made  thereon 

Robert  Tufton  Mason  [Seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & delivered  in  presence  of 

Humphrey  Lnscombe  Robert  Tufton 

Wni  Ha  rrison  Michael  Perry 

Humphrey  Luscombe  & Michael  Perry  sworne  Before  us  the  9. 
Nov.  1686 — did  Testify  that  they  saw  the  Sealing  & Delivery  of  the 
above  written  Deed  by  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason,  Before  us 
Members  of  His  Majesty’s  Council 

Barth.  Gedney 
Edwd  Tyng 

Entred  in  the  Registry  at  Boston  Nov.  10.  1686  Lib.  1.  pa.  27,  28, 
29,  30,  31,  32.— 

Edw'1  Randolph  Regr 

N B.  Livery  of  Leisin  & possession  was  Given  in  Form  8 Sept. 
1686  which  is  also  recorded. — 

Memorand"1  feb.  23.  L 74 S — The  Abbreviations  of  Names  & Words, 
& instead  of  Figures — are  the  Words  at  Length  in  ye  Original — 


[Verdict  against  William  Vaughan  Confirmed  Nov . 19,  168GC\ 
[ Mason ian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  19.] 

At  the  Court  at  Whitehall  the  19th  November  168  ‘ — 

[ Loco  i n 


Sigilli  j 

The  Kings  most 
Lord  Chancellor 
Lord  Treasurer 
Lord  President 
Duke  of  Ormond 
Duke  of  Albermarle 
Duke  of  Beau  ford 
Lord  Chamberlain 
Earle  of  Oxford 
Earle  of  Huntington 
Earle  of  Petersborough 
Earle  of  Craven 
Earle  of  Powis 
Earle  of  Nottingham 


esen 

Excellent  Majesty 
Earle  of  Plymouth 
Earle  of  Morray 
Earle  of  Middleton 
Earle  of  Melford 
Earle  of  Tyrconnell 
Viscount  Fauconberg 
Viscount  Preston 
Lord  Bpp  of  Durham 
Lord  Arundell  of  Wardon 
Lord  Dartmouth 
Lord  Dover 

Mr  Chancellor  of  ye  Excheqr 
Mr  Chanceller  of  ye  Dutchy 


142 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Upon  reading  this  Day  at  the  Board  a Report  from  the  Honble  the 
Lords  of  the  Committee  of  Council  for  trade  and  Foreign  Planta- 
tions bearing  date  the  6Ul  Day  of  November  instant  Setting  forth 
that  in  obedience  to  his  Majesties  orders  in  Councill  of  the  25th  of 
Aprill  1685  and  the  3d  of  July  last  they  have  Examined  the 
Appeale  of  Wm  Vaughan  from  a Verdict  and  Judgrffi  given  ag1 
him  on  the  6th  Day  of  November  1683  in  his  Majties  Courts  in  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  at  the  suit  of  Robert  Mason  Esqr  as 
Proprietor  of  that  Province  for  Certain  Lands  & Tenemts  in 
Portsm0  in  the  said  Province  and  that  they  hag  heard  the  Said 
Robert  Mason  and  Nath1  Wear  Attorney  for  the  Appellant  and  his 
Councill  learned  in  the  Law  are  Humbly  of  opinion  that  his  Majesty 
be  pleased  to  Ratify  and  Affirme  the  Verdict  & Judgment  afore- 
said— 

His  Majesty  in  Councill  was  pleased  to  approve  of  their  Lordships 
said  opinion  and  Report  and  to  order  the  said  Verdict  & Judgment 
given  against  the  said  William  Vaughan  on  the  sixth  Day  of  Novr 
1683  in  his  Majesties  Courts  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  at 
the  Suit  of  Rob1  Mason  Esqr  as  Proprietor  of  that  Province  for 
Certaine  lands  & Tenements  in  Portsm0  in  the  said  Province  be 
Ratified  and  Affirmed  and  they  are  hereby  Ratifyed  and  Affirmed 
Accordingly 

Wni  Bridgeman 

Vera  Copia  ^ Richard  Partridge  Clerk 

Copy  as  file  in  the  Case  Allen  \rS  Waldron 

Examin’d  ^ Geo  : Jaffrey  jr  Cl  : 


[Judgment  for  Costs  against  Vaughan , Dec.  10.  1686 .] 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  20.] 


(Loco  Sigilli) 


At  the  Court  at  Whitehall  the  10th  December  1686 — 
Present 


The  Kings  most  Excellent  Majtie  in  Councill 

Whereas  on  the  19tb  day  of  November  last  upon  the  Report  of  the 
Right  Honble  the  Com'ittee  for  Trade  and  Plantations  his  Majesty  was 
pleased  to  Ratify  and  Affirme  the  Verdict  and  Judgement  given 
against  Wm  Vaughan  on  the  6th  of  November  1683.  in  his  majesty’s 
Courts  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  . England  in  favour  of  Robert  Mason 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


143 


Esqur  upon  a further  Report  of  their  Lordshipps  this  day  read  at  the 
board;  his  Majesty  hath  thought  ftt  to  order  and  it  is  hereby 
ordered  that  the  Said  Wm  Vaughan  doe  pay  twenty  pounds  to  the 
Said  Robert  Mason  for  his  Costs  in  attending  the  Issue  of  the 
Appeal  of  the  Said  Win  Vaughan  / 

Phillipp  Musgrave 

Vera  Copia  Richfl  Partridge  Cler 

The  above  is  a Copy  as  on  file  in  a Case  between  Sain11  Allen 
Esqur  & David  Law  ranee 

Examin’d  ^ Geo  : Jaffrey  jr  Cl : 


[ Samuel  Alien  s Agreement , Oct.  lJj.,  1690 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  21.] 

This  Indenture  made  the  fourteenth  day  of  October  in  the  Sec- 
ond Yeare  of  the  Raigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  and  Lady  William 
and  Mary  King  and  Queene  of  England  Scotland  ff ranee  and  Ireland 
Denfenders  of  the  faith  &c  Annoq  D’ni  1690  Between  Samuel 
Allen  of  London  Merchant  of  the  one  ^te,  and  John  Tufton  Mason 
and  Robt  Tufton  Mason  sons  of  Robert  Tufton  Mason  some  time  of 
the  ^pish  of  sl  Martins  in  the  ffeilds  in  the  County  of  Midd’x  Esqr 
dec’d  of  the  other  ^pte.  Whereas  by  Ind’re  of  even  date  with  these 
prsents  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  in 
consideracon  of  the  sume  of  Two  Thousand  Seaven  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  to  them  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  Samuel  Allen  and 
for  other  good  and  valuable  consideracons  have  Conveyed  the 
Province  or  Tract  of  Land  in  New  England  in  America  called  New 
Hampshire  & divers  other  Provinces  Tracts  of  Land  and  Heredita- 
ments unto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  and  his  Heires  as  by  the  same 
Indre  more  at  large  may  appeare  Now  this  Ind're  Witnesseth  That 
in  consid'acon  of  the  sd  Conveyance  and  the  Covenants  therein  con- 
tained llee  the  Said  Samuel  Allen  doth  by  these  prsents  Relese  unto 
and  acquitt  and  discharge  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  and  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  theire  Executrs  Admrs  and  Assignes  and  unto  the 
heires  and  Executrs  of  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Dec’d 
All  debts  sumes  of  Money  Bonds  & Accounts  whatsoever  which  hee 
the  said  Samuel  Allen  can  may  or  ought  to  have  or  claime  from 
them  or  any  of  them  And  further  the  said  Samuel  Allen  for  himselfe 
his  Heires  Execrs  & Admrs  doth  Covenant  and  agree  to  and  with  the 
said  John  Tufton  Mason  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  their  Execrs  & 


144 


OH  ARTE  R RECORDS. 


Admrs  that  hee  the  said  Samuel  Allen  his  Execrs  and  Admra 
shall  and  will  within  the  space  of  three  Yeares  next  ensueing 
the  date  of  these  prsents  pay  or  cause  to  bee  paid  unto  Edward  Cran- 
feild  Esqr  late  GovounT  of  the  said  Province  the  sum’e  of  three 
hundred  and  fhfty  pounds  of  good  and  Lawfull  mony  of  New  Eng- 
land And  further  allsoe  that  when  and  soe  soone  as  the  Ten'ts 
Landholders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Townes  of  Portsmouth  Dover 
Exeter  and  Hampton  ^te  of  the  said  Provinces  Hereditaments  and 
fPmisses  from  whome  any  quitt  Rents  or  other  Rents  are  due  & pay- 
able or  the  Greater  number  of  such  Ten’ts  Inhabitants  and  Land- 
holders shall  Attorne  Ten’ts  unto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  his  heires 
or  Assignes  or  sufficiently  acknowledge  him  or  them  to  bee  the 
Proprietor  of  such  their  quitt  Rents  or  other  Rents  and  allsoe  shall 
pay  any  Yearely  or  halfe  yearelv  paymts  of  such  their  quitt  Rents  or 
other  Rents  unto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  his  Heires  or  Assignes, 
That  then  the  sd  Samuel  Allen  his  Heires  Exrs  Admrs  or  Assignes 
shall  & will  well  & truely  pay  or  cause  to  bee  pd  the  further 
Sum’es  of  Lawfull  mony  of  England  following.  That  is  to  say 
the  sum’e  of  ffour  hundred  pounds  unto  the  said  John  Tufton 
Mason  his  Execrs  Admvs  or  Assignes,  the  sume  of  three  hundred 
pounds  unto  the  said  Rob’t  Tufton  Mason  his  Execrs  Admrs  or 
Assignes  and  the  sum’e  of  Two  hundred  pounds  unto  Elizabeth 
Tufton  Mason  her  Exls  Aclmrs  or  Assignes,  And  the  said  John  Tuf- 
ton mason  and  Rob‘t  Tufton  Mason  doe  by  these  prsents  declare 
that  the  said  sum’es  of  mony  debts  & accounts  hereby  Released  and 
the  said  sum’es  of  money  allready  pd  to  them  and  the  sd  sevrall 
sum’es  of  money  hereby  Covenanted  & agreed  to  be  paid  are  the  full 
and  whole  price  and  ^ chase  mony  woh  the  said  Samuel  Allen  ought 
to  pay  for  the  ^ chase  of  the  prmisses  and  that  hee  is  an  absolute 
^chasor  thereof  without  any  ^mise  AgreenT  right  or  equity  for  or 
concerneing  the  redeemeing  the  same  And  lastly  the  sd  Samuel 
Allen  for  himselfe  his  Exrs  & Admrs  doth  Coven1  & agree  to  & with 
the  sd  John  Tufton  mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  their  Execrs  & 
Admrs  that  hee  the  sd  samuel  Allen  his  Exls  & Admrs  shall  & will 
well  & truely  pay  unto  every  of  them  the  sd  John  Tufton  Mason 
Rob’t  Tufton  Mason  & Elizabeth  Tufton  Mason  their  respective 
Exrs  Admrs  or  Assignes  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  pounds  ^ Cent  ^ 
ann  for  one  hundred  pounds  apeice  ^te  of  the  same  sum’es  to  them 
payable  from  the  date  of  these  prsents  untill  they  shall  respectively 
receive  the  same  Sum’es  the  same  Interest  to  bee  paid  at  the  same 
time  with  the  sd  principle  Sum’es  of  money  to  them  payable  as  afore- 
sd  In  Witness  whereof  the  ^ties  above  named  to  these  prsents  have 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


145 


hereunto  set  their  hands  & Seales  the  day  and  Yeare  first  above 
written 

Sealed  and  delivered  Samuel  Allen  [seal] 

in  the  prsence  of 
Wm  Linsey 
Joh.  Lodge 
James  Budd 
Sam:  Wilson 


[“  Fine  Agl  John  cf*  Fob t Tufton  Mason* .”] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  22. J 

William  and  Mary  by  the  grace  of  God  of  England  Scotland 
France  & Ireland  King  & Queen  Defenders  of  the  Faith  &<:a  To  ALL 
to  whom  these  our  Present  Letters  shall  Come  Greeting  Know  ye 
that  it  was  inrold  amongst  the  Pleas  of  Land  at  Westminster  before 
Henry  Pollexfen  and  his  Companions  our  Justices  of  our  Bench  of 
the  Term  of  Sl  Michall  In  the  Second  Year  of  our  Reign  in  the 
. Roll  280.  ’tis  so  Contained  Kent  SS.  John  Browning  Gentleman  in 
his  proper  Person  Requires  against  Samuel  Allen  Gentleman  the 
Mannor  of  Mason  Hall  with  the  appurtenances  and  Seven  Thou- 
sand Messuages  fifty  Mills  Six  thousand  Gardens  A hundred  Thou- 
sand Acres  of  Land  a hundred  thousand  Acres  of  Meadow  a hun- 
dred Thousand  Acres  of  Pasture  one  Million  and  a hundred  Thou- 
sand Acres  of  Wood  Two  hundred  Thousand  of  acres  of  Marsh  & 
Moss  Ground  a hundred  thousand  Acres  of  fresh  Marsh  a hundred 
thousand  acres  of  Salt  Marsh  a hundred  thousand  acres  of  Ozirs  a 
hundred  thousand  Acres  of  * * * Two  hundred  thousand 

acres  of  Land  Covered  with  Water  a hundred  Pound  Rents  Common 
of  Pasture  for  all  manner  of  Cattle  free  fishery  & free  Warrin  with 
the  appurtenances  in  New  Hampr  Main  Masonia  Laconia  Mason 
Hall  Mariana  In  New  England  in  America  in  the  Parish  of  Green- 
witch  As  his  Right  and  Inheritance,  and  into  which  the  said  Samuel 
..  hath  No  Ingress  unless  after  Disseizin  which  Hue  Hunt  hath  there- 
upon unjustly  and  without  Judgement  made  to  the  before  Named 
John  within  thirty  years  &ca  and  Whereof  he  saith  that  he  himself 
was  Seized  of  the  manner  Tennements  Rents  Common  of  Pasture 
free  fishery  free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances  in  his 
Demesne  as  a fee  & by  Wright  in  the  time  of  Peace  in  the  time  of 
the  Reign  of  our  Lord  and  Lady  King  & Queen  that  now  are  by 
taking  therefrom  to  the  Value  & so  forth  & into  which  &ca  and 
10 


146 


C HARTER  RECORDS. 


thereupon  he  brings  his  Suite  &ca  and  the  aforesaid  Samuel  Allen  in 
his  proper  person  Comes  & Defends  his  Wright  when  & so  forth  & 
thereuppon  Calls  to  Warrant  John  Tufton  Mason  Gentleman  who  is 
Present  here  at  Court  in  his  own  proper  person  & who  Warrants 
gratis  to  him  the  said  Manner  Tennements  rent  Common  of  Pasture 
free  fishery  free  Warrin  with  the  appurtenances  &ca  and  upon  this 
the  said  John  Browning  prayes  against  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason 
houlding  by  his  Warrant  the  Manner  Tennements  Rent  Condon  of 
Pasture  free  fishery  free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  Appurtenances 
aforesaid  in  form  aforesd  &ca  & whereof  he  saith  he  himself  was 
Seized  of  the  Manner  Tennements  rents  Common  of  Pasture  free 
fishery  free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  Appurtenances  in  his  Domin- 
ion as  a fee  and  by  Right  in  the  time  of  Peace  in  the  time  of  our 
Lord  & Lady  King  and  Queen  that  now  is  by  taking  &ca  & into 
which  &ca  and  thereupon  he  brings  his  suit  &,a  & the  aforesaid  John 
Mason  houlding  By  his  Warrant  Defends  his  Right  when  &ca  & far- 
ther Vouches  thereupon  to  Warrant  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  Gentleman 
who  is  present  here  in  Court  in  his  proper  person  & Warrants  to 
him  Gratis  the  Manner  Tennements  Rents  Common  of  Pasture  free 
fishery  free  Warrin  aforesd  with  the  Appurtenances  aforesaid  &ca 
arid  upon  this  the  aforesd  John  Browning  prayes  against  him  the 
aforesaid  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  houlding  bv  his  Warrant  the  Manner 
Tennements  Rent  Common  of  Pasture  free  lishe^  free  Warrin  with 
the  appurtenances  In  form  aforesaid  whereupon  he  Saith  he  him- 
self was  Seized  of  the  Mannor  Tennements  rent  Common  of  Pasture 
free  fishery  free  Warrin  as  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances  in  his 
Demesne  as  a fee  by  Right  in  the  time  of  Peace  in  the  time  of  our 
Lord  & Lady  the  King  & Queen  that  now  is  by  taking  from  thence 
the  Value  &(:a  & into  which  &ca  and  thereupon  brings  this  Suit  &ca 
and  the  aforesd  Robert  Tufton  Mason  houlding  by  Warrant  Defends 
his  Right  when  &ca  and  further  Vouches  thereupon  John  W healer 
to  Warrant  who  likewise  is  present  here  in  Court  in  his  own  proper 
person  and  Warrants  to  him  Gratis  the  Manner  Tennements  Rent 
Common  of  Pasture  free  fishery  & free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the 
Appurtenances  &ce  and  upon  this  the  aforesd  John  Browning  praj^es 
against  the  said  John  Whealer  houlding  by  his  Warrant  the  manner 
Tennements  rent  Common  of  Pasture  free  fishery  & free  Warrin 
aforesaid  in  form  aforesd  with  the  appurtenances  & whereupon  he 
himself  saith  he  was  Seized  of  the  mannor  Tennements  rent  Common 
■of  Pasture  free  fishery  free  Warrin  aforesd  with  ye  Appurtenances  In 
his  Dominion  as  a fee  & by  Right  the  time  of  Peace  In  the  time  of 
our  Lord  & Lady  that  now  is  by  taking  from  thence  to  the  Value 
$ca  and  into  which  &c  & thereupon  he  brings  his  Suit  &ca  and  the 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


147 


aforesaid  John  VVhealer  houlding  by  his  Warrant  Defends  his  Right 
when  &ca  & saith  that  the  said  Hugh  hath  not  Disseized  the  before 
named  John  Browning  of  the  Mannor  Tennements  rent  Common  of 
Pasture  free  fishery  & free  Warrin  with  the  appurtenances  as  the 
said  John  Browning  by  his  Writ  & Declaration  afores11  Doth  above 
Suppose  & of  this  he  puts  himself  upon  the  Country  &ce  & the 
aforesd  John  Browning  prayes  Libert}7  of  Imparling  & hath  it  &ca 
And  afterwards  the  said  John  Browning  returnes  here  into  Court  In 
his  proper  person  & the  aforesaid  John  Whealer  altho’  Sollemly  Re- 
quired Returned  not,  but  Departed  in  Contempt  of  the  Court  and 
made  Default — Tis  therefore  Considered  that  the  said  John  Brown- 
ing may  recover  his  Seizen  Against  the  aforesaid  Samuel  of  the 
Mannor  Tennements  rents  Com’on  of  Pasture  free  fishery  & free 
Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances  and  that  the  same  Samuel 
have  of  the  land  of  the  aforesaid  John  Tufton  Mason  to  the  Value 
&ra  and  that  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  further  have  of  the  land 
of  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  to  the  Vallue  &<:a  & yl  the  said 
Robert  Tufton  Mason  further  have  of  the  land  of  the  aforesaid  John 
Whealer  to  the  Value  &ca  & the  said  John  Whealer  be  in  Mercy  &ca 
& uppon  this-  the  said  John  Browning  prayes  a Writ  of  our  Sover- 
eigne  Lord  and  Lady  the  King  and  Queen  to  be  Directed  to  the 
sheriff  of  the  County  aforesaid  to  Cause  him  to  give  him  the  full 
Seizin  of  the  Mannor  Ten'emts  rent  Common  of  Pasture  free  fishery 
free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances  and  it  is  granted  to 
him  Returnable  here  without  Delay  &ca  & afterwards  (To  Wit)  the 
Twenty  Eighth  day  of  November  in  that  very  same  time  the  afore- 
said John  Browning  Came  here  into  Court  in  his  proper  person  & 
the  Sheriff  (to  Witt)  Thomas  Adrian  Esqr  now'  answers  that  lie  by 
Virtue  of  the  aforesaid  Writ  to  him  Directed  the  five  & twentieth 
of  November  last  past  hath  Caused  the  afore  Named  John  Browning 
to  have  his  full  seizin  of  the  Mannor  Tennements  rent  Common  of 
Pasture  free  fishery  and  free  Warrin  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances 
as  by  the  said  Writ  he  was  Commanded  &‘a  and  all  & Singuler 
which  things  at  the  Request  of  the  said  John  Browning  bv  the 
terfor  of  these  Presents  we  have  Caused  to  be  exemplyfied — In  Wit- 
ness Whereof  we  have  Caused  to  be  affixed  to  these  Presents  our 
Seal  for  Writs  in  the  Bench  aforesaid  Witness  Henry  Pollexfen  at 
Westminster  the  twenty  Eighth  Day  of  November  in  the  second 
Year  of  our  Reign 

O 

Tempest 


a Seal  appending 


148 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampr  Portsm0  14th  aug1  1707 
The  within  is  a true  Translation  to  the  best  of  our  understand- 
ings & Judgements — 

Ja  Meinzies 
Cha:  Story 


Copy  as  on  file  in  Case  Allen  vs  Waldron 
Superiour  Court  of  Judicature  Examin’d 


in  Clerk’s  office  of 
UP  Geo:  Jaffrey  Cl. 


[Sale  of  Mason  Possessions  to  Samuel  Allen , April  27,  1691. \ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  24.] 

This  Indenture  made  the  Seven  & Twentieth  day  of  April  in  the 
third  year  of  the  Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  & Lady,  William  & 
Mary,  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  England,  Scotland  France  & Ireland 
King  & Queen  defenders  of  the  faith  &c  Annoq.  Dorn:  1691. 
Between  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason,  son  of  Rob- 
ert Tufton  Mason,  sometime  of  ye  Parish  of  Sfc  Martins  in  the  fields, 
in  the  County  of  Middlesex  Esqr  deceased  of  the  one  part,  And 
Samuel  Allen  of  London  Merchant  of  the  other  part,  Witnesseth 
that  for  & in  Consideration  of  the  sum  of  Two  thousand  Seven  hun- 
dred & fifty  pounds  Lawful  Money  of  England  to  them  the  Said 
John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  now  in  hand  paid  by 
the  said  Samuel  Allen,  the  receipt  whereof  they  doe  hereby  acknowl- 
edge & thereof  do  acquitt,  & discharge  The  Said  Sam1  Allen  his 
Execrs  Admrs  and  Assigns  And  for  diverse,  other  good  Causes  & 
Valuable  considerations  them  thereunto  Especially  moving  they  the 
Said  John  Tufton  Mason,  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  & each  of  them 
Have  Granted,  Bargained  & Sold  & by  these  prsents  doe  & each  of 
them  doth  Grant,  Bargain  & Sell  unto  the  Said  Sam1  Allen  his  heirs 
& Assigns,  all  that  part,  purport  & portion  of  the  Main  Lands  of  & 
in  New  England,  in  America  beginning  from  the  Middle  part  of 
Naumkeck  River  & from  thence  to  proceed  Eastwards,  along  the 
Sea  Coasts  to  Cape  Ann,  & round  about  the  Same  to  Piscataqua 
Harbour,  And  so  forwards  up  within  the  River  of  Newichawanock 
And  to  the  furthest  head  of  the  Said  River,  & from  thence  North- 
westward,  till  Sixty  Miles  be  finish’d  from  the  first  entrance  of  Pis- 
cataqua Harbour,  And  Also  from  Naumkeck  through  the  River, 
thereof,  up  into  the  Land  west.  Sixty  miles,  from  which  Period  to 
Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty  miles  end  accounted  from  Piscataqua 
through  Newichawanock  River,  to  the  Land  Northwestward  afore- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


149 


said  And  also  all  that  the  South  half  of  the  Isle  of  Shoals  together 
with  all  Other  Islands  & Isletts,  as  well  imbaid  as  adjoyning,  lying 
or  abutting  upon  or  near  the  premises  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof 
within  five  Leagues  distant,  Not  otherwise  Granted  to  any  by  Speeial 
name,  at  any  time  before,  the  Eighteenth  day  of  A prill  One  thou- 
sand Six  hundred  and  Thirty  five,  all  which  part  & portion  of  Lands 
Islands  & premises,  are  called  by  the  name  of  New  Hampshire,  or 
the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  And  also  all  that  other  parcell 
or  portion  of  Land,  woods,  & Wood  Grounds,  lying  on  the  South- 
east part  of  the  River  of  Sagadahock  in  the  Northeast  part  of  New 
England  aforesaid  at  the  Mouth  or  entrance  thereof,  containing 
there  Ten  Thousand  Acres  which  Said  other  parcell  of  Lands  is 
called  & known  by  the  name  of  Mason ia  and  also  all  that  part  & 
portion  of  Land  in  the  province  of  Maine  in  New  England  afore- 
said, beginning  at  the  entrance  of  Newichawanock  River,  & so  up- 
wards, alongst  the  Said  River,  And  to  the  farthest  head  thereof  & to 
contain,  in  Breadth,  through  all  the  Length  aforesaid  3 Miles  within 
the  Laud  from  every  part  of  the  said  River,  & half  way  over  the  said 
River,  And  Also  all  that  part  of  the  Sea  Coast,  of  New  England 
aforesaid,  being  a Great  head  Land  or  Cape  & Lying  in  the  Norther- 
most  parts  of  the  Massachusetts  Country  And  to  the  North  East- 
wards of  the  Great  River  of  the  Massachusetts,  Stretching  itself  out 
into  the  Sea,  Eastwards  Five  Leagues  or  thereabouts,  And  lying 
betwixt  the  Latitude  of  forty  two  & forty  three  Degrees,  or  there- 
abouts and  Commonly  Called  or  Known  by  the  name  of  Cape  Trabi- 
gzanda  or  Cape- Ann,  with  the  North,  South  & East  Shoars,  & Coasts 
thereof,  the  Back  Bounds  thereof  towards  the  Main  Land  beginning 
at  the  Head  of  the  next  Great  River  to  the  Southwards  of  the  Said 
Cape  which  runns  into  the  Country  of  the  Main  Land  upwards  west- 
ward And  supposed  to  be  called  Naumkeck  or  bv  what  other  name  or 
names  the  said  River  is  or  may  be  called,  & So  forth  Eastwards  into 
the  Sea,  And  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  Said  Head  land  or  Cape 
and  Round  about  the  same  to  the  Northwards  & from  thence  along 
the  Sea  Coasts  to  the  next  Great  River,  which  runs  up  into  the 
Main  Land  westwards  & supposed  to  be  called  Merrimack  or  by 
What  other  Name  or  Names  the  Said  River  is  or  may  be  called,  And 
Lying  to  the  Northwestwards  of  the  Said  Cape  And  to  the  farthest 
head  of  the  Said  River  from  which  Period  to  cross  over  Land  to  the 
Head  of  the  other  Great  River  which  lyes  Southwards  of  the  afore- 
said Cape  where  ye  perambulation  began,  and  half  way  over  (that  is 
to  say)  to  the  midst  of  either  of  the  Said  two  Rivers  which  Hounds 
or  Limitts,  the  aforesaid  Lands  both  on  the  North  & South  thereof 
together,  with  the  Great  Isle  or  Island  called  Isle  Mason,  lying  near 


150 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


or  before  the  bay  Harbour  or  River  of  Aggawom,  Together  also  with 
all  the  Seas,  Isles,  or  Islands  adjoyning  to  any  part  of  the  precincts 
of  the  Lands  aforesaid,  or  lying  within  three  miles  of  any  part  of 
the  Same,  which  Said  part  of  the  Sea  Coasts  Great  head  land  or 
Cape,  with  all  the  Apprs  are  commonly  called  or  known  by  the  name 
of  Mariana  and  also  all  those  Lands  & Countries  lying  adjacent  or 
bordering  upon  the  Great  Lake  or  Lakes,  or  Rivers  co’monly  called 
or  known  by  the  Name  of  the  River  & Lake  or  Rivers  & Lakes  of 
the  Irroquois  a Nation  or  Nations  of  Salvage  People  inhabiting  up 
into  the  Landwards  betwixt  the  Lines  of  west  & northwest  concieved 
to  pass  or  Lead  upwards  from  the  Rivers  of  Sagadahock  and  Merri- 
mack in  the  said  County  of  New  England  together  also  with  the 
Lakes  & Rivers  of  the  Irroquois  & other  Nations  adjoyning  the 
Middle  part  of  which  Lake  is  Situate  and  lying  near  about  the  Lat- 
itude of  forty  four  or  forty  five  Degrees  reckoned  from  the  Equi- 
noctiall  Line  Northwards  And  also  all  the  Lands  Soyls  & Grounds 
within  ten  Miles  of  any  part  of  the  said  Lakes  or  Rivers  on  the 
Southeast  part  thereof,  And  from  the  west  end  or  Sides  of  the  sd 
Lakes  or  Rivers  so  far  forth  to  the  west,  as  shall  extend  half  way, 
into  the  next  Great  Lake,  to  the  Westwards  & from  thence  North- 
wards, unto  the  North  side  of  the  Main  River  which  runneth  from 
the  Great  & Vast  Western  Lakes  and  falleth  into  the  River  of  Can- 
ada including  all  the  Islands  within  the  precincts  or  perambulation 
described,  which  said  portions  of  Lands  Rivers  & Lakes,  with  the 
Apprs  are  Commonly  called  or  known  by  the  name  of  the  province 
of  Laconia  And  also  all  those  Towns,  Villages,  ports  or  places  called 
Portsmouth,  Hampton,  Dover,  Exeter,  Little  Harbour  Greenland, 
Salisbury,  Old  Salisbury,  Concord,  Sudbury,  Redding,  Billerica, 
Gloucester,  Cape  Anns  Town  Ipswich,  Wenham,  Newbury,  Rowley, 
Haverhill,  Andover,  Bass-Town,  Woburn,  and  all  other  Towns  Vil- 
lages & Habitable  Places,  Situate,  Standing  or  being  in  the  Said 
province  of  New-Hampshire,  ^ cells  of  Land  wood,  & wood  Grounds, 
called  Masonia,  part  of  the  sd  province  of  Maine  Tract  of  Land 
called  Mariana,  Isle  Mason  & province  of  Laconia,  or  any  of  them, 
And  also  all  the  firm  Lands,  Soyls,  & Grounds,  as  well  under  water 
as  above  water,  & Dry  Shoars,  Creeks,  Havens  Harbours,  Bays,  ports, 
Rivers,  Lakes,  floods  Waters  Mines  & Mineralls,  as  Well  Royal  Mines 
& Mineralls  of  Gold  & Silver,  as  Other  Mines  & Minerals  be  they 
Such  Mines  & Minerals  or  Veines  of  Metall  as  are  Close  & hidden 
in  the  Earth,  or  openly  seen  in  or  upon  the  Earth  saving  only  the 
fifth  part  of  all  the  Oar  of  Gold  & Silver  to  remain  in  their  Majties 
their  heirs  & Successors,  All  Quarries,  precious  Stones,  pearls, 
Amber-Griss,  Pine  Trees,  Firr  Trees,  Oaks,  And  all  other  Timber 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


151 


Trees,  Trees,  Woods,  Underwoods,  & all  fishings  of  what  Kind  or 
Kinds  of  fish  Soever  Whether  Royall  fish  as  Sturgeons,  Whales  or 
any  other  fish  by  whatsoever  other  Name  or  Names,  they  or  any  of 
them  are  or  shall  be  called,  or  Known,  Hunting,  Hawking,  fowling 
and  all  & Singular  other  prerogatives,  Rights,  Commodities,  Juris- 
dictions, Royalties,  Privi ledges,  franchises,  Liberties  Preheminences, 
Marine  powers,  in  and  upon  the  Said  Seas,  Lakes  & Rivers,  and 
also  all  Escheats,  Casualties,  flotzam,  Jetzam,  Lagan,  Anchorage, 
and  other  such  Duty’s,  also  Immunities,  Seils  Isletts,  ^quisites  & 
profitts  of  Courts,  Deodans  Waves  & Strays,  Goods  of  felons,  and 
fugitives,  Escheats,  Casuall  profitts  hereditaments,  & Apprs  whatso- 
ever Situate  lying  being  arising,  happening  accrewing,  or  to  be  had, 
taken  or  enjoyed,  or  any  ways  belonging,  or  appertaining  into  upon 
within  unto  or  out,  of  the  Said  province  of  New— Hampshire,  ^cells 
of  Land  wood  & Wood  Grounds  called  Masonia  part  of  the  said 
province  of  Maine,  Tract  of  Land,  called  Mariana,  & Isle  Mason, 
Province  of  Laconia  or  any  of  them,  And  also  all  other  the  prov- 
inces Mannors,  Tracts,  portions,  or  pareells  of  Land,  Islands,  Towns, 
Villages,  Habitable  places,  Meadows  Pastures,  Woods,  Lands, 
Tenemts  piscarys,  Liberties  Royalties,  Prerogatives,  & Hereditamts 
whatsoever,  and  of  what  Kind  or  Nature  soever,  in  New  England  or 
America  aforesaid,  whereof,  wherein,  or  whereunto  the}7  the  sd  John 
Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason,  or  either  of  them,  or  any  in  • 
trust  for  them,  are  Seized,  possessed  or  have  any  Estate,  Right, 
Title,  Interest,  Equity  of  Redemption,  Claim  or  demand  Whatsoever, 
and  also  all  the,  Reversion  & Reversions,  Remainder  & Remain- 
ders, of  & in  all  & every  the  Hereditaments  and  premises  in  & by 
these  prsents  Granted  or  mentioned,  to  be  Granted  & all  the  Rents,  at 
the  Rate  of  Six  pence  or  any  other  Sum  by  the  Acre,  And  all  other 
Cheif  Rents  Quitt  Rents  or  other  Rents,  Reservations,  Services, 
Issues,  and  profitts  Reserved,  due  payable  Issuing  or  Arising  out  of 
all  & every  or  any  of  y®  Said  hereditaments,  & ^Pmises  in  and  by 
these  ^jPsents  Granted  or  mentiond  to  be  Granted  And  also  all 
those  Letters  Pattents  heretofore  Granted,  bv  his  late  Majtle  King 
Charles  the  first,  unto  Cap*  John  Mason  Esqr  Great  Grandfather  or 
Ancestor,  of  them  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton 
Mason  bearing  Date  on  or  about  the  Nineteenth  day  of  Aug1  in  the 
Eleventh  year  of  his  Said  Reign  & also  all  those  other  Letters,  Pat- 
tents,  heretofore,  Granted  by  his  late  Majtle  king  Charles  the  Second 
for  & concerning  the  Government  of  the  s'1  province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire bearing  Date  on  or  about  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  Septr  in  the 
one  & Thirtyeth  year  of  his  said  Majtles  Reign  & all  other  Letters, 
Patents,  Royall  Warrants,  Royal  Commissions  & Royall  Letters 


152 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


at  any  time  heretofore  Granted  of,  for  or  concerning  the  said  prov- 
inces, tracts  of  Land  hereditaments  & phnises  in  & by  these  'fPsents, 
Granted  or  mentioned  to  be  Granted,  or  any  of  them,  And  all 
Rights  of  being  absolute  Lord  & proprietor  of  the  Said  Provinces 
Tracts  of  Land,  hereditamts  & prmises  or  any  of  them,  and  all  Royall 
& other  Rights,  Powers,  Liberties,  Authoritys,  Jurisdictions,  Roy- 
alties benefit  Advantages,  & other  Matter  and  things  whatsoever 
in  & by  the  said  Letters,  patents  Royal  Warrts  Royal  Commis- 
sions & Royal  Letters,  or  any  of  them  Granted  or  mentioned  to 
be  Granted,  & all  the  Estate  Right  Title  interest  power  Author- 
ity, Claim  & Demand  whatsoever,  of  them  the  said  John  Tufton 
Mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason,  or  either  of  them  of  in  to  or  out 
of  all  & every  the  said  provinces  Tracts  of  Land,  Towns  Villages 
habitable  places  Letters  patents  hereditaments  & premises  in  & by 
these  prsents  Granted  or  mention’d  to  be  Granted,  or  any  of  y,n  And 
also  all  Deeds  writings  Rentalls,  Accounts,  papers  & Evidences 
whatsoever  any  ways  relating  unto  touching  or  concerning  the  same 
hereditaments  & prmises,  to  have  & to  hold  the  said  province  of 
New  Hampshire,  parcells  of  Land  wood  & wood  Grounds  called 
Masonia,  part  of  the  said  province  of  Maine  Tract  of  Land  called 
Mariana  & Isle  Mason,  Province  of  Laconia,  & all  & every  the  said 
Towns,  Villages,  Habitable  places.  Letters,  pattents,  & all  & Singu- 
lar other  the  hereditamts  & premises  in  & by  these  presents  Bar- 
gained & Sold,  or  mentioned  or  intended  to  be  Bargained  & Sold, 
unto  the  Said  Sam1  Allen,  his  heirs  & Assigns,  forever  to  the  only 
use  & behoof,  of  him  the  Said  Sam1  Allen  his  heirs  & Assigns  for 
ever  And  to  & for  no  other  Use,  intent  or  purpose  whatsoever,  In 
Witness  whereof  the  said  parties  to  these  prsents  Interchangeaby 
their  hands  & Seals  have  sett  the  day  & year  first  above  written 

Recog  27th  A prill  1691 
^ John  Tufton  Mason 
Rob:  Tufton  Mason 
Jo : Edisbury. 

John  Tufton  Mason  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Sam1  Allen 
[seal]  [seal]  [seal] 

Sealed  & delivered  In  prsence  of 
Dan1  Withers 
W,n  Lindsey 
Rich'1  Wilton 
Sam1  Wilson 
Wm  Linsey 


MASON! AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


153 


Indorr  Claur  Cancellar  infra  script  Domini  Regis  et  Domine 
Regitie  Tricessimo  die  Aprilis  Anno  infra  Scripto 

^ Andrew  Young  Regr 


Vera  Copia  Rich:  Partridge  Cler. 

Copy  Examin’d  ^ Geo:  Jafifrey  Cl 


[Robert  Tufton  Mason  s Will , Oct.  21,  1692.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  25.] 

In  the  name  of  GOD  amen- 

I Robert  Tufton  Mason  of  the  Town  of  Portsm0  in  the  Prov  : of 
New  Hamprin  New  England  being  in  health  of  body  and  sound  in 
mind  do  make  and  appoint  this  my  last  will  and  testament  in  man- 
ner & form  as  follows,  revoking  all  other  Wills  made  heretofore 
Imprimis  I Com’end  my  soul  into  the  hands  of  Almighty  GOD  my 
Creator  in  full  hope  and  assurance  of  a Pardon  for  all  my  sins  com- 
’itted  in  my  life  past  My  bod\^  I com’it  to  the  earth  to  be  decently 

buried  at  the  discretion  of  my  Executrix  hereafter  named 

Item — I Give  and  bequeath  to  my  dearly  beloved  Wife  Katharine 
Tufton  Mason,  the  one  half  of  all  mv  Estate  whatsoever  that  I have, 
or  hereafter  might  have  dureing  her  natural  life,  and  after  her 
decease  three  fourths  of  her  part,  to  fall  unto  my  son  John  Tufton, 
to  him  & his  heirs  forever,  & the  other  fourth  part  to  go  to  my 
daughter  Eliza  Tufton  and  to  her  heirs  forever — 

Item — I Give  and  bequeath  to  my  son  John  Tufton  one  fourth 
part  of  all  my  estate  whatsoever  to  be  paid  him  when  he  Shall 
arrive  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  and  that  if  it  Should  please 
GOD,  that  he  should  dye  before  he  comes  of  age,  or  without  lawfull 
Issue,  then  his  part  to  fall  to  my  daughter  Eliza  Tufton  and  to  her 
heirs  forever — 

Item — I Give  and  bequeath  to  my  daughter  Eliza  Tufton  one 
fourth  part  of  all  my  Estate  whatsoever  to  be  paid  her  when  She 
Shall  Arrive  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  or  upon  the  day  of  her 
Marriage  if  she  marries  with  her  mother's  consent:  But  If  It  should 
please  GOD  that  She  should  dye  before  She  comes  of  the  age  of  eigh- 
teen or  Marry  then  her  part  to  fall  unto  my  son  John  Tufton  and  to 
his  heirs  forever. — But  if  it  should  please  GOD  that  my  son  John  Tuf- 
ton, and  My  daughter  Eliza  Tufton  should  both  dye  before  they  come  of 
age  or  before  they  marry,  then  the  one  half  of  both  their  parts,  I Give 
unto  my  wife  Katharine  Tufton  and  the  other  half  I give  unto  my 


154 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


sister  Eliza  Tufton,  and  if  it  should  so  please  GOI),  that  my  wife 
should  out-live  both  my  son  John  Tufton,  and  my  daughter  Eliza 
Tufton,  or  that  they  dye  without  lawfull  Issue  then  I Give  and 
bequeath  all  my  wife  Katherine  Tufton  her  part  unto  my  sister 
Eliza  Tufton. 

Item — I Do  appoint  my  dearly  beloved  Wife  Katharine  Tufton  to 
be  my  sole  and  only  Executrix  of  this  my  last  will,  and  to  see  my 
will  performed,  and  to  take  care  of  both  my  Children,  and  to  see 
that  they  are  bred  up  as  they  ought  to  be,  and  that  when  they  Shall 
arrive  at  the  age  of  receiving  their  portions  To  pay  them  justly. — 
And  I do  strictly  charge  and  Com’and  both  my  Children  to  carry 
themselves  dutiful  and  obedient  unto  their  mother,  so  long  as  she 
shall  live,  and  that  the}7  live  in  love  and  unity  one  with  another, 
so  long  as  it  please  GOD  they  both  shall  live,  and  that  they  carry  it 
respectively  to  their  Grandfather  and  Grandmother  with  all  their 
Uncles  and  Aunts,  and  behave  themselves  justly  to  all  persons,  fear- 
ing GOD,  & honouring  the  King  In  Witness  hereof  I have  hereunto 
set  my  hand  and  seal  the  twenty  first  day  of  October  one  thousand 
six  hundred  ninety  two 

Signed  & sealed  Robert  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

In  presence  of 
Henry  Sherburn 
Sarah  Sherburn 
Susan  Wiggin 

Copy 

Henry  Sherburn  aged  72  yrs,  Sarah  Sherburn  aged  69,  and 
Susanna  Johnson  (formerly  Wiggin)  aged  67  yrs,  made  oath  that 
their  names  subscribed,  as  the  names  of  Witnesses  to  this  tes- 
tament, were  of  their  own  hand  writing  respectively,  and  that 
they  firmly  beleived  Rob1  Tufton  Mason  sign’d  & seal’d  it  in 
their  presence,  and  that  they  signed  as  Witnesses  at  the  same 

time,  and  also  that  he  was  of  a Sound  mind  at  the  doing  thereof. 

May  27,  1738 

Copy 

This  will  is  not  yet  approved  and  allowed  ; the  same  (to- 
gether with  the  testimony  of  the  Witnesses,)  being  under  the 
Judge’s  consideration 


MASON r AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


155 


[ Robert  Tufton  Mason’s  Commissio7i  as  Attorney- General,  May  28, 

1695.'] 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  26.] 


John  Usher  Esqr  Lieuu  Govern1-  Comander  in  Cheife 
[Seal]  of  our  Province  of  New  HampslV  in  New  Engld : In 
America,  and  Vice  Admir11  of  the  Same:  To  Robert 
Tuffton  Mason — Gentleman  Greeting ; liaveing  Especiall  Trust 
and  Confidence  in  your  faithfullness  ; Ability  and  Learning  I doe  by 
these  Presents  Pursuant  to  the  Powers  and  Authority’s  granted  me 
by  His  Majesty  King  William  over  Engld:  &c : Constitute,  Ordain, 
apoint  and  Invest  you  the  sd  Rob1  Tuffton  Mason  Esqr  in  the 
Office  of  Attorny  Generali  for  his  Majesty  in  this  his  Province 
aforesd  ; You  are  therefore  by  Vertue  of  these  presents  dilligently 
to  Inquire  into  all  Sutes  in  the  Law  concerning  his  Majests  In- 
terest, and  of  every  thing  and  things  matters  device  and  devices 
belonging  unto  your  Office,  and  Concerning  his  Majesty  his  Crown 
and  dignity;  and  you  are  hereby  Impowred  by  vertue  of  these 
Presents  to  Sue,  plead,  Imparte,  Implead,  Indicte,  &c  any  and  who- 
soever shall  be  by  any  manner  or  means  to  be  Sued  or  Arraigned 
Impleaded  and  Indicted  on  his  Majests  Behalfe  in  w'  cause  and 
action  whoever:  and  for  the  due  Execution  and  performance  of 
your  sd  Office  and  in  every  thing  that  thereto  apertaines  I doe 
herby  give  and  Graunt  you  all  Benifitts,  fees  and  Advantages  to  the 
sd  Office  belonging:  You  Rendring  an  accolt  of  all  your  proceed- 
ings In  the  Sd  Office  to  me  or  Some  other  Ap’ointed  by  me  : Given 

under  my  hand  & Seale  at  New  Castle  this  28th  of  May  1695  : 

John  Usher 


By  the  Llt  Governrs  Comand 

William  Redford  : Dp1  Secy1: 


[“  Fine  Recovery  in  ye  County  of  Kent.  " ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  27.] 

William  the  third  bv  the  grace  of  God  of  England  Scotland 
France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &r  To  all  to  whom 
these  Or  Prsent  Letters  shall  Come  Greeting  know  ye  that  Certain 
fine  with  Proclamations  thereon  made  according  to  the  form  of  the 
statute  in  the  like  Case  lately  made  & provided  Lieved  in  our  Court 
before  our  then  Justices  of  the  Bench  at  Westminster  in  the  Term  of 
St  Hillerv  in  the  second  year  of  our  Reisrn  the  ten’or  of  which 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


156 

followeth  in  these  words  Kent  SS  : this  is  the  final!  Concord  made 
in  the  Court  of  our  Lord  & Lady  King  & Queen  at  Westminster  on 
the  morrow  of  St  Martains  in  the  second  year  of  the  Reigns  of  WU1 
& Mary  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  England  Scotland  France  & Ire- 
land King  Queen  Defendor  of  the  Faith  &a  Before  Henry  Pollexfen 
John  Powell  Thomas  Rokeby  & Peyton  Ventriss  Justices  & after- 
wards in  the  Octaves  of  the  Purification  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 
in  the  year  of  the  Reigns  of  the  sfl  King  & Queen  as  above- 
said  Twas  there  granted  & Recorded  before  the  same  Justices 
& other  faithfull  of  our  said  Lord  & Lady  King  & Queen  then  & 
there  being  Present  Between  Samuel  Allen  Gentleman  PI4  and  John 
Tufton  Mason  Gentleman  & Rob4  Tufton  Mason  Gentleman  Deforces 
of  the  Mannor  of  Mason  Hall  with  the  appurtenances  & of  four 
Thousand  Messages  three  thousand  Cottages  three  thousand  Barns 
fifty  mills  Six  thousand  Gardens  a hundred  thousand  Acres  of  Land 
a hundred  Thousand  Acres  of  meadow  a hundred  thousand  acres  of 
Pasture  one  million  & a hundred  thousand  acres  of  wood  Two 
hundred  thousand  acres  of  Marsh  & Moss  Land  a hundred  thousand 
acres  of  fresh  Marsh  a hundred  thousand  acres  of  salt  Marsh  a hun- 
dred thousand  acres  of  * * * a hundred  thousand  acres  of  * 

* * Two  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land  Covered  with  water 

a hundred  pound  Rent  Commons  of  Pasture  for  all  manner  of 
Cattle  free  fisher}^  and  free  Warrin  with  the  appurtenances  in  New 
Hampr  main  masonia  Laconia  Mason  Hall  an  Mariana  in  New  Eng- 
land in  America  in  the  Parish  of  Greenwige  whereupon  a plea  of 
Covenant  was  Sum’oned  Between  them  in  the  same  Court  (To  witt) 
that  the  aforesaid  John  & Rob4  Recognized  the  aforesd  Mannors 
Tenemts  rents  Com’on  of  Pasture  fishery  & Warrins  with  the  ap- 
purtenances to  be  the  Right  of  the  said  Samuel  as  those  which  the 
said  Sam11  hath  of  the  Gifts  of  the  aforesaid  John  & Robert 
& those  which  ye  said  John  & Robert  for  themselves  and  their 
Heirs  have  Remised  & quited  Claim  forever  to  the  aforesaid 
Samuel  & his  heirs  & further  the  said  John  hath  Granted  for 
himself  and  his  heirs  that  they  will  Warrant  to  the  aforesaid 
Samuel  & his  heirs  the  said  mannor  Tennements  rent  Com’on 
of  Pasture  fishery  & Warrin  with  the  Appurtenances  against 
the  said  John  and  his  heirs  forever  & further,  the  said  Rob4 
hath  granted  for  himself  & his  heirs  that  they  will  Warrant 
to  the  aforesaid  Samuel  & his  heirs  the  aforesaid  Mannor  Ten- 
nement  Rent  Com’on  of  Pasture  fishery  & Warrin  with  the 
appurtenances  against  the  aforesd  Rob4  & his  heirs  forever — And 
for  this  Recognition  Remition  Quitt  Claime  Warrant  fine  & Con- 
cord the  Said  Samuel  Hath  given  to  the  aforesaid  John  & Rob4. 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


157 


two  thousand  Pounds  Sterl  the  tennor  of  the  proclaiming  of 
which  fine  followeth  in  these  words  according  to  the  forme  of 
the  Statute  the  first  Proclamation  was  made  the  twelfth  day 
of  Feby  in  the  Term  of  Sfc  Hillery  in  the  Second  year  of  the 
Reign  of  the  King  & Queen  within  Written  the  Second  Proclama- 
tion was  made  the  twelfth  Day  of  may  in  Easter  Term  in  the  third 
Year  of  the  Reign  of  the  King  & Queen  above  written  the  third 
Proclamation  was  made  the  Nineteenth  Day  of  June  in  the  term  of 
the  Holy  Trinity  in  the  third  year  of  the  Reign  of  the  King  & Queen 
within  Written,  the  fourth  proclamation  was  made  the  26th  of 
October  in  the  Term  of  Sfc  Michall  in  the  third  Year  of  the  Reign  of 
the  King  & Queen  within  Written 

In  Witness  whereof  we  have  Caused  to  be  affixed  to  these  Pres- 
ents our  usual  Seal  for  Sealing  of  Writts  in  our  Bench  aforesaid 
Witness  George  Treby  at  Westminster  the  nine  and  twentieth  Day 
of  april  in  the  Eight  year  of  our  Reign 

Laud 


Seal  appending 


This  is  a true  translation  according  the  best  of  our  Judgmts 

J.  A.  Meinses 
Cha.  Story 

Copy  as  on  File  in  Case  Allen  vs  Waldron  in  Clerk’s  Office  of  Su- 

periour  Court  of  Judicature- 

Examined  ^ Geo:  Jaffrey  Cl 


[, Statement  of  Henry  Lang  iter , May  10 , 1699 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  28.] 

Henry  Langster  of  Bloody  Point  of  Dover  in  this  Province  aged 
ninety  years  or  thereabouts  testifyeth  and  Saith  that  about  the  year 
one  thousand  Six  hundred  thirty  five  he  arrived  at  ye  Port  of 
Piscatiqua  River  in  ye  Service  of  Cap4  John  Mason  and  that  he  lived 
two  years  in  ye  Service  of  Said  Mason  with  mr  Walter  Neal  one  of 
ye  Agents  of  Said  Mason  at  little  Harbor  then  called  Rendevous 
Dat.  at  Portsm0  ye  9th  May  1699 — 

Henr  Langster 

and  that  there  was  a Consdb,e  Stock  of  Cattle  reported  to  be  Cap1 
Jn°  Mason’s 

Sworn  in  Court  May  10th  1699 — 


Vera  Copia  attest 


^ Curiam  Sampson  Sheafe  Cler 
Richd  Partridge  Clerr 


158 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  above  is  a Copy  as  on  file  in  a Case  between  Sam11  Allen 
Esqur  & David  Lawrance 

Examine!  Geo  : Jaffrey  jr  Cl: 


Letter,  Earl  of  Bellomont  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  June  22,  1700, 
State  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  348. 


Complaint  against  James  Menzies,  Feb.,  1700-1,  State  Papers, 
Yol.  3,  pp,  119,  122. 


[ Permission  to  Withdraw  Papers  in  Hern  vs.  Don\  Aug.  13 , 1700 .] 

[Masonian  Papers.  Vol.  1,  p.  29.] 

Province  of  Newhampshire. 

At  a Superior  Court  of  Judicature  held  for  this  Province  of  New- 
hampshire at  Portsmouth  13..  day  August  1700. 

Present 

John  Hinckes  Esqr  Chief  Justice — 

Peter  Coffin ) 

John  Gerrish  and  > Esqrs  Justices — 

John  Plaisted j 

Joseph  Hern  pP  1 

versus  > Ejectment — 

Henry  Dow — ) 

Joseph  Hern  moved  the  Court  that  the  Original!  papers  that  were 
delivered  unto  the  Court  in  a Cause  depending  at  his  suit  against 
Henry  Dow  in  a plea  of  Trespass  and  Ejectment,  might  be  made  use 
of  in  three  other  Suits  or  pleas  of  Trespass  and  Ejectment  at  his 

suit  ready  to  be  tryed One  against  Richard  Waldron  another 

against  Samuel  Leavett  and  another  against  William  Vaughan. 

That  the  Clerk  might  deliver  the  said  Originall  papers  again  takeing 
Coppies  of  them  and  being  paid  for  the  same.  Which  was  accord- 
ingly Granted — 

Copy  of  Record. — 


Attest  Nath1  Adams  Clerk 


MASON  I AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


159 


[ Mortgage  of  New  Hampshire,  etc.,  from  Alien  to  John  Usher,  Oct. 

U,  1701 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  30.] 

This  Indenture  made  the  fourteenth  day  of  October  Anno  Domini 
One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  one,  Annoque  Regn1  liegs  Gulielmi 
Tertii  Anglise  &c.  decimo  tertio — Between  Samuel  Allen  Esquire 
Proprietor  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  of 
the  one  part,  & John  Usher  of  Charlestown  in  the  County  of  Mid- 
dlesex within  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  bay  in  New  Eng- 
land aforesaid  Esquire  on  the  other  part, — Witnesseth  that  the  said 
Samuel  Allen  for  A i n consideration  of  the  Sum  of  one  thousand 
live  hundred  pounds  current  Money  of  New  England  to  him  in  hand 
well  & truly  paid  at  & before  the  ensealing  & delivery7  of  these 
presents  by  the  said  John  Usher,  the  receipt  whereof  to  full  content 
& Satisfaction  the  said  Samuel  Allen  doth  hereby  acknowledge  & 
thereof  & of  every  part  & parcel  thereof  doth  acquit  exonerate  & 
discharge  the  said  John  Usher  his  heirs  Executors  administrators  & 
Assigns  & every  of  them  forever  by  these  presents  As  also  for  divers 
other  good  causes  & considerations  him  thereunto  moving,  He  the 
said  Samuel  Allen  hath  given  granted  bargained  sold  aliened  en- 
feoffed conveyed  & confirmed  & by  these  presents  for  himself  his 
heirs  doth  fully  freely  clearly  & absolutely  give  grant  bargain  sell 
alien  enfeoff  convey  & confirm  unto  the  said  John  Usher  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  forever,  All  that  part  purpart  A portion  of  the  main  Land 
of  & in  New  England  in  America  beginning  from  the  middle  part  of 
Namkeck  River  & from  thence  to  proceed  Eastwards  along  the  Sea 
Coasts  to  Cape  Ann,  & round  about  the  same  to  Piscataqua  harbour, 
& so  forwards  up  within  the  River  of  Newichawonock  & to  the  far- 

A. 

thest  head  of  said  River  & from  thence  northwestwards  till  Sixty 
miles  be  finished  from  the  first  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour, 
And  also  from  Naumkeck  through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the 
Land  West  Sixty7  Miles  from  which  period  to  cross  overland  to  the 
sixty  Miles  End,  accounted  from  Piscataqua  through  Newichawonock 
River  to  the  land  northwestward  aforesaid.  And  also  all  that  the  South 
half  of  the  Isles  of  Sholes  together  with  all  other  Islands  & Isceletts 
as  well  embayed  as  adjoining  lying  or  abutting  upon  or  near  the 
premises  or  any  part  or  parcel  thereof,  within  Five  leagues  distance 
not  otherwise  granted  to  any  by  special  name  at  any  time  before  the 
eighteenth  day  of  April  One  thousand  six  hundred  & thirty  five,  all 
which  parts  & portions  of  Lands  Islands  and  premises  are  called  by 
the  name  of  New  Hampshire  or  the  province  of  New  hampshire,  & 
also  all  that  other  parcel  or  portion  of  Lands  woods  A7  wood  grounds 


160 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


lying  on  the  Southeast  part  of  the  River  of  Sagadehock  in  the  north 
east  part  of  New  England  aforesaid  at  the  mouth  or  entrance  thereof 
containing  there  Ten  thousand  Acres  which  said  other  parcel  of 
Lands  is  called  & known  by  the  name  of  Masonia,  And  Also  all  that 
part  or  portion  of  Land  in  the  province  of  Main  in  New  England 
aforesaid  beginning  at  the  Entrance  of  Newichawonock  River  & 
so  upwards  along  the  said  River  & to  the  furthest  head  thereof  & to 
contain  in  breadth  through  all  the  length  aforesaid  three  miles 
within  the  land  from  every  part  of  the  said  River  & half  way  over 
the  said  River,  And  also  all  Towns,  Villages  & habitable  places  sit- 
uate standing  or  being  in  the  said  province  of  Newhampshire,  par- 
cels of  Land  wood  & wood  grounds  called  Masonia  part  of  the  sd 
province  of  main  or  any  of  them,  And  also  all  that  firm  Lands  Soils, 
& Grounds  as  well  under  water  as  above  water  & every  Shores 
Creeks  Havens,  Harbours  Bays  ports  Rivers  Lakes  Floods  Waters 
Mines  & Minerals  as  well  royal  Mines  & minerals  of  Gold  & Silver 

as  other  Mines  & minerals  be  they  such  Mines  & Minerals  or  veins 

%/ 

of  Metal  as  are  close  hidden  in  the  Earth  or  openty  seen  in  or  upon 
the  Earth,  Saving  only  the  fifth  part  of  all  the  Oar  of  Gold  & Silver 
to  remain  to  his  Majesty  his  heirs  & Successors  all  quarries  precious 
Stones  pearls  Ambergreese  pine  Trees  Fir  trees  Oakes  & all  other 
Timber  trees  woods  under  woods  & all  fishing  of  what  kind  or  kinds 
of  fish  soever,  whether  royal  Fishes  as  whales,  Sturgeons  or  any 
other  Fish  by  whatsoever  name  or  names  they  or  any  of  them  are 
or  shall  be  called  or  known,  hunting,  hawking,  fowling  & all  other 
singular  other  prerogatives  rights  commodities  Jurisdictions  royal- 
ties privileges  franchises  liberties  preeminencies,  marine  power  in  & 
upon  the  Seas,  Lakes  & Rivers  within  the  said  province  & other 
premises,  And  also  all  Escheats  Casualties  Fflotzam  Jetzam  Logan, 
Anchorage  & all  other  such  duties  Seils  Islets  perquisites  & profits 
of  Courts  Deodands  Waives  & Strays,  Goods  of  felons,  & fugitives, 
Escheats  casual,  profits  hereditaments  & appurtenances  whatsoever 
Situate  lying  being  arising  happening  accruing  or  to  be  had  taken 
or  enjoyed  or  any  ways  appertaining  or  belonging  upon  or  within  or 
out  of  the  said  province  of  New  hampshire,  parcels  of  Lands  Wood 
& wood  grounds  called  Masonia  part  of  said  province  of  Main,  or 
any  of  them  of  what  kind  or  nature  soever  in  New  England  afore- 
said whereof  wherein  or  whereinto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  is  seized 
possessed  or  have  any  Estate  right  title  Interest  equity  of  redemp- 
tion claim  or  demand  whatsoever  And  Also  all  the  reversion  & re- 
versions Remainder  and  Remainders  of  & in  all  & every  the  hered- 
itaments & pretnises  in  & by  these  presents  granted  or  mentioned  to 
be  granted  & all  the  Rents  all  the  rate  of  sixpence,  or  any  other 


MASON  IAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


161 


Sum  by  the  Acre  & all  other  cheifrents,  quitrents  or  other  rents 
reservations  Services  Issues  & profits  reserved  due  payable  issuing 
or  arising  out  of  all  & every  or  any  of  the  said  hereditaments  & 
premises  in  & by  these  presents  granted  or  mentioned  to  be  granted, 
And  all  royal  & other  Rights  powers  liberties  authorities  Jurisdic- 
tions royalties  benefits  advantages  & other  matters  & things  what- 
soever, And  all  the  estate  right  title  interest  power  authority  claim 
& demand  whatsoever  of  the  said  Samuel  Allen  of  into  or  unto  of 
all  and  every  the  said  province  tracts  of  Lands,  Towns  Villages 
habitabel  places,  heriditaments  & premises  in  & by  those  presents 
granted  or  mentioned  to  be  granted  or  any  of  them  And  also  all 
deeds  writings  rentals  accounts  papeis  and  Evidences  whatsoever 
any  ways  relating  unto  touching  or  concerning  the  said  heredita- 
ments & premises,  To  have  & to  Hold,  the  said  province  of  New 
Hampshire  parcels  of  Land  wood  & wood  grounds  called  Masonia,. 
& all  other  the  above  granted  & bargained  premises,  with  their  & 
every  of  their  rights  members  & appurtenances,  & every  part  & par- 
cel thereof  unto  the  said  John  Usher  & his  heirs  & Assigns  forever 
to  his  & their  own  & sole  proper  Use  & benefit  & behoof  forever, 
Provided  always  & upon  condition  nevertheless  it  being  the  true  in- 
tent & meaning  of  these  presents  & parties  to  the  same  any  thing 
herein  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  that  if  the  said  Samuel  Allen 
his  heirs  Executors  administrators  or  Assigns  shall  & do  well  & 
truly  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  unto  the  above  named  John  Usher,  his 
heirs  Executors  administrs  or  Assigns  at  or  in  the  dwelling  house  of 
the  said  John  Usher  situate  on  his  Farm  in  Charlestown  where  lie 
now  liveth  in  current  Money  of  New  England  as  it  now  passeth  in 
the  Massachusetts  province  aforesaid  the  Sum  of  One  thousand  five 
hundred  pounds  in  manner  & according  to  the  Articles  & Agree- 
ment Signed  by  the  abovenamed  Samuel  Allen  & John  Usher  bear- 
ing date  with  the  presents  & that  on  or  before  the  fourteenth  day  of 
October  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  Seven 
hundred  & three,  without  fraud  coven  or  further  delav,  that  then 
this  present  Indenture  Sale,  mortgage  & Grant,  & every  clause  & 
article  herein  contained  shall  cease  determine  be  utterly  void  & of 
none  effect  or  else  to  abide  & remain  in  full  force  strength  & virtue 
to  all  intents  & purposes  in  the  Law  whatsoever.  In  witness  whereof 
the  said  parties  have  interchangeably  set  their  hands  & Seals  the 
day  & year  first  above  written 

Signed  Sealed  & ^ Samuel  Allen  seal, 

delivered  in  Boston  | 
in  presence  of  us. 

Benja  Elliot 

Ja  M einzies. 


) 


162 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Boston  February  16th  1703/4.  Benjamin  Eliot  of  full  Age  per- 
sonally appearing  before  me  the  Subscriber  one  of  her  Majestys 
Justices  of  the  peace  within  the  province  of  the  Massachusitts  bay 
in  New  England  made  Oath  that  he  Saw  the  within  named  Samuel 
Allen  Esquire  Sign  seal  & deliver  the  within  written  Instrument  as 
his  Act  & Deed  & that  he  the  deponent  together  with  James  Mein- 
zeis  set  to  their  names  as  witnesses  of  the  Execution  thereof 

Jurat  Cor.  Isa  Addington 

Entred  & Recorded  according  to  the  Original 
March  14th.  1703/4, 

^ Sam1  Penhallow  Recorder 
Rockingham  Records  Lib  7,  Fol  60  &c 

Attest  Sam1  Brooks  Redr 


[Governor  s Speech  and  Answer , Feb.  10, 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  31.] 

Province  of  ) At  a Council  and  General  Assembly  held  at  Portsm0 
New  Hampr  \ by  Adjournment  on  thursday  the  10th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary 1703 

Part  of  his  Excellency’s  Speech  to  the  General  Assembly  as  Fol- 
io we th  Viz1 
Gentlemen  / 

I think  it  Alsoe  proper  to  Acquaint  you  with  her  Majestys  Com- 
mands which  1 have  Receiv’d  referring  to  Mr  Allens  title  to  the 
waiste  of  this  Province  as  the  Same  is  Conveyed  to  him  from  the 
Heirs  of  Mr  Mason  and  to  Acquainte  you  that  Nothing  will  more 
Tend  to  your  Quiet  and  Repose  nor  to  her  Majesty’s  Just  Satisfac- 
tion referring  to  this  Province  then  to  have  an  Amicable  and  quiet 
Issue  in  that  Matter 

At  a Council  and  General  Assembly  held  at  Portsmouth  by  Ad- 
journment on  Fryday  the  11th  of  Febry  1703 

Part  of  The  Assembly’s  Answer  to  the  above  Speech  Viz* 

As  to  What  your  Excellency  has  been  Pleased  to  Communicate  to 
us  of  her  Majestys  Commands  referring  to  Mr  Allen's  Title  to  the 
Waiste  of  this  Province  we  Humbly  represent  and  Pray  of  your 
Excellency  that  it  may  be  Said  before  her  Most  Sacred  Majestie  that 
we  are  Very  Sensible  of  her  Majesty's  Princely  regard  and  Justice 
to  her  Most  Dutifull  Subjects  of  this  Province  in  the  Last  Tryall 
Between  Mr  Allen  and  Mr  Waldron  which  has  forever  Obleidged  us 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


163 


to  a Sense  of  and  Resolution  in  our  Duty  & Obedience  to  her  Majes- 
ties that  this  Province  is  at  Least  Sixty  miles  Long  and  twenty 
miles  Wide  Containing  1200  Square  miles  and  that  the  Inhabitants 
have  only  Claim  to  the  Property  of  Such  Land  as  is  Contained 
within  their  Town  Bounds  which  is  Less  than  one  third  part  of  the 
Province  and  has  been  Posses’t  by  them  and  their  Ancestors  for 
more  than  Sixty  years  but  have  Nothing  to  Offer  as  a greivance  if 
the  Other  two  thirds  be  Adjudged  to  Mr  Allen  but  Shall  be  Glad  to 
See  the  Same  Planted  and  Settled  for  the  Better  Securitye  & De- 
fence of  the  whole  withal  Humbly  Desiring  it  may  be  Considered 
how  much  time  blood  & treasure  has  been  Spent  to  Settle  and  De- 
fend this  part  of  her  Majesty's  Dominion  in  New  England  and  that 
the  Cost  and  Labour  bestowed  thereon  farr  Exceeds  the  Present 
true  Value  of  the  Land  So  that  we  humbly  Hope  her  Majesty’s  In- 
tention is  not  to  take  Off  the  Herbage  Timber  and  Fuell  from  the 
Inhabitants  without  which  they  Cannot  Subsist  and  Less  then  the 
Bounds  of  their  Present  Towns  which  were  but  four  in  Number 
untill  of  Late  two  were  Divided  will  not  give  Feed  for  their  Cattle 
and  Timber  and  Fuell  Necessary  it  being  not  Usual  in  these  Planta- 
tions to  Fence  much  more  of  their  Lands  then  Serves  for  Tillage  & 
Leaving  the  Rest  Unfenced  for  the  Feed  of  their  Cattle  in  Com- 
mon 

Wee  are  well  Assured  Of  her  Majesties  Gratious  Regard  to  All 
her  Good  Subjects  of  this  Province  and  Humbly  Postrate  ourselves 
at  her  Feet  in  this  Affair  of  So  Great  Concernment  to  us 

Vea  Copia  Drawn  from  the  Council  Book  in  the  Secretary’s  Office 
Of  this  her  Majesty’s  Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  14th  Day  of 
April  1707 

^ Cha:  Story  Secrey 


Province  of 
New  Hampshire 
Copy  Examined 
Copy  Examin’d 


March  22  1747 


^ Geo  Jaffrey  jr  Cl 
^ Geo:  Jaffrey  Cl: 


[ Deposition  of  Robert  Pike , May  29, 

[ Mason ian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  32.] 

Major  Robert  Pike  Esqr  Aged  about  Eighty  Eight  years  Testifyeth 
and  Saith  that  he  was  well  Acquainted  with  Cap1  Walter  Neale  Mr 
Henry  Josslin  Cap1  Francis  Norton  Mr  Sampson  Lane  when  they 
Lived  at  Perscataqua  above  fifty  or  Sixty  years  past  att  which  time 


164 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


they  Lived  at  Perscataqua  in  the  right  of  Cap1  John  Mason  And 
were  Agents  (as  was  reported)  commonly  for  him  or  his  heirs  And 
that  Cap4  Neale  Lived  in  the  Stone  house  att  the  Mouth  of  a Little 
River  (near  the  Mouth  of  Perscataqua  River)  of  Late  Called  Littell 
Harbour  and  was  always  Caled  Cap4  Masons  Stone  house  And  that 
Some  time  Since  one  Mr  Gee  Lived  in  Said  house  in  the  right  of 

O 

Cap4  Mason  and  that  afterward  Joseph  Mason  Agent  for  Mrs  Anne 
Mason  the  Widdow  of  Said  Cap4  Mason  lived  att  the  Said  house  at 
the  Mouth  of  the  river  aforesaid  in  Right  of  the  Said  Mrs  Anne 
Mason  aforesaid  And  that  this  Deponant  Lodged  one  Night  in  Said 
house  w4h  Said  Mr  Joseph  Mason  he  being  Imployed  by  Said  Joseph 
Mason  to  Assist  him  in  Mrs  Masons  affaires  above  fifty  yeares  past 
And  the  Deponent  further  Saith  that  the  above  Named  Cap4  Norton 
and  one  Cap4  Wannerton  and  Sampson  Lane  did  all  live  in  perscat- 
aqua upon  the  Right  of  Cap4  Mason  but  Cannot  bee  positive 
of  the  Name  of  the  house  they  Lived  in  And  that  the  Depo- 
nant bought  of  one  Will  Cots  one  of  Cap4  Masons  Servants  an  heifer 
for  Which  he  paid  Eighteen  pds  And  that  his  wife  before  her  Mar- 
iage  bought  of  the  other  Servants  three  of  Said  Masons  Cows  and 
payed  Seventy  five  pounds  for  them  to  Mr  Gee  and  that  there  was 
then  a Stock  of  Neat  Cattel  belonging  to  Cap4  Mason  which  said 
Norton  Carryed  away  and  further  Saith  not 

Rob4  Pike 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts 

Essex  ss  / Major  Robert  Pike  Esqr  personally  Appeared  before  me 
the  Subscriber  & Made  oath  to  all  above  written  this  29th  Day  of 
May  1704/ 

Attests  Joseph  Woodbridge  Justice  of  the  Peace 

The  above  is  Copy  of  that  on  File  in  a Case  Allen  vs  Waldron 

Examin’d  ^ Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Cl: 


Meeting  of  committee  on  Allen’s  claim,  June  4,  1704.  State 
Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  693. 


[ Convention  to  Consider  Allen's  Claim , May  3 , 1705.~\ 

[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  April  26,  1705.] 

Mr  Nathaniell  Hill  one  of  the  House  of  Representatives  brought 

upp  the  following  Vote  in  haec  Verba.  

Whereas  his  Excellency  our  Governour  this  day  was  pleased  to 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


165 


Communicate  Unto  the  Representatives  of  this  province  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  State  thereof  Referring  To  mr  Allens  Claime,  and 
that  there  was  a faire  oppertunitye  of  Ending  of  all  differences 
thereabout  left  the  Same  to  their  Consideration./ 

Voted/  that  the  Constables  of  each  Town  within  this  province,  be 
forthwith  required  to  Convene  the  freeholders  of  their  Respective 
Towns  to  meet  at  their  usual  place  of  meeting  on  Monday  the 
thirtyeth  of  this  Instant,  by  tenn  of  the  Clock  in  the  fforenoone 
then  and  there  to  make  Choice  of  two  of  their  principal  ffreeholders 
of  each  Town  with  full  power  from  themselves  and  their  Commun- 
itye  to  meet  at  portsmouth  on  Tuesday  the  first  day  of  May  by 
twelve  of  the  Clock  that  day,  to  Joyne  with  the  Reprsentatives  of 
this  province,  as  a Committee  to  discourse,  Debate,  & determine 
what  may  be  most  advantageous  for  the  benefitt  of  this  province,  re- 
lateing  to  mr  Allens  Claime  of  the  Same./ 

April  the  25°  1705 

past  by  the  House  of  Reprsentatives  ^ me 

Sam11  Keais  Clark 

Eodem  die 

Consented  to  by  his  Excellency  and  Councill 

Cha:  Story  Secretary 

[The  following  account  of  the  proceedings  of  this  convention  is 
an  extract  from  a “Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  King 
George  II  respecting  New  Hampshire,  1753,”  as  contained  in  a vol- 
ume in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  labelled  u Lords  of  Trade, 
1753,”  with  three  other  labels.  Ed.] 

On  the  3d  of  May  1705  the  Inhabitants  and  Terre-Tenants  of  the 
Province  at  a general  Meeting  held  at  Portsmouth  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  with  respect  to  Mr  Allens  Title  ; 

“That  they  had  not  on  behalf  of  themselves  nor  any  the  Inhab- 
itants of  this  Province,  whom  they  represented,  any  Challenge  or 
Claim  to  Any  part  of  this  Province  extra  the  Bounds  of  the  four 
Towns  of  Portsmouth  Hampton  Dover  and  Exeter  with  the  Hamlets 
of  Newcastle  and  Kingstown  Ac  Appertaining,  which  were  all  com- 
prehended bv  a Line,  on  the  western  part  of  Dover  Exeter  and 
Kingstown  already  known  and  laid  Out,  and  Should  be  forthwith 
revised,  but  that  the  said  Samuel  Allen  Esq1'  his  Heirs  and  Assigns 
might  peaceably  hold  and  enjoy  the  said  great  waste  Containing  40 
Miles  in  length  and  20  Miles  in  Breadth  or  there  abouts  at  the 
Heads  of  the  four  Towns  aforesaid,  if  so  should  please  her  Majesty  : 
and  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  at  all  times  Should  be  so 


166 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


far  from  giving  Interruption  to  the  Settlement  thereof,  that  they  de- 
clare on  their  behalf  and  by  the  power  given  them  that  they  desire 
by  all  Means,  that  the  waste  Might  be  planted  and  filled  with  In- 
habitants the  Lands  being  very  capable  thereof  to  whom  they  would 
all  give  their  Assistance  and  encouragement  as  far  as  they  were  able. 

That  in  case  Samuel  Allen  should  for  himself  his  Heirs  Executors 
&c  for  ever  quit  clame  unto  the  present  Inhabitants,  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever  of  all  that  Tract  of  Land  and  every  part  and  parcell 
thereof  with  all  privilages  &c  Situate  lying  and  being  within  the 
several  Towns  of  this  Province  to  the  extents  of  the  Bounds  thereof, 
and  also  warrant  and  defend  the  same  to  the  Inhabitants  against  all 
manner  of  persons  whatever  free  from  Mortgage  Intailment  and  all 
Other  Manner  of  Incumbrances  ; and  that  this  agreement  and  the 
Lands  therein  Contained  should  be  Accepted  and  confirmed  by  her 
Majesty,  then  and  in  such  Case  they  agree  to  lot  and  lay  Out  Unto 
Samuel  Allen  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  five  Hundred  Acres  of 
Land  Out  of  the  Townships  of  Portsmouth;  And  Newcastle;  1500 
Acres  Out  of  the  Township  of  Dover,  1500  Acres  out  of  the  Town- 
ship of  Hampton  and  Kings  Town,  And  1500  Acres  out  of  the 
Township  of  Exeter  ; All  which  Lands  should  be  laid  out  to  him 
the  said  Samuel  Allen  Out  of  the  Commonages  of  the  respective 
Towns  in  such  place  or  places  not  exceeding  three  places  in  a Town 
as  Should  be  most  convenient  to  Mr  Allen  and  least  detrimental  to 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town — 

And  further  they  agree  to  pay  Samuel  Allen  his  Heirs  or  Assigns 
two  thousand  Pounds  Current  Money  of  New  England,  that  is  to 
say,  one  thousand  Pounds  within  Twelve  months  after  the  receipt  of 
her  Majesty  Confirmation  of  this  their  Agreement  and  the  Other 
thousand  pounds  within  Twelve  Months  after  the  first  payment. 

And  further  that  all  Contracts  and  bargains  formerly  made  be- 
tween Mr  Mason  and  Mr  Allen  with  any  the  Inhabitants  or  Other 
her  Majestys  Subjects,  which  were  bonafide  for  Lands  or  other  Priv- 
ileges in  the  possession  of  their  Tenants  in  their  own  just  Right,  be- 
sides the  Claim  of  Mr  Mason  or  Mr  Allen  and  no  Other  shall  be  Ac- 
counted good  & valid  by  these  Articles  ; But  if  any  the  Purchasers, 
Lessees  or  Tenants  should  refuse  to  pay  their  just  part  of  what 
Should  be  agreed  to  be  paid,  refering  to  this  Affair  in  equal  pro- 
portion with  the  rest  of  the  Inhabitants  According  to  the  Land  they 
hold  for  their  Share  should  be  abated  by  Mr  Allen  Out  of  the  two 
Thousand  Pounds  payable  to  him  by  his  Agreement. 

And  further  that  Upon  Mr  Allens  Acceptance  And  Underwriting 
of  these  Articles  they  promised  to  give  good  Personal  Security  for 
the  payments  abovesaid. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


167 


And  further  that  all  Actions  and  suits  in  the  Law  depending  or 
thereafter  to  be  brought  Consenting  the  premises  Should  cease,  de- 
termine and  be  void,  Untill  her  Majestys  pleasure  Should  be  further 
known  therein  ” 

These  Propositions  having  been  finally  Settled  and  agreed  to, 
were  ordered  to  be  presented  to  Mr  Allen  for  his  Acceptance;  but 
his  Death,  which  happened  on  the  Next  Day  prevented  it. 


[Deed,  Allen  to  Hobby , Aug.  28, 1706. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  33.] 

This  Indenture  made  this  eight  & twentieth  day  of  August  in 
the  fifth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lady  Ann  by  the  Grace 
of  God  of  England  Scotland  France  & Ireland  Queen  &ca  & in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  & six,  between 
Thomas  Allen  of  the  city  of  London  Esquire  only  Son  & heir  of 
Samuel  Allen  late  of  the  Province  of  Newhampshire  within  her 
Majestys  Territory  & Dominion  of  New  England  Esquire  deceasd  of 
the  one  part,  & Sir  Charles  Hobby  of  London,  Knight  of  the  other 
part,  Whereas  by  Indenture  bearing  date  the  seven  & twentieth  day 
of  April  in  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  our  late  Sovereign  Lord  & 
Lady  King  William  & Queen  Mary  made  & executed  or  mentioned 
to  be  made  and  executed  between  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert 
Tufton  Mason  Son  of  Robert  Tufton  Mason  sometime  of  the  parish  of 
Saint  Martins  in  the  Fields  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  Esqr  deceased 
of  the  one  part  & the  said  Samuel  Allen  by  the  name  of  Samuel 
Allen  of  London  Merchant  of  the  other  part  In  consideration  of  the 
Sum  of  Two  thousand  Seven  hundred  & fifty  pounds  of  Lawful 
Money  of  England  to  them  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert 
Tufton  Mason,  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  Samuel  Allen  & for  divers 
other  good  causes  & considerations  them  thereunto  moving  they  the 
said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton  Mason,  & each  of  them 
did  Grant  bargain  & sell  unto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  & his  heirs, 
All  that  part  purpart  & portion  of  the  main  Lands  of  & in  New 
England  in  America  beginning  from  the  middle  part  of  Naumkeck 
River  & from  thence  to  proceed  Eastward  along  the  Sea  coast  to 
Cape  Ann  & round  about  the  same  to  Piscataqua  Harbour  & so 
forwards  up  within  the  River  Newichawonock  & to  the  farthest 
head  of  the  said  River  & from  thence  northwest  till  Sixty  Miles  be 
finished  from  the  first  entrance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour  & also  from 
Naumkeck  thro  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West  Sixty 


168 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Miles  from  which  period  to  crossover  Land  to  the  Sixty  Miles  End 
accounted  from  Piscataqua  through  Newichawonock  River  to  the 
Land  Northwestward  aforesaid  And  also  all  that  the  South  half  of 
the  Isle  of  Sholes  together  with  all  other  Islands  A Islets  as  well 
embayed  as  adjoining  lying  or  butting  upon  or  near  the  premises  or 
any  part  or  parcel  thereof  within  Two  leagues  distant  not  otherways 
granted  to  any  by  special  name  at  any  time  before  the  eighteenth 
day  of  April  One  thousand  six  hundred  thirty  & five.  All  which  part 
A parcel  of  Lands  Islands  & premises  are  called  by  the  name  of 
Newhampshire  or  the  province  of  Newhampshire.  And  also  all  that 
other  parcel  or  portions  of  Lands  woods  A wood  Grounds  lying  on 
the  Southeast  part  of  the  River  of  Sagadehock  on  the  northeast  part 
of  New  England  aforesaid  at  the  mouth  or  Entrance  thereof  contain- 
ing there  Ten  thousand  Acres  which  said  other  parcels  of  Lands  is 
called  A known  by  the  name  of  Masonia  And  also  that  part  & por- 
tion of  Land  in  the  province  of  Main  in  New  England  aforesaid  be- 
ginning at  the  Eutrance  of  Nechawanick  River  A so  upwards  along 
the  said  River  A to  the  farthest  head  thereof.  A to  contain  in  breadth 
through  all  the  length  aforesaid  three  miles  within  the  Land  from 
every  part  of  the  said  River  & half  way  over  the  said  River.  And 
also  all  that  part  of  the  Sea  coast  of  New  England  aforesaid  being  a 
great  head  of  Land  or  cape  A lying  in  the  northermost  part  of  the 
Massachusetts  Country  & to  the  northeastwards  cf  the  great  River 
of  the  Massachusetts  stretching  A lying  between  the  Latitude  of 
Forty  two  A forty  three  degrees  or  thereabouts  A commonly  called 
A;  known  of  Trabiganda  or  Cape  Ann  with  the  north  South  & East 
Shores  & Coasts  thereof  the  back  bounds  thereof  'towards  the  main 
Land  beginning  at  the  head  of  the  great  River  to  the  Southward  of 
the  said  Cape  which  runs  into  the  Country  of  the  main  Land  up- 
wards Westward  & supposed  to  be  called  Narrinkec-k  or  by  what 
other  name  or  names  the  said  River  then  was  or  might  be  called  A 
so  forth  Eastward  iuto  the  Sea  & to  the  utmost  parts  of  the  said 
head  Land,  or  Cape  A round  about  the  same  to  the  northward  A 
from  thence  along  the  Sea  Coasts  to  next  great  River  which  runs  up 
into  the  main  Land  westward  A Supposed  to  be  called  Merrimack  A 
lying  to  the  northward  of  the  said  Cape  A to  the  farthest  head  of 
the  said  River  from  which  period  to  cross  over  Land  to  the  head  of 
the  other  great  River  which  lyes  Southward  of  the  aforesaid  Cape, 
where  the  perambulation  began  A half  way  over  that  is  to  say  to  the 
midst  of  either  of  the  said  two  rivers  which  bounds  or  limits  the 
aforesaid  Lands  both  on  the  North  A South  thereof  together  with 
the  great  Isle  or  Island  called  Island  Mason  lying  near  or  Tefore  the 
bav  or  harbour  Ao-awom  tog*ether  also  with  all  the  Sects  Isles  or 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


169 


Islands  adjoining  to  any  part  of  the  precincts  of  the  Lands  aforesaid 
or  lying  within  three  Miles  of  any  part  of  the  same  which  said  part 
of  the  Sea  Coast,  great  head  Land  or  Cape  with  the  appurtenances 
were  commonly  called  or  known  by  the  name  of  Maryan,  And  also 
all  those  Lands  & eountrys  lying  adjacent  or  bordering  upon  the 
great  Lake  or  Lakes,  or  Rivers  commonly  called  or  known  by  the 
name  of  the  River  & Lake  or  Rivers  & Lakes  of  Iroquoise  together 
with  the  Lakes  & Rivers  of  Iroquots,  & other  nations  adjoining  the 
middle  part  of  which  Lake  is  situate  about  the  Latitude  of  forty 
four  or  forty  five  degrees  reckoned  from  the  equinoctial  Line  north- 
wards. And  also  all  the  Lands  Soils  & Grounds  within  Ten  Miles 
of  any  part  of  the  said  Lakes  or  Rivers  on  the  Southeast  part  thereof 
& from  the  west  End  or  side  of  the  said  Lakes  or  Rivers  so  far  forth 
to  the  west  as  shall  extend  half  into  the  next  great  Lake  to  the 
Westward  & from  thence  Northwards  unto  the  North  side  of  the 
main  River  which  runneth  from  the  great  & vast  western  Lakes  & 
falleth  into  the  River  of  Canada,  including  all  the  Islands  within 
the  precincts  or  perambulation  described  which  said  of  Lands 

Rivers  lakes  with  the  appurtenances  are  commonly  called  & known 
by  the  name  of  the  province  of  Latonia  And  also  all  those  Towns 
villages  ports  or  places  called  Portsmouth  Hampton  Dover  Exeter 
Little  harbour  Greenland  Salisbury  Old  Salisbury  Concord  Sudbury 
Reading  Billerica  Glouster  Cape  Ann  Town  Ipswich  Wenham  New- 
bury Rowley  Haverhill  Andover  Bisstown  Woburn  & all  other 
Towns  villages  & habitabel  places  situate  & being  in  the  said  prov- 
ince of  New  hampshire  And  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert 
Tufton  Mason  did  also  grant  unto  the  said  Samuel  Allen  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  divers  other  Lands  & parcels  of  Land  Creeks  Havens  Har- 
bours Bays  ports  Rivers  Mines  & minerals  as  well  royal  as  base, 
Jurisdiction,  Royalties  privileges  & other  Things  as  by  the  said  in 
part  recited  Indenture  relation  being  thereto  had  may  more  fully 
appear.  And  Whereas,  the  said  Samuel  Allen  is  lately  dead  by  whose 
Death  all  & singular  the  aforesaid  Lands  & premises  are  descended 
& come  & do  descend  & come  to  the  said  Thomas  Allen  party  to 
these  presents  only  Son  & heir  at  Law  of  the  said  Samuel  Allen, 
And  Whereas  by  Indenture  bearing  date  the  one  & thirtieth  day  of 
August  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  & five 
made  or  mentioned  to  be  made  between  the  said  Thomas  Allen  of 
the  one  part  & Carlton  van  Brugh  of  London  merchant  of  the  other 
part,  The  said  Thomas  Allen  for  & in  consideration  of  the  Sum  of 
Two  hundred  & fifty  pounds  of  lawful  Money  of  England  to  him  in 
hand  paid  by  the  said  Carlton  Van  Brugh  the  said  Thomas  Allen 
did  grant  unto  the  said  Carlton  van  Burgh  his  heirs  & assigns  one 


170 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


full  fourth  part  both  in  quantity  & value  of  all  & every  the 
Countries  provinces  Mannors  Tracts  portions  or  parcels  of  Land, 
Islands  Islets  Towns  villages  habitable  places  meadows  pastures 
woods  Lands  Tenements  Rivers  waters,  Piscaries,  Liberties  Com- 
modities Royalties  prerogatives  & hereditaments  whatsoever  which 
were  granted  bargained  & sold  or  intended  to  have  been  granted 
bargained  & sold  by  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert  Tufton 
Mason  to  the  said  Samuel  Allen  as  aforesaid.  As  also  one  full 
fourth  part  of  all  other  the  Lands  Tenements  & hereditaments  what- 
soever of  him  the  said  Thomas  Allen  situate  & being  within  the  said 
province  of  Newhampshire  or  elsewhere  within  his  Majestys  terri- 
tory & dominions  of  New  England  as  by  the  said  in  part  recited 
Indenture  relation  being  thereunto  had  doth  & may  more  fully  & at 
large  appear  And  whereas  the  said  two  hundred  & fifty  pounds  last 
mentioned  was  the  proper  money  of  the  said  Sir  Charles  Hobby  & 
the  said  Carleton  van  Burghs  named  in  the  last  mentioned  Indenture 
was  only  made  use  of  in  Trust  for  the  said  Charles  Hobby.  Now 
this  Indenture  Witnesseth  that  for  & in  consideration  of  the  Sum  of 
Two  hundred  & fifty  pounds  of  good  & lawful  money  of  England 
to  him  the  said  Thomas  Allen  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  Sr  Charles 
Hobb}^  before  the  ensealing  & executing  these  presents  the  receipt 
whereof  the  said  Thomas  Allen  doth  hereby  acknowledge  & of  the 
farther  Sum  of  Five  hundred  pounds  lawful  & current  Money  of 
New  England  by  one  Obligation  or  writing  obligatory  under  the 
hand  & Seal  of  the  said  Sir  Charles  Hobby  & bearing  even  date 
with  these  presents  secured  to  be  paid  to  the  said  Thomas  Allen  hath 
granted  bargained  & sold  & by  these  presents  doth  grant  bargain  & 
sell  unto  the  said  Sir  Charles  Hobby  one  other  full  fourth  part  the 
whole  in  four  parts  equally  to  be  divided  of  all  & every  the  said 
Countrys  provinces  Mannors  Tracts  portions  or  parcels  of  Land 
Island  Isles  Countrys  Rivers  waters  Piscaries  woods  meadows  pas- 
tures Lands  Tenements  & hereditaments  whatsoever  which  were 
granted  bargained  & Sold  by  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & Robert 
Tufton  Mason  to  the  said  Samuel  Allen.  And  also  one  full  fourth 
part  of  all  the  Lands  tenements  & hereditaments  whatsoever  which 
of  right  did  descend  & come  or  did  or  do  of  right  belong  unto  the 
said  Thomas  Allen  as  heir  at  Law  of  his  said  Father  Samuel  Allen 
deceasd  or  otherwise  however  lying  & being  within  the  said  province 
of  New  hampshire  or  elsewhere  within  his  Majestys  Territory  & 
Dominion  of  New  England.  To  have  and  to  hold,  to  the  said  Sr 
Charles  Hobby  his  heirs  & assigns  forever  to  his  & their  proper  use  one 
full  fourth  part  the  whole  in  four  parts  equally  to  be  divided  of  all  & 
every  the  aforesaid  Countrys,  provinces,  Mannors,  Lands  Tenements 


MAS0N1AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


171 


hereditaments  with  their  appurtenances,  As  also  all  his  the  said 
Thomas  Allens  right  title  estate  interest  claim  & demand  both  in 
Law  & Equity  of  in  & to  the  said  fourth  part  thereof.  And  the  said 
Thomas  Allen  for  himself  his  heirs  Executors  & administrators  & 
every  of  them  doth  grant  covenant  & agree  to  & with  the  said 
Charles  Hobby  his  heirs  Executors  administrators  & Assigns  by 
these  presents  that  he  the  said  Thomas  Allen  hath  not  at  any  time 
made  done  suffered  executed  or  committed  or  caused  to  be  done  suf- 
fered executed  or  committed  any  deed  or  deeds  writing  or  writings 
Act  or  Acts  thing  or  things  whatsoever  wherewith  or  whereby  to 
grant  bargain  sell  alien  convey  Assign  lease  demise  charge  mortgage 
incumber  or  dispose  of  any  or  either  of  the  aforesaid  Lands  & prem- 
ises, save  only  & alwise  the  excepted  the  said  in  part  recited  inden- 
ture to  have  been  made  & executed  bv  the  said  Thomas  Allen,  to 
the  said  Carleton  van  Brugh  & his  heirs  as  aforesaid,  And,  the  said 
Thomas  Allen  for  himself  his  heirs  Executors  & administrators  & 
every  of  them  doth  farther  covenant  & agree  to  & with  the  said  Sr 
Charles  Hobby  his  heirs  & Assigns  by  these  presents  that  the  said 
Thomas  Allen  & his  heirs  shall  & will  at  all  times  hereafter  make 
do  & execute  such  other  & farther  deed  & deeds  writing  & writings 
& such  other  Act  & Acts  thing  & things  whatsoever  for  the  better 
& more  effectual  granting  Assuring  & mere  making  over  & convey- 
ing  to  the  said  Sir  Charles  Hobby  & his  heirs  according  to  the  true 
intent  & meaning  of  these  presents,  One  full  fourth  part  of  all  the 
aforesaid  Lands  & premises  as  by  the  said  Sir  Charles  Hobby  his 
heirs  & assigns  or  by  his  or  their  Council  learned  in  the  Law  shall 
be  reasonably  devised  advised  or  required.  In  witness  whereof  the 
parties  to  these  presents  have  hereunto  set  their  hands  & Seals  the 
day  & year  first  above  written 

Sealed  & delivered  Thomas  Allen  Seal 

in  the  presence  of 
Micajah  Perry  1 
Chas  Whichcote  > 

William  Wharton.  ) 

Received  the  clay  & year  first  within  written  of  the  within  named 
Sir  Charles  Hobby,  the  Sum  of  Two  hundred  & fifty  pounds  being 
the  consideration  money  within  mentioned  to  be  paid  to  me  I say  re- 
ceived ^ me 

Witness  Thomas  Allen 

Micajah  Perry  ^ 

Chas.  Whichcote  § 

Win  Wharton 


/ 


172  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

Indorsd  Claus  in  par  Scrip1  Dui  Regine  Tertiodie  Decembris  Anno 
Infra  Script  pins  Impress  Sedm  tenorum  Statui  fact  Anno  Regni 
nuper  Regis  & Regine  Gulielmi  A Mariae  Angliee  & Sexto 
Allen  ar  per  Cur  J Phillips 

et  Exter 

Hobby  Miles 

Entred  & Recorded  according  to  the  original  Jany  2Bd  1717,8 

Wm  Vaughan  Recorder 

Rockingham  Records  Lib  10,  Fol  1,  2,  3 4,  5,  6 — 

Ex  Attest  Sam1  Brooks  Redr 


Case  of  Allen  v.  Waldron,  Aug.  12,  1707,  State  Papers,  Vol.  2, 
pp.  514-562. 


Address  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  Queen  Anne,  1707-8, 
State  Papers,  Vol.  3,  p.  354. 


Address  of  Governor,  Council,  and  House  of  Representatives  to 
the  Queen,  Dec.  6,  1709,  State  Papers,  Vol.  3.  p.  415. 


I Record  of  Birth  of  John  Tufton  Mason , 17137] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  34.] 

John,  Son  of  John  Tufton  and  Susanna  his  Wife,  born  29  April, 
1713. 

A true  Copy  from  the  Registry  of  Births  within  the  Town  of 
Boston  in  Xew  England. 

Attest1'  Samuel  Gerrish  Town  Cler 


[J Icison  G-enealogy. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  36.] 

Cap1  Jn°  Mason  Esqr  Grantee  of  Xew  Hampshire  from  K : 
Charles  1th  & the  Councell  att  Plim°  Ann.  1629  & 1635 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


173 


Ami  only  Daughter  of  John  Maried  to  Joseph  Tufton  Esqr  Had 
two  Sons 

John  Tufton  Mason  Dyed  Without  Issue 

Rob1  Tufton  Mason  Declared  the  Propriator  By  K.  Charles:  II  : 
n°  1:5  In  the  SettlenT  1677  Presed  Cutts  Concd  1679  By  the 
Kings  Mandamus  1680  Dyed  1686  Leaving  two  Sons  Vide  : N°  1. 
2.  3 4 : 5 : 7 

Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Dyed  Not  Being  Maried  in  Virginia 

Robert  Tufton  Mason  Lost  at  Sea  1696  Maryed  to  Katherine 
Wiggin  Had  one  Son  vide  N°  1:  2 : 3 : 4.  5 6 

Elizebeth  now  alive 

John  Tufton  Mason  Dyed  att  ye  Havana  Anno  1718 

Thos  Tufton  Mason  Under  age 

John  Tufton  Mason  Eldest  Son  Now  Living  Being  25  : vears  old 
1738 


Letter  from  Oliver  Noyes  and  Elisha  Cooke,  administrators  of  the 
estate  of  Sir  Charles  Hobby,  to  Lt.-Gov.  Vaughan,  Jan.  30,  1715, 
State  Papers,  Vol.  17,  p.  724. 


[. Extract  from  Lt.-Grov.  Vaughan' s Speech , 17167] 

[House  Journal,  Feb.  6,  1715-6.] 

Gen1 

I have  Another  thing  to  Inform  you  but  Whither  It  Concerns  you 
As  Representatives  of  your  people  I shal  Not  Determine  but  As  you 
Are  My  Neabors  I think  it  Incumbant  to  let  you  know  That  I have 
Received  A leter  from  the  Administrars  of  the  Estate  of  Sr  Cha: 
Hobby  Decesed  who  As  they  Relate  Did  buy  half  the  title  to  this 
Prov.  how  far  It  Respects  you  you  May  Consider  they  offer  you  the 
Purchase  but  I Am  of  Opinian  Goverm1  hath  Nothing  to  Doe  with 
purchases  but  Especially  Not  without  his  Majts  Royal  Lycence  had 
and  Obteined  * * * 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  11,  1716-7.] 

Rich'1  Waldrorl  Esq1  Judge  of  Probates  appeared  at  ye  Councill 
board  & prayed  the  advice  of  his  Excellency  the  Govr  & Councill 
abl  granting  letters  of  administration  to  y°  Creditors  of  ye  estate  of 
Sr  Charles  Hobby  deceased 


174 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  12,  1716-7] 

Sam1  Penhallow  & John  Wentworth  Esqr  were  sent  down  to  the 
house  of  representatives  to  inform  y4  house  that  Richd  Waldron 
Esqr  Judge  of  Probates  had  been  at  ye  Councill  Chamber  to  pray  ye 
advice  of  his  Excellency  the  Govr  & Councill  in  a matter  that  is  now 
before  him  as  Judge  of  Probates  (viz4)  the  granting  letters  of  ad- 
ministration to  ye  Creditors  of  the  estate  of  Sr  Charles  Hobby  decd 
& to  Ask  their  thoughts  on  this  matter 


[Council  Records,  Jan.  17,  1716-7.] 

Elisha  Cook  and  Oliver  Noyes  Esqrs  ^ferred  a Petition  or  rather 
Memoriall  & Appeal  to  this  board  from  Rich11  Waldron  Esq  Judge 
of  Probates  as  this  is  the  Supream  probate  of  the  Province 

In  Councill 

In  Answer  to  the  appeal  and  memorial  of  Elisha  Cook  and  Oliver 
Noyes  Esq1'  ab4  the  takeing  letters  of  Administration  on  ye  estate  of 
Sr  Charles  Hobby  deceased  we  are  of  opinion  that  Richd  Waldron 
Esq  Judge  of  Probates  &c  has  done  well  to  suspend  the  granting 
letters  of  Administration  to  ye  Sd  Elisha  Cook  and  oliver  Noyes  for 
the  present 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Jan.  17,  1716-7.] 

The  Clerk  was  sent  down  to  the  house  of  representatives  to  call 
them  to  the  Councill  board  in  ordr  to  a conferrence  ab4  Col°  Wal- 
dron’s proposal  in  granting  letters  of  administration  to  ye  Creditors 
of  Sr  Charles  Hobby  deceased,  they  came  accordingly.  Col0  Wal- 
dron being  sent  for  appeared  also./ 

The  result  of  the  Conferrence  is  that  Col°  Waldron  is  advised  not 
to  grant  lettrs  of  Administration  to  the  Creditors  of  ye  estate  of  Sr 
Charles  Hobby  deceased;  for  the  'psent 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  May  15,  1717.] 

Elisha  Cook  of  Boston  Esqr  appeared  at  this  board  and  prayed  that 
(whereas  himself  was  a Creditor  to  ye  estate  of  Sr  Charles  Hobby 
deceased  and  had  made  application  in  Jan:  last  to  have  letters  of  Ad- 
ministration wrCh  was  Suspended  for  a time)  that  he  might  now  have 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


175 


administration  on  Sd  Estate  whereupon  ye  Clerk  was  sent  down  to 
the  house  of  representatives  w4b  a vote  for  Suspending  that  affair 
two  months  longer 


[House  Journal,  Oct.  12,  1717.] 

Whereas  we  have  been  Informd  y4  Oliver  Noyes  & Elisha  Cook 
Esqrs  of  Boston  have  had  Administration  Grantd  to  them  by  ye 
Judge  of  Probate,  &ct  for  vs  Province  on  ye  Pretendd  Rites  & Prop- 
erties of  sr  Chas  Hobby  Deceasd  & y4  ye  Bonds  given  for  their  Reg- 
ular Administrat11  was  not  sufficient 

Whereupon  it  is  ye  Desire  of  ye  whole  house  Present  y4  ye  upper 
house  who  is  ye  Supreame  Judge  of  Probate  &ct : would  put  a Stop 
to  any  farther  proceedings  in  y4  affaire  till  ye  Interest  of  ye  Province 
be  a litle  Consultd 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  May  7,  1718.] 

Col0  Richd  Waldron  Esq  as  Judge  of  ye  Court  of  Probate  ap- 
peared at  this  board  and  prayed  the  Advice  of  His  Excellency  the 
Govr  & Councill  relating  to  his  granting  letters  of  Administration 
on  ye  estate  of  Sr  Charles  Hobby  Decd  unto  the  Creditors  of  Sd 
Estate  the  Advice  of  the  board  is  that  the  matter  be  deferred  till 
next  week  at  wch  time  there  may  be  an  opportunity  to  Advise  w4b 
M ess18  Dudley  and  Valentine  Councillrs  at  law  on  that  head./ 


{Memorial  of  John  Hobby , Nov.  22,  1726.~\ 

[M  isc.  Prov.  and  State  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  156.] 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Novembr  22d  A.  D.  1726 

To  The  Honble  John  Wentworth  Esqr  L4  Govr  and  Com’ander  in 
Chief  & ye  Honble  the  Council  & Representatives  in  General  Court 
Assembled 

The  Humble  Memorial  of  John  Hobby  Son  and  Heir  of  Sr  Charles 
Hobby 

Sheweth 

That  your  Memorialist  has  by  Descent  from  his  sd  Father  Sr 
Charles  Hobby  a just  right  to  half  ye  Lands  of  this  Province  wtb 
he  purchased  of  AIr  Thomas  Allen  Son  and  Heir  of  The  Hon  ble 
Sam1  Allen  Esqr — 


176 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


And  now  forasmuch  as  the  main  & principal  parts  of  it  are  actu- 
ally Settled  by  the  Labours  and  at  ye  great  expense  of  ye  blood 
and  treasure  of  the  present  Inhabitants  Your  Memorialist  is  therefore 
willing  to  make  them  very  easy  in  their  possession  however  they 
were  induced  at  first  to  possess  themselves  wrongfully  of  them — 

My  business  therefore  at  this  present  is  to  move  this  Hon’ble 
Court  in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants  of  ys  Province  to  Consult  some 
proper  methods  whereby  ye  Inhabitants  may  be  Intirely  Contented 
and  at  the  same  time  I may  not  be  utterly  disinherited  and  lose  my 
patrimony  Among  them. 

This  is  an  Affair  will  doubtless  be  best  Compromised  in  peace  both 
for  ye  safty  of  our  estates  and  satisfaction  of  our  Consciences  and 
the  Issue  may  be  Gods  blessing  upon  our  Labours  & the  security  of 
our  persons  from  his  Chastisements  by  the  barbarous  Heathen  The 
only  thing  I can  suggest  at  present  as  a leading  Step  to  it  will  be  (if 
this  Hon'ble  Court  think  well  of  it)  to  have  a Com’ittee  of  some 
moderate  & discreet  persons  appointed  by  this  Court  in  behalf  of  the 
Inhabitants  that  we  may  freely  and  friendly  debate  the  matter  make 
mutuall  offers  & proposalls  for  an  Accommodation  & when  we  con- 
clude if  the  matter  be  pleasing  to  ye  Inhabitants  we  shall  ratifie 
them 

And  I hope  this  Hon’ble  Court  will  see  the  persons  appointed  (if 
they  come  into  the  proposal  now  made)  be  men  of  peace  and  Mod- 
eration willing  to  administer  Justice  altho'  some  temporal  damage  is 
suferrd  by  it  for  I determine  to  govern  my  self  by  such  Advice,  and 
if  it  be  possible  to  prevent  any  further  Contest  & so  I rest  vs  Pro- 
posall  before  your  Honour  & ys  Hon’ble  Court  &c 

John  Hobby 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Nov.  23,  1726.] 

John  Hobby  Esqr  Presented  a Memorial  To  the  Board  Praying 
the  Gen1  to  appoint  a Committe  to  Compound  with  him  for  his  claim 
on  one  half  of  the  Province  which  was  read  and  sent  down 


[House  Journal,  Nov.  24,  1726.] 

A Memoriall  of  Mr  John  Hobby  son  and  heir  at  Law  to  Sr  Charles 
Hobby  : Relateing  to  a Right  bo1  by  the  said  Sr  Charles  of  mr  Thomas 
Allen  was  read:  and  the  Clr  sent  to  the  said  Hobby  for  the  Deed 
that  alien  Gave:  which  was  alsoe  Bro1  into  the  house:  and  then  the 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


17T 


house  Sent  two  messengers  to  Desier  a Conference  with  the  Board  in 
the  afternoone: 

Eodm  Die:  A Message  from  the  Board  ^ G Jaffrey  & R Wibird 
Esqrs  with  an  Answer  to  the  Desier  of  the  house  in  the  Morning  for 
a Conferrence  on  Mr  Hobbys  Mem°.  It  was  his  Pleas1  that  the  house 
attend  at  the  Board  on  that  affaire:  Then  mr  Speaker  and  the  house 
went  up  accordingly  & had  a Conference  & returned: 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Nov.  24,  1726.] 

This  day  a Conferrence  was  held  at  the  Council  Chamber  upon  Mr 
Hobbys  Memorial  which  being  over  the  House  withdrew  to  their  own 
apartment — 


[House  Journal,  Nov.  29,  1726.] 

The  vote  of  the  Council  1 of  the  25th  Ins1  Relating  to  mr  John 
Hobbys  Memoriall  was  Read  and  Nonconcur’d 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Nov.  30,  1726.] 

By  Mr  Dennet  ye  following  Vote 

In  the  House  of  Represent 

The  Memorial  of  John  Hobby  Esqr  having  been  Considered  in 
this  House.  The  House  are  of  opinion  yt  the  Laws  of  the  Province 
are  Sufficient  to  determine  any  controversie  with  respect  to  any  title 
of  land  lying  wu'in  tlie  Same,  and  It  being  unpresidented  for  this 
House  to  take  any  Cognisance,  where  the  Title  of  land  is  determin- 
able by  the  Courts  of  Common  law  within  this  Province 

Voted  Therefore  That  the  Said  Memorial  be  dismist 

9br  30th  1726  Jam:  Jeffry  Cler  Assem 

In  Council  Eodm  die 

Read  and  Concurrd  R Waldron  Cler  Con — 


[Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason,  June , 1 738. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  37.] 

To  his  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Captain  General  and 
Govei  nour  in  chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty’s  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  in  New  England,  the  hon’ble  the  Council  and  House  of 

Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  May  31  1738 

12 


178 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason  now  residing  at  Boston 
Mariner Sheweth 

That  John  Mason  of  London  Esqr,  in  the  Years  1620,  1629  and 
1685  had  several  Grants  and  Conveyances  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  and  other  Lands  made  him  by  the  Council  of  Plimouth 

That  in  the  year  1685,  the  said  John  died,  leaving  behind  him 
four  Grandchildren,  by  his  Daughter  Ann  (who  intermarried  Joseph 
Tufton  Esqr)  namely  Ann,  Robert,  John  & mary — and  by  his  last 
will  and  Testament,  duly  proved  and  approved  at  London  and  of 
Record  there  as  also  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  (among 
other  things)  devised  his  Estate  in  America  to  his  Said  Grandsons, 
thereby  ordering  them  to  take  the  Name  of  Mason  and  that  the 
Estate  continue  in  that  Name — 

That  upon  the  Restoration  of  King  Charles  and  afterwards,  in  the 
Year  1677,  the  said  Robert  (his  brother  John  being  dead  without 
Issue)  petitioned  for  the  Settlement  of  the  Line  of  New  Hampshire 
and  obtaind  the  Same  and  was  declard  the  Heir  of  the  said  John 
Mason  and  to  be  the  Proprietor  of  the  said  Province — the  Said 
Robert  also  Dying  left  two  Sons  namely  John  & Robert  the  Second 
John  being  Dead  Childless 

That  some  Years  after,  the  Second  Robert  died,  suddenly,  leaving 
oneonlv  son  and  heir,  who  went  early  to  Sea  and  died  about  twenty 
Years  Since,  leaving  vour  Memorialist  an  Infant 
That  your  Memorialist  understanding  the  said  Line  or  Boundary  is 
about  being  resettled  at  Home,  and  being  desirous  to  be  present  at 
the  Determination  of  the  Controversy  between  the  two  Provinces,  in 
order  to  prevent  his  own  Property’s  being  affected  thereby,  thought 
it  proper  to  acquaint  your  Excellency  and  Hon’ors  with  his  Inten- 
tion, that  so.  if  any  thing  just  and  equitable  may  be  thought  of 
proper  to  be  done  by  and  between  this  Province  and  your  Memori- 
alist, it  may  be  brought  about;  which  is  the  hearty  Desire  of  and 
humbl}"  Submitted  to  your  Excell’cy  and  Hon’ors  by 

Your  most  humble  servant 

Boston  June  1788 


[ Opinion  of  John  Read  and  Robert  Auchmuty , June  16 , 1738.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  38.] 

John  Tufton  masons  Case 

1629  Novr  7 The  President  and  Council  Establisht  at  Plim°  for 
the  planting  & Governing  of  New  England  Granted  to  Cap- 
tain John  mason  of  London  Esqr  all  that  part  of  the  main 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


179 


Land  in  New  England  from  the  Middle  of  Merimack  River  along 
the  Sea  Coast  to  Piscataqua  River  up  that  river  to  the  farthest  head 
thereof  & from  thence  Northwestwards  till  three  score  miles  be 
finisht  from  the  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  River  and  from  merimack 
thro’  that  river  to  the  farthest  head  thereof  & so  forwards  up  into 
the  Land  westward  till  three  Score  miles  be  finished  & from  thence 
to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  three  Score  miles  and  accounted  from 
Piscataqua  River  together  with  all  the  Islands  within  five  miles  of 
the  premises  with  the  appurtenances  wch  the  Said  John  mason 
with  their  Consent  intended  to  name  Newhampshire  to  hold  to  the 
said  John  mason  & his  heirs 

1635  april  22:  The  President  and  Council  aforesaid  Grant  to  the 
said  John  mason  all  that  part  of  New  England  from  the  middle  of 
neamkek  River  along  the  sea  Coast  round  Cape  Ann  to  Piscataqua 
ha  hour  & up  the  river  Newichawannack  to  the  farthest  head  thereof 
and  from  thence  northwestward  till  Sixty  miles  be  finisht  from  the 
Entrance  of  Piscataqua  harbour  and  from  Neamkeck  thro’  the  river 
into  the  Lands  west  sixty  miles  from  which  period  to  Cross  over 
Lands  to  the  sixty  miles  and  Accounted  from  Piscataqua  aforesaid 
and  ye  south  half  of  the  Isle  of  shoals  & all  other  Islands  within  five 
Leagues  of  the  premisses  all  to  be  Called  Newhampshire,  also  another 
parcel  of  land  lying  on  the  South  East  side  of  Sagadahock  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river  Containing  near  ten  thousand  acres  to  be  Called 
by  the  name  of  masonia  to  hold  to  him  & his  heirs 

N B:  Sr  win  Jones  & Sr  Frs  Winington  attny  & Solr  Gen11  in  their 
report  in  favour  of  Robert  Mason  Grandson  of  John  mason  his  title 
to  Newhampshire  mention  another  Grant  from  the  Said  President 
and  Council  to  Captain  John  mason  Dated  9th  march  1 20  which  I 
have  not  Seen 

1635  Novr  26  Captain  John  mason  by  his  last  will  Devised  to  the 
mayor  and  commonality  of  Kingslyn  2000  Acres  of  Land  in  his 
County  of  Newhampshire  or  mannor  of  mason  Hall  in  New  England 
which  his  Executrix  & overseers  should  think  most  fit  Item  to  his 
Brother  in  Law  John  Wollaston  3000  Acres  of  Land  in  his  County 
of  Newhampshire  or  mannor  of  mason  Hall  where  his  Said  Brother 
& Executrix  should  think  fit  to  hold  to  him  and  his  heirs  Item  to 
his  Grandchild  Ann  Tufton  masonia  to  hold  to  her  & her  heirs  Item 
to  his  Grandchild  Robert  Tufton  his  mannor  of  mason  Hall  to  hold 
to  him  & his  heirs  provided  he  alter  his  sirname  & sirname  himself 
mason  first  Item  to  John  Wollaston  aforesaid  2000  acres  of  land  in 
his  Count}'  of  Newhampr  in  trust  to  Convey  1000  to  some  feofee  in 
trust  towards  the  maintainance  of  a Godly  minister  in  Newhamp- 
shire & the  other  1000  to  some  feofee  towards  the  maintainance  of  a 


180 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


free  Grammer  school  in  Newhampshire  Item  to  his  Grandchild 
John  Tufton  all  the  rest  of  his  mannors  Messuages  lands  tenements 
and  heriditaments  in  his  County  of  Newhampshire  or  Else  where  in 
New  England  to  hold  to  him  & the  heirs  of  his  body  Lawfully  to  be 
begotten  Remainder  to  Robert  Tufton  & the  heirs  of  his  body  Re- 
mainder to  his  Cosin  Doctor  Robert  Mason  & the  heirs  males  of  his 
body  & for  want  of  such  Issue  to  revert  to  the  Donor  & his  heirs 
provided  his  Grandchild  John  Tufton  shall  alter  his  sirname  & sir- 
name  himself  mason  first  provided  also  the  said  John  Tufton  Shall 
pay  his  Sister  mary  Tufton  out  of  the  mannors  messuages  lands  & 
Tennements  aforesaid  <£500  Sterling  for  her  Preferment  in  marriage 
&c  &c  & on  the  2d  of  Decr  following  his  Will  was  proved  in  ye  pre- 
rogative Court  of  Canterbury  & Admintn  Granted  to  Ann  his  widow 
& Exx 

1677  John  & ann  Grandchildren  died  without  Issue  & their  Estate 
come  to  Robert  Tufton  mason  accordingly  for  whom  King  Charles 
2'1  Settled  ye  bound  Line  between  New  Hampshr  & ye  massa  Bay  & 
he  died  leaving  two  Sons  John  & Robert 

1691  April  27  John  & Robert  Tufton  mason  bargained  & sold  to 
samuel  Allen  of  London  merchant  for  a sum  of  money  all  Newhamp- 
shire as  bounded  in  their  Great  Grandfathers  Grant  of  1635.  & 

Masonia  also  part  of  the  Province  of  main  the  Countrey  marianna 
Province  of  Laconia  & Several  Towns  in  Newhampshire  as  here- 
tofore described  with  the  appurtenances  deeds  & Charters  thereof 
to  hold  to  him  & his  heirs  Then  John  died  without  Issue 

That  Robert  Tufton  mason  Surviving  Great  Grandson  of  Capfc 
John  mason  lived  & died  at  Portsm0  of  Piscataqua  about  forty  vears 
ago  Leaving  his  Eldest  Son  John  Tufton  mason  & several  other 
children  & this  John  Tufton  mason  about  20  years  after  died  Leav- 
ing one  only  child  John  Tufton  mason  of  Boston  Marriner  who 
Claims  the  Province  of  Newhampshire  & would  Compound  with  the 
Province  of  the  massachusetts  Bay  all  differences  between  them 
Amicably 

Q upon  the  whole  what  Intrest  hath  this  John  Tufton  mason  in 
Newhampshire  & to  what  purpose  & Effect  can  the  Province  agree 
with  him  & in  what  maner  Execute  it — 

A-  So  much  as  the  President  & Council  aforsaid  Conveyed  to 
Cap1  John  mason  for  Newhampshire  except  the  Lands  southward  of 
merrimack  River  & within  three  miles  of  it  on  the  northerly  side 
which  was  before  Conveyed  to  ye  Inhabitats  of  the  Colony  of  the 
massachusetts  & Except  7000  acres  particularly  devised  & the  man- 
ner of  mason  Hall  the  bounds  & Contents  whereof  I know  not,  I say 
all  the  rest  of  Newhampshire  Cap1  John  mason  by  his  will  devised  to 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


181 


his  Grandson  John  Tufton  mason  intail  gen1  Remainder  to  his  Grand- 
son Robert  Tufton  mason  intail  Gen1  with  remainders  over  ye  right 
has  properly  remained  descended  & Come  to  this  John  Tufton  mason 
of  Boston  marriner  the  alienation  of  his  Great  uncle  & Grandfather 
aforesaid  notwithstanding  which  Could  be  of  no  avail  after  their 
death 

S But  if  at  their  death  his  father  was  of  full  age  it  is  so  many 
years  ago  that  his  suit  is  Effectually  bared  by  stat.  21  Jas  1.  C.  lb. 
which  requires  him  or  his  heirs  to  bring  it  within  20  years  after  the 
title  accrued  at  the  farthest 

and  if  he  Ever  came  of  age  he  or  his  heirs  could  have  but  ten  years 
after  he  was  of  age  or  after  his  death  to  bring  this  suit  which  must 
be  Elapsed  in  this  time  & their  suit  intirely  bared  for  which  only  rea- 
son I am  of  opinion  this  Province  can  neither  gett  nor  lose  by  him 
& his  title  aforesaid 

Jn°  Read 

I conceive  the  right  properly  deccends  to  John  Tufton  mason  of 
Boston  marriner  the  alienation  aforesaid  notwithstanding  & am  of 
opinion  the  statute  of  Limitations  aforesaid  will  not  be  held  of  it- 
selfe  to  extend  to  New  England  being  an  act  not  affirmative  of  the 
Com’on  Law  but  Introdicitive  of  a new  Law  & that  against  the 
Comon  Law  in  abridgem4  of  the  Gen11  right  the  party  has  of  pursu- 
ing & beyond  twenty  years  Asserting  his  property  & from  the 
Express  heads  of  the  statu:  the  same  appears  to  be  Confined  to  the 
realm  of  England 

John  Tufton  mason  can’t  Convey  but  for  his  life  time  & not  y11 
being  out  of  possession  till  he  regains  the  same 

wdiatever  fruit  ye  Province  may  Expect  from  his  Title  must  be  by 
proper  powers 

Rob4  Auchmuty 
Boston  16  June  1738 


[Deposition  of  Mary  Man  field,  June  27,  1738.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  39.] 

The  Deposition  of  Mary  Man  field  aged  about  eighty  nine  Years — 
Testifyeth  & Saith  that  I Very  well  Remember  when  Mr  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  came  into  New  England  & that  he  brought  with  him 
Into  this  Country  two  Sons  .John  & Robert  as  they  were  So 
Reputed  or  Judged  to  be  & that  Robert  the  Younger  Married  with 


182 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


one  Mrs  Katherine  Wiggins  & by  her  had  a Child  whither  a Son  or 
daughter  Saith  not — 

her 

Mary  M Man  field 
mark 

Prov:  New  ) June  ve  27th  1738 

Hampr  j The  above  Named  Mary  Manfield  Personally 
appear’d  & Made  Oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  Deposition  taken 
in  perpetm  Rei  Memoriam 

before  Shad  Wallton  ) J:  peace 

Jos  Simpson  ) Unus  Quorm 


[ Depositions  of  Martha  Trefethen  and  Deborah  Jones , June  27, 1738 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  40.] 

The  Deposition  of  Martha  Trefethen  aged  about  Sixty  Six  Years — 
Testifyeth  & Saith  That  I well  Remember  Mr  Robert  Tufton  Mason 
& that  he  had  two  Sons  Named  John  & Robert  as  they  were  So 
deputed  or  Judged  to  be  he  Called  ym  Sons  & they  Called  him  Father 
& Saith  that  Robert  the  Younger  Married  Mrs  Katherine  Wiggins  as 
was  Supposed  they  lived  together  as  man  & wife  & had  a Child  for 
which  Child  1 acted  as  a Nurse  & ye  Child  was  a daughter  & further 
Saith  Not — 

1 her 

Martha  O Trefethen 
Mark 

Province  j June  27th  1738 

New  Hampr  ( The  above  Named  Martha  Trefethen  personally 
appeared  <&  made  Oath  to  the  truth  of  ye  above  deposition  taken  in 
perpetuam  rei  Memoriam  before 

Sha  Walton  \ J:  peace 
Jos:  Simpson  \ Quorm  Unus 

The  Deposition  of  Deborah  Jones  aged  about  Seventy  two  Years 
— Testifyeth  & Saith  That  I very  well  Remember  Mr  Robert  Tufton 
Mason  & that  he  Married  Mrs  Katherine  Wiggins  as  was  Supposed 
they  lived  together  & had  three  Children  Named  John  (who  was 
born  before  I lived  in  the  house)  Elizabeth  & Katherine  who  was 
born  when  I was  present  & that  Katherine  died  when  She  was  about 
two  or  three  Months  old 

her 

Deborah  V Jones 
Mark 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


183 


) 


Prov:  | June  27th  1738 

New  Hampr  J The  above  Named  Deborah  Jones  personally 
appeared  and  made  Oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition 
taken  in  perpetuam  rei  Memoriam  before 

Shad  Walton  ] J peace 
Jos:  Simpson  \ Quorum  Unus 


[ Certificate  and  Depositions,  li38 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  47.] 

By  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Captain  Gen- 

[seal]  eral  & Governour  in  Cheif  in  & over  His  Majesty’s  Prov- 
ince of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England. 

I DO  hereby  Certify  that  Samuel  Thaxter,  William  Dudley,  Thomas 
Palmer,  & Anthony  Stoddard  Esqrs  are  Justices  of  the  Peace  & of 
the  Quorum  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  within  the  Province  afore- 
said, & that  William  Peppered  Esqr  is  a Justice  of  the  Peace  and 
Quorum,  & Richard  Cutt  Esqr  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the 
County  of  York  in  said  Province,  which  said  Justices  are  impowered 
by  Law  to  take  the  Proof  of  Matters  upon  Oath  ; And  that  full  Faith 
& entire  Credit  is  & ought  to  be  given  to  their  respective  Acts  & 
Attestations  (as  contained  on  the  Papers  hereunto  annexed)  both  in 
Court  & without. 

In  Testimony  whereof  I have  Caused  the  Publick  Seal  of  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  aforesaid  to  be  hereunto  affixed, 
Dated  at  Boston  the  twentieth  day  of  July  1738.  In  the  twelfth 
year  of  His  Majesty’s  Reign. 

J Belcher 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command. 

J Willard  Sec’ry. 

Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789. 

Recorded  Lib  124,  Fol  499,  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Recorder. 


The  Honor1’16  Sha  Walton  of  New  Castile  in  y6  Province  of  New 
Hampshr  Esqr  aged  Seventy  Eight  years  being  Sworne  Do  on  Oath 
declare  that  he  well  knew  Robert  Mason  Esqr  otherwise  call'1  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  who  I understood  was  One  of  ye  Kings  Council 
for  New  Hampshr  & Claimer  of  the  Soil  of  the  S'1  Province  & have 
heard  that  the  Sd  Robert  Leased  out  much  of  ye  Land  in  s'1  Province 


184 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& have  seen  one  made  to  my  Father  George  Walton  Late  of  Sd  New 
Castile,  and  that  he  had  two  Sons  John  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  they 
coming  altogether  from  England  about  ye  year  1680  or  1681  & that 
his  younger  son  Robert  Marryd  with  Mrs  Katharine  Wiggen  and  were 
reputd  to  be  man  & wife  & had  Children  ye  first  born  was  a Son  calld 
John  who  I understood  follow11  the  Sea  and  further  I have  heard  & 
did  understand  that  the  sd  John  & Robert  sons  as  abovesaid  went  a 
Voyage  to  Virginia  where  John  was  Drowned  & was  never  Marry ed 
as  ye  Depon4  ever  heard  of  and  that  ye  Sd  Robert  was  Lost  going  a 
Voyage  from  New  Hampshr  to  the  west  indias  upwards  of  forty  years 
Since 

Sha  Walton 

York  ss  / July  10th  1738:  this  day  ye  above  namd  Shd  Walton  Esqr 
personally  appeard  & Made  Oath  to  all  above  written  taken  in  perpet- 
uam  rei  memoriam  before 

Wm  Pepperrell  j Justices  of  ye  peace 
Richd  Cutt  } Quorum  Unus 

Rockingham  Records  Recd  18th  March  1789 

Recorded  Lib  124,  Fol  499  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Rdr 

Margret  Pastry  Aged  ab4  64  years  Testifieth  & Saith  that  she  Well 
Knew  Robert  Tuffton  Mason  Esq1'  the  Claimer  of  the  Province  of 
Newhampshire  ab4  the  Years  of  1686:  when  sd  Edmund  Andros  was 
Govern1  of  the  Territory  of  New  England  in  the  Regin  of  his  Majs 
K:  James  the  second  And  that  the  sd  Robert  wth  sev1  other  Gentlem" 
went  wth  the  sd  Sr  Edmd  Andros  to  his  Goverment  of  New  York  & 
Albany,  And  that  ye  Deponant  was  Inform’d  that  the  sd  Robert  Dyed 
at  sopas  upon  Hudsons  River  between  the  Cittys  of  New  York  & 
Albany  in  his  sd  Journey 

Margrett  Pastree 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 

Boston  12th  July  1738 

Then  Personally  appearing  before  mee  the  Subscriber  one  of  His 
Majestys  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  Province  abovenamed  Mrs 
Margerett  Pastree  the  above  Depon4  & made  oath  to  the  Truth  of 
the  Declaration  by  her  Subscribed 

Wra  Dudley 

Rockingham  Records  Received  18tli  March  1789. 

Recorded  Lib  124  Fol  500  Examined 


Sam1  Brooks  Rdr 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


185 


Mrs  Elizabeth  Allcock  aged  Seventy  one  years  being  Sworne  do’s 
on  Oath  declare  that  she  knew  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  & that  he 
came  over  in  this  Countery  upwards  of  fifty  years  past  & that  there 
was  two  Young  men  wch  came  here  that  was  his  reputd  Sons  call'1 
John  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  & I have  heard  that  he  Claimd  ye 
Province  of  New  Hampshr  & that  his  younger  son  Robert  Marryd 
with  Mrs  Katharine  Wiggin  & were  reputd  to  be  man  & wife  & had 
Children  the  Eldest  of  wch  was  a Son  calld  John  who  I understood 
£ollowd  ye  Sea,  and  I never  heard  that  John  Son  of  ye  above  sd  Rob- 
ert was  ever  Marryed 

Eliza  Allcock 

Yorkss:  July:  10th  1738 

this  day  the  above  namd  Mrs  Eliza  Allcock  personally  appeard  & 
made  Oath  to  all  Above  written  taken  in  perpetuam  rei  memoriam 
before 

Wm  Pepperrell  } Justices  of  ye  peace 
Rich  Cutt  \ Quorum  Unus 

Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789. 

Recorded  Lib  124  Fol  500  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Rdr 

The  Deposition  of  Susanna  Martyn  late  Tufton  Mason  is  as  fol- 
loweth 

That  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1711  I was  Marryed  to  John  Tufton 
Mason  of  Boston  Marriner,  Some  Time  before  of  Portsmouth  in  the 
Province  of  Newhampshire,  who  was  Son  of  Robert  Tufton  Mason 
of  the  Said  Province,  by  his  Wife  Katherine  whose  Maiden  Name  was 
Wiggin,  and  with  whom  this  Depon1  was  well  acquainted,  and  has 
been  often  at  her  Home  in  Newhampshire  Dureing  her  Life,  & while 
She  was  the  Wife  of  the  Said  John,  and  has  heard  her  former  Hus- 
band Said  Tufton  Mason  often  Complain  to  his  Mother  that  the 
Papers  and  Evidences  of  his  Title  to  the  Lands  of  Newhampshire 
were  Secreted  from  him,  and  that  he  Suffered  great  Injustice  by 
being  kept  out  of  his  Right,  which  Grieved  my  Said  Husband  very 
much.  I have  farther  often  heard  him  Declare  that  his  Father 
Dying  when  he  was  Young,  his  Mother  the  aforesaid  Katherine, 
Bound  him  out  to  a Master  of  a Ship  one  Eliot  in  Order  to  follow 
the  Sea,  and  being  for  the  most  part  of  his  Time,  from  Nine  Years 
old  untill  I Marryed  him,  at  Sea,  was  the  Reason  lie  knew  little 
of  his  Father’s  Concerns,  and  Claims  to  the  Province  of  Newhamp- 
shire, And  although  he  desired  of  his  Mother  to  be  let  into  the 
Knowledge  thereof,  yet  She  Denyed  it,  Seeming  always  rather  In- 


186 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


din’d  to  keep  him  in  Ignorance,  in  Order,  as  the  Depod  understood, 
to  Serve  her  Daughter,  my  Said  Husbands  Sister,  and  the  Depon4 
further  Says  that  John  Tufton  Mason  my  Said  Husband,  had  born  of 
my  Body  his  Eldest  Son  John;  the  29  of  April  1713.  And  the 
Deponent  further  Declares  that  her  Said  Husband  John  Tufton 
Mason  being  at  the  Havanna  in  the  Spannish  West  Indies  in  the 
Year  1718  there  Dyed 

her 

Susannah  S Marty n 
mark 

Suffolk:  ss:  Boston  July:  19th  1738. 

Mrs  Susannah  Martyn  personally  appearing  made  Oath  to  the  truth 
of  the  above  declaration  by  her  Signed,  taken  in  perpetuam  rei 
Mem  or  i am 

Before  Thos  Palmer  ) Justiciis  Pacs  and 

Anthony  Stoddard  j of  Quorum 

Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789 

Recorded  Lib  124,  Fol  501  Examd 

Sam1  Brooks  Rdr 

The  Deposition  of  Joseph  Sherburn  Junr  of  Portsmouth  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  Marriner  Son  of  the  within  Named 
Henry  & Sarah  Sherburne.  Testifieth  & saith  That  he  well  knowns. 
John  Tuftan  of  Boston  Marriner  now  about  twenty  five  Years  of 
A^e  whom  he  has  known  from  an  Infant  about  Six  Months  Old  & 
who  was  the  reputed  Son  of  John  Tuftan  Mason  sometime  of  Ports- 
mouth aud  last  of  Boston  Marriner,  with  whom  also  he  was  very 
well  Acquainted  and  who  dyed  at  the  Havanna  about  twenty  Years 
ago.  That  the  said  last  mentioned  John  Tuftan  Mason  was  the 
reputed  Son  of  Robert  Tuftan  Mason  by  his  Wife  Catherine,  whose 
Maiden  Name  was  Wiggin.  And  that  he  hath  always  heard  from 
those  that  were  well  acquainted;  that  the  said  Robert  Tuftan  Mason 
was  the  Son  of  Robert  Tuftan  Mason  Esqr  formerly  of  London  who 
Claimed  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

Jos  Sherburn 

Suffolk  ss.  Boston  July  4th  1738. 

Cap4  Joseph  Sherburne  personally  appearing  made  Oath  to  the 
truth  of  the  above  declaration  by  him  Signed,  taken  In  perpetuam 
Rei  memoriam 

[Samuel  Tha]xter  i Just:  of  Pacs 
[Anthony  Stod]dard  j & of  the  Quorum 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


187 


[ Certificate  and  Depositions , 1738. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  48.] 

By  Plis  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq1’  Captain 

[seal]  General  & Govern1  in  Cheif  in  and  over  His  Majestys 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England. 

I do  hereby  Certify  that  Shadrach  Walton  and  Richard  Waldron 
Esqrs  are  Justices  of  the  Peace  & of  the  Quorum,  & Joseph  Simpson 
& Moses  Leavit  Esqrs  are  Justices  of  the  Peace  within  the  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid,  which  said  Justices  are  impowered  by 
Law  to  take  the  Proof  of  matters  upon  Oath  ; And  that  full  Faith  & 
entire  Credit  is  and  ought  to  be  given  to  their  respective  Acts  & 
Attestations  (as  contained  in  the  Papers  hereunto  annexed)  both  in 
Court  & without 

In  Testimony  whereof  I have  Caused  the  Publick  Seal  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesd  to  be  hereunto  affixed  ; Dated 
at  Boston  the  twentieth  day  of  July  1788.  In  the  twelfth  Year  of 
His  Majesty’s  Reign 

J Belcher 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

Richd  Waldron  Secry 

Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789. 

Recorded  Lib  124  Fol.  500.  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Recorder 

Henry  Sherburn  of  Portsmouth  In  New  HampshrIn  New  England 
aged  seventy  two  years,  and  Sarah  his  wife  aged  sixty  nine,  and 
Susanna  Johnson  of  Greenland  in  said  Province  aged  Sixty  four 
years,  personally  appeared  before  us  the  Subscribers  and  voluntarily 
made  oath,  that  they  were  acquainted  with  Robert  Tufton  Mason  of 
Portsmouth  aforesaid,  who  departed  this  life  upward  of  forty  years 
agoe;  That  in  the  time  of  their  acquaintance  with  him,  he  was  Mar- 
ried to  Katharine  Wiggin,  sister  of  the  abovementioned  Sarah  and 
Susanna,  and  that  It  was  reputed  that  the  said  Robert  had  seveial 
Children  by  the  said  Katharine  his  wife,  one  of  which  was  John  Tuf- 
ton Mason  who  was  reputed  the  first  born  of  the  said  Robert,  and 
further,  that  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  departed  this  life  about 
twenty  years  agoe 

Taken  In  perpetuam  Rei  Memoriam — 

m \ Rich'1  Waldron  ) Justices  of  the  peace 
i Moses  Leavit  ( & Unus  Quorum 

Portsmouth  In  New  Hampshire 

May  27.  1738.— 


188 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789. 

Recorded  Lib  124,  Fol  508,  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Rdr 


The  Deposition  of  Mr  Richard  Cutts  & Joanna  his  wife  aged  ye 
one  about  Seventy  eight  Years  the  other  about  sixty  nine  Years — 
Testify  & Say  that  we  well  knew  & were  well  acquainted  with  Mr 
Robert  Tufton  Mason  & that  he  had  two  Sons  Named  John  & Robert 
as  they  were  so  deputed  or  Judged  He  called  them  his  sons  & they 
called  him  their  Father — and 

Joanna  his  Wife  further  saith  that  Robert  Tufton  Mason  ye 
Younger  son  of  Robert  Tufton  Mason  was  Married  to  one  Mrs  Kath- 
erine Wiggins  as  was  Juged  for  they  lived  together  as  Man  & Wife 
& that  She  was  well  acquainted  with  them  soon  after  they  were  mar- 
ried & that  they  had  two  Children  John  & Elizabeth  J:  E:  they  were 
Called  their  Children  & Judged  so  to  be  further  saith — 

Richard  Cutt 
Jannah  + Cutt 


June  27—1738 

Prov:  ) Richard  Cutt  & Joanna  his  wife  personally  ap- 

New  Hampsr  j peared  & Made  Oath  to  their  above  Several  De- 

positions taken  in  perpetuan  Rei  Memoriam — 

before  Sha  Walton  \ J:  peace 

Jos:  Simpson  j Quorm  Unus 


Rockingham  Records  Received  18th  March  1789 
Recorded  Lib  124  Fol  503  Examined 

Sam1  Brooks  Rdr. 


The  Deposition  of  Mr  William  Kelly  aged  about  Sixty  Six  Years — 
Testifyeth  & Saith  That  I well  Remember  Mr  Robert  Tuftin-Mason 
& that  he  had  two  Sons  Named  John  & Robert  as  they  were  so  deput- 
ed or  Judged  to  be  & that  Robert  the  Younger  Married  with  one  Mrs 
Katherine  Wiggins  & by  her  had  two  Children  a son  whose  Name 
was  John  & a daughter  further  saith  not — 

Wm  Kelly 

Province  \ June  27th  1738 

New  Hampsr  \ The  above  Named  William  Kelly  personally 
appeared  & Made  Oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition  taken 
in  perpetuam  rei  Memoriam — 

before — Sha  Walton  } Jus:  peace 

Jos  Simpson  \ Quor™  Unus 

Received  & Recorded  18th  March  1789  Lib  124  Fol  504. 

Examined  » Sam1  Brooks  Rdr. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


189* 


[ Mason's  Quitclaim  Deed  to  Massachusetts , July  1 , 17387] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  43.] 

Articles  of  Agreement  Indented  and  made  the  first  day  of  July^ 
in  the  twelfth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the 
second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  britain  France  and  Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c,  annoque  Domini  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  thirty  eight  Between  John  Tufton  Mason  of  Boston  in 
the  County  of  Suffolk  and  Province  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  in 
New  England  Marriner  next  Cousin  and  heir  of  Captain  John  Mason 
of  London  Esqr  Deceased  of  the  one  part  And  William  Dudley, 
Samuel  Welles,  Thomas  Berry  Benjamin  Lynde  Junr,  Benjamin 
Prescot,  and  John  Read,  Esqrs,  Thomas  Cushing  and  Thomas  Hutch- 
inson Gentlemen,  and  all  within  the  Province  aforesaid  as  Agents 
for,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Province  aforesaid  on  the  other  part— Wit- 
ness eth,  That  whereas  His  late  Majesty  King  James  the  first,  by  his 
Letters  Patent  dated  the  third  of  November  in  the  eighteenth  year 
of  His  Reign,  Gave  and  Granted  to  the  President  and  Council 
Established  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of  Devon  for  the  Planting 
and  Governing  of  New  England  in  America,  All  that  part  of  Amer- 
ica lying  in  breadth  from  forty  degrees  to  the  forty  eighth  degree  of 
northerly  latitude  and  in  the  length  throughout  the  main  land  from 
Sea  to  Sea  with  the  Islands  and  seas  adjoyning  To  Hold  to  them 
their  Successors  and  assigns  forever — and  afterwards  the  sd  President 
and  Council  on  the  seventh  of  November  in  the  fifth  year  of  the 
Reign  of  His  late  Majesty  King  Charles  the  first,  by  their  Deed  Indent- 
ed under  their  com’on  Seal,  bargained  and  sold  to  the  said  Captain 
John  Mason,  all  that  part  of  New  England  lying  on  the  Sea  coast 
begining  at  the  middle  of  Merrimack  river  and  proceeding  north- 
wards along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Piscataqua  river,  and  up  that  river  to 
the  furthest  head  thereof,  and  from  thence  northwestwards  till  three 
score  miles  be  finished  from  the  first  entrance  of  Piscataqua  river, 
and  also  from  Merrimack  river  through  the  said  river  to  the  fur- 
thest head  thereof,  and  so  forwards  up  into  the  lands  westward  till 
three  score  miles  be  finished,  and  from  thence  to  cross  over  land  to 
the  three  score  miles  end  accompted  from  Piscataqua  river  with  the 
Islands  within  five  leagues  distance  of  the  premisses,  which  he  with 
their  consent  intended  to  name  New-hampshire  To  Hold  to  him  his 
heirs  and  assigns  forever — and  afterwards  on  the  twenty  sixth  of 
November,  in  the  eleventh  year  of  the  Reign  of  His  late  Majesty 
King  Charles  the  first,  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  made  his 
last  will  in  due  form  of  Law,  and  thereby  (among  other  things) 


190 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Devised  the  premisses  to  liis  Grand-Child  John  Tufton  and 
the  heirs  of  his  Body  lawfully  begotten,  and  the  remainder  to 
his  Grand  Child  Robert  Tufton  and  the  heirs  of  his  body  law- 
fully begotten,  appointing  his  said  Grand  Children  to  alter  their 
Sirname  and  name  themselves  Mason,  and  died,  and  the  said  John 
Tufton  altered  his  Sirname  and  named  himself  Mason  and  died 
without  issue,  and  the  said  Robert  altered  his  Sirname  and  named 
himself  Mason,  entred  and  held  the  premisses,  and  from  him  the  same 
descended  to  John  Tufton  Mason  his  Eldest  son  and  heir,  from  him 
to  Robert  Tufton  Mason  his  Brother  & Heir,  from  him  to  John  Tuf- 
ton Mason  his  Eldest  son  & Heir,  and  from  him  to  John  Party  to 
these  presents,  his  eldest  Son  and  heir — Saving  that  the  President 
and  Council  aforesaid  on  the  ninteenth  of  March  in  the  third  year  of 
the  reign  of  His  late  Majesty  King  diaries  the  tirst  by  their  Deed 
indented  under  their  common  Seal,  bargained  and  sold  to  Sir  Henry 
Rosewell  & others  all  that  part  of  New  England  lying  between  Mer- 
rimack river  and  Charles  river  and  all  the  lands  lying  within  three 
English  miles  to  the  northward  of  Merrimack  river,  or  to  the  north- 
ward of  any  and  every  part  thereof,  and  all  the  lands  lying  within 
the  limits  aforesd  north  and  south  in  latitude,  and  in  longitude  of 
and  within  all  the  breadth  aforesd,  throughout  the  main  land  from  the 
Atlantick  sea  in  the  east,  to  the  south  sea  in  the  west,  with  the 
appurces  To  Hold  to  them  their  heirs  asisgns  and  associates  forever, 
which  His  late  Majesty  King  Charles  the  first  by  His  Letters  Pat- 
ent on  the  fourth  of  March,  in  the  fourth  year  of  His  Reign,  Con- 
firmed to  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  making  them  a Body  Politick 
by  the  name  of  the  Governour  and  Company  of  the  Massachusets 
Bay  in  New  England;  and  their  late  Majestys  King  William  and 
Queen  Mary  bv  their  Letters  Patent,  on  the  seventh  of  October  in 
the  third  year  of  their  Reign,  Confirmed  to  the  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusets bav 

And  the  Governour  and  Company  of  the  Colony  of  the  Massa- 
chusets Bay  aforesd  thrd  mistake  of  their  Grant  from  the  President 
and  Council  aforesaid  and  Confirmation  of  His  said  late  Majesty 
King  Charles  the  first  both  Prior  to  the  purchase  of  Captain  John 
Mason  aforesaid,  apprehending  their  northern  boundary  was  a due 
west  line  from  the  Atlantick  to  the  south  sea  runing  three  miles 
to  the  northward  of  any  and  every  part  of  Merrimack  river,  there- 
fore in  the  Setlement  of  several  Towns  upon  Merrimack  river,  in- 
closed within  their  bounds  as  granted  Surveyed  and  recorded  in  the 
publick  records  of  the  said  Colony,  part  of  those  lands  that  lye  to  the 
northward  of  some  parts  of  Merrimack,  more  than  three  miles  distant 
from  the  said  river  viz1  within  the  bounds  of  Salisbury  two  thousand 


i 


/ 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


191 


acres,  Almsburj'  two  thousand  five  hundred  acres,  Haverhill  ten 
thousand  acres,  Methuen  five  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty  acres, 
and  Dracut  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  twenty  five  acres,  mak- 
ing in  the  whole  twenty  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy  five 
acres — 

But  afterwards  on  the  twenty  sixth  of  July  Anno  Domini  one 
thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy  seven  upon  the  petition  of  Robert 
Mason,  the  first  abovementioned,  and  others,  claiming  the  Sod  and 
Government  of  part  of  the  lands  aforesaid,  His  late  Majesty  King 
Charles  the  second  in  Council  Determined,  that  the  north  bounds  of 
the  Colony  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  so  far  as  the  said  river  extends 
should  follow  the  course  of  the  said  river,  but  when  that  known 
boundary  determins  the  breadth  should  be  carried  on  by  an  imag- 
inary line  on  that  side  to  the  south  Sea,  but  determined  nothing  con- 
cerning the  Title  of  the  land  three  miles  distant  from  the  said  river 
on  the  north  side  of  it;  whereupon,  first  the  said  Colony,  and  after 
the  said  Province  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  have  ever  since  held 
themselves  to  these  boundarys,  Saving  that  no  Person  for  the^e  sixty 
years  last  past  and  more,  entring  and  claiming  those  twenty  three 
thousand  six  hundred  seventy  five  acres  of  land  aforesaid  in  Salis- 
bury, Almsbury,  Haverhill,  Methuen  & Dracut,  the  Proprietors  and 
Inhabitants  of  those  Towns  have  continually  possessed  and  enjoyed 
them  till  this  time  tho  they  lye  more  than  three  miles  to  the  north- 
ward of  Merrimack  river 

Now  therefore  in  Consideration  of  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
pounds  in  hand  received  of  the  said  William  Dudley,  Samuel  Welles, 
Thomas  Berry,  Benjamin  Lynde  Junr,  Benjamin  Prescot  John  Bead, 
Thomas  Cushing  and  Thomas  Hutchinson  Agents  for,  and  in  behalf 
of  the  s'1  Province  of  the  Massachusets  Bay,  the  said  John  Tufton 
Mason  doth  by  these  presents  Ratify  and  Confirm  the  boundary  line 
between  his  lands  of  New  liampshire  and  the  lands  of  the  Province 
of  the  Massachusets  Bay  aforesaid  setled  by  his  late  Majesty  King 
Charles  the  second  in  His  most  Honorable  Privy  Council  on  the 
twenty  sixth  day  of  July  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy 
seven — And  further  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  for  himself  and  his 
heirs  Doth  remise  release  and  forever  quitclaim  to  the  Inhabitants 
and  Proprietors  of  the  several  Towns  of  Salisbury,  Almsbury, 
Haverhill,  Methuen  and  Dracut,  all  those  several  parcels  of  land 
aforesaid  lying  within  the  bounds  of  their  respective  T owns  afore- 
said, and  more  than  three  miles  to  the  northward  of  Merrimack 
river,  in  their  actual  possession  now  being  To  Have  and  To  Hold 
the  said  twenty  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy  five  acres  of 
land  aforesaid  with  the  appurtenances  to  them  the  Inhabitants  and 


192 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Proprietors  of  the  aforementioned  Towns,  to  them  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever — 

And  further  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  for  himself  his  heirs  Ex- 
ecutors and  Adminrs  Doth  hereby  Covenant  promise  and  grant  to  and 
with  the  said  William  Dudley,  Samuel  Welles,  Thomas  Berry,  Benja 
Ly  nde  Junr  Benjamin  Prescot,  John  Read,  Thomas  Cushing  and 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Agents  for,  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  Province, 
and  with  their  heirs  Executors  & adminrs  That  he  the  said  John 
Tufton  Mason  and  his  heirs  shall  make  suffer  and  execute,  all  such 
further  and  other  assurances  and  Conveyances  in  the  Law  for  the 
Establishment  of  the  boundary  line  aforesaid  and  Conveyance  and 
assurance  of  the  lands  Tenements  and  Hereditaments  aforesd  now 
in  the  possession  of  the  several  Inhabitants  of  Salisbury.  Almsbury, 
Haverhill,  Methuen  and  Dracut  aforesd,  as  by  their  Council  learned 
in  the  Law  shall  be  reasonably  Devised  and  required,  So  as  that  the 
several  Tenants  of  those  twenty  three  thousand  six  hundred  and 
seventy  five  acres  of  land  aforesd  their  heirs  and  assigns  may  be  for- 
ever quiet  and  secured  in  the  enjojunent  thereof ; and  he  the  said 
John  Tufton  Mason  and  his  heirs,  and  all  others  claiming  or  to 
claim  by  force  of  the  will  aforesfl  may  be  forever  bard  and  precluded 
from  the  same,  the  Intail,  remainders,  and  limitations  in  that  will 
notwithstanding — 

And  further  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  doth  hereby  Covenant 
promise  and  agree  to  and  with  the  said  William  Dudley,  Samuel 
Welles,  Thos  Berry  Benjamin  Lynde  Junr,  Benjamin  Prescot,  John 
Read,  Thomas  Cushing  and  Thomas  Hutchinson  Agents  for,  and  in 
behalf  of  the  said  Province,  That  he  will  with  all  convenient  spe^d 
proceed  from  hence  to  London,  Present  himself  to  Francis  Wilks 
Esqr  and  Richard  Partridge  Agents  of  this  Province  there  attend 
upon  them  from  time  to  time,  and  by  their  advice  and  direction  do 
every  thing  proper  and  necessary  there  to  be  done  for  the  Establish- 
ment of  the  line  aforesd,  and  quieting  the  possessions  of  the  Inhab- 
itants and  Proprietors  aforesd  in  the  Towns  aforesaid,  and  return 
home  again  as  soon  as  they  shall  permit  him — 

And  the  said  William  Dudley.  Samuel  Welles,  Thomas  Berry, 
Benjamin  Lynde  Jung  Benjamin  Prescot,  John  Read,  Thomas  Cush- 
ing and  Thos  Hutchinson  agents  for,  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  Prov- 
ince Do  by  these  presents  Covenant  promise  and  agree  to  and  with 
the  said  John  Tufton  Mason,  That  they  will  bear  and  pay  all  his 
reasonable  charge  and  expence  during  his  voyage  thither,  attend- 
ance there,  and  return  home  again  with  his  Passage  forth  and  back. 
In  witness  of  all  which  the  Parties  aforenamed  to  these  presents 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


193 


have  interchangeably  set  their 
aforesaid — 

Signed  Sealed  & Delivd 
in  presence  of  us 
Howland  Houghton 
Richd  Hubbard 
Wm  Willard 


hands  and  seals  the  day  and  year 

Wm  Dudley  & a seal 

Samuel  Welles  & a seal 

Thomas  Berry  & a seal 

Benja  Lynde  Junr  & a seal 

John  Read  & a seal 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Junr  & a seal 


\Josiah  Willard  to  Francis  Wilks , July  1738.'] 
[Masonian  Papers.  Yol.  1,  p.  49.] 

Sir 

By  Order  of  the  Governour  & Council,  & Pursuant  to  a Vote  of 
the  General  Assembly,  I have  drawn  upon  you  for  £5.  Sterling  for 
the  Passage  of  Mr  John  Tufton  Mason  to  be  paid  to  Mr  John  Teague 
of  Bristol  the  Owner  of  the  Ship  in  which  he  goes:  This  Mr  Mason 

is  sent  over  at  the  Charge  of  the  Province  to  be  present  at  the  hear- 
ing on  the  Affair  of  the  Line,  and  therefore  the  Governour  & Coun- 
cil desire  that  you  would  answer  his  Draughts  on  you  for  a Sum  not 
exceeding  four  Guineas  for  the  Charges  of  his  coming  up  to  London. 

Your  humble  Servant 

Boston  July  24,  173d.  J Willard 

To  Francis  Wilks  Esqr  in  London 


[ Tripartite  Agreement,  April  6 , 1739.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  50.] 

Artlcles  of  Agreement  Tripartite  indented  made  concluded  & 
agreed  upon  the  sixth  day  of  April  in  the  twelfth  year  of  the  Reign 
of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 
Great  Britain  ffrance  & Ireland  king  Defender  of  the  ffaith  & so 
forth  & in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  & 
thirty  nine  Between  John  Tufton  Mason  of  Boston  in  New  England 
but  at  present  of  & residing  in  London  in  the  kingdom  of  Great 
Britain  Gentleman  of  the  first  part  .John  Rindge  Theodore  Atkin- 
son Andrew  Wiggin  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  Esquires  of  the  Sec- 
ond part  & John  Thomlinson  of  London  Merchant  of  the  third 
part 


13 


194 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Whereas  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  alledgeth  that  he  is  & 
claims  to  be  the  Eldest  Son  & heir  at  Law  of  John  Tufton  Mason  de- 
ceased the  Eldest  Son  & heir  of  Robert  Tufton  Mason  deceased  the 
Brother  & heir  of  John  Tufton  deceased  the  Eldest  Son  & heir  of 
Robert  Tufton  Mason  deceased  one  of  the  Grand  Sons  of  Captain 
John  Mason  heretofore  of  London  Esquire  deceased  & the  Devisee  in 
remainder  valued  & appointed  in  the  Will  of  the  said  Captain  John 
Mason  on  the  Decease  of  John  Tufton  Mason  the  other  Grandson 
of  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  & Elder  Brother  of  the  said  last 
mentioned  John  Tufton  Mason  without  Issue  both  Children  of  Ann 
the  only  Daughter  of  the  said  Captain  John  Mason  by  John  Tufton 
Esquire  her  husband  and  whereas  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason 
party  hereto  in  the  right  aforesaid  alledgeth  that  he  is  & claimeth  to 
be  well  entitled  by  or  under  some  or  several  Letters  Patents  from  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain  & some  or  several  Grants  from  the  Patentees 
or  otherways  to  a certain  Tract  of  Land  in  New  England  called  New 
m mpshire  lying  upon  the  Sea  ("oast  between  the  Rivers  of  Naum- 
keck  & Pascattaway  & running  up  into  the  Land  Westward  three 
score  Miles  with  all  the  islands  lying  within  ffive  Leagues  distance  of 
anv  part  -thereof  & also  the  South  half  of  the  Isles  of  shooles  or  to 
such  part  of  the  said  premisses  as  hath  not  been  legally  & in  due  form 
of  law  sold  disposed  or  conveyed  away  by  any  of  the  Ancestors  of 
him  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  And  whereas  the  Government  of 
the  said  Province  of  New  hampshire  by  Virtue  of  some  Grant  or 
Grants  from  the  Crown  or  otherways  & the  said  John  Ringe  Theo- 
dore Atkinson  Andrew  YViggin  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Went- 
worth partys  hereto  & several  other  persons  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Province  by  Virtue  of  some  Grants  or  Conveyances  from  the  said 
Government  of  New  hampshire  or  otherways  have  acquired  or  claim 
to  have  a Right  to  sundry  large  Tracts  of  Land  within  the  said 
Province  they  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore  Atkinson  Andrew  Wig- 
gin  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  & also  sundry  such  other 
persons  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Province  have  at  a very  great 
Expence  cleared  built  & made  Settlements  upon  the  Lands  in  their 
respective  occupations  Now  these  presents  witness  that  for  the 
quieting  the  Government  of  the  said  Province  & the  said  John  Ringe 
Theodore  Atkinson  Andrew  YViggin  George  Jefferys  & Benning 
Wentworth  & the  other  Inhabitants  of  & so  settled  in  the  said 
Province  in  the  possession  of  the  several  lands  & premises  of  which 
they  by  themselves  or  their  Tenants  are  now  possessed  & for  con- 
firming their  respective  Rights  therein  & for  & in  Consideration  of 
the  Sum  of  Seven  pounds  seven  Shillings  of  lawful!  tnonv  of  Great 
Britain  to  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  John 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


195 


Tbomlinson  party  hereto  as  Agent  for  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore 
Atkinson  Andrew  Wiggin  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth 
the  other  partys  hereto  the  receipt  whereof  the  said  John  Tufton 
Mason  doth  hereby  acknowledge  & also  for  & in  Consideration  of  the 
Sum  of  One  thousand  pounds  Current  mony  of  the  said  province  of 
New  Hampshire  to  be  paid  to  him  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  by 
the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore  Atkinson  Andrew  Wiggin  George 
Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  or  the  Government  of  the  said  prov- 
ince as  is  herein  after  mentioned  he  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason 
hath  covenanted  promised  & agreed  & hereby  Doth  for  himself  his 
heirs  Executors  & Administrators  covenant  promise  & agiee  to  & 
with  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore  Atkinson  Andrew  Wiggain 
George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  their  heirs  & Assigns  in 
manner  & form  following  that  is  to  say  that  in  Case  the  Government 
of  the  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  however  named  or  di  tin- 
guished  or  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore  Atkinson  Andrew  Wig- 
gans  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
or  any  or  either  of  them  within  Twelve  Calendar  Months  after  the 
said  province  of  New  Hampshire  shall  be  confirmed  declared  or 
made  to  be  a distinct  & scperate  Government  tfrom  the  Province  of 
the  Masathusets  Bay  do  & shall  well  & truly  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid 
unto  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  his  heirs  or  Assigns  the  Sum  of 
One  thousand  pounds  Current  money  of  the  said  province  that  then 
& in  such  case  he  the  said  John  'Tufton  Mason  his  heirs  or  Assigns 
at  the  Cost  & Charges  in  the  Law  of  the  party  or  partys  requiring 
the  same  & in  due  form  of  Law  as  shall  be  required  by  the  C*  uncel 
learned  in  the  Law  of  such  party  or  partys  shall  & will  well  & suf- 
ficiently release  or  otherways  convey  unto  the  Government  of  the 
said  province  by  such  name  or  description  as  shall  be  in  that  behalf 
thought  proper  or  advised  & unto  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore 
Atkinson  Andrew  Wiggin  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth 
their  heirs  & Assigns  & unto  such  other  person  & persons  & his  & 
their  heirs  & Assigns  as  shall  then  be  in  possession  of  any  Lands 
tenements  & hereditaments  within  the  said  Province  bv  or  under 
Title  derived  from  or  under  the  Government  of  the  said  Province  or 
any  person  or  persons  in  Trust  for  the  said  Government  All  the 
Estate  right  title  Interest  property  benefit  Claim  & demand  whatso- 
ever both  in  Law  & Equity  of  him  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  his 
heirs  & Assigns  in  to  or  out  of  All  & singular  the  Lands  tenements 
& hereditaments  scituate  within  the  said  province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire of  which  the  government  of  the  said  Province  by  whatsoever 
name  distinguished  or  any  other  person  or  persons  in  Trust  for  the 
said  Government  or  of  which  the  said  John  Ilindge  Theodore  Atkin- 


196 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


son  Andrew  Wiggain  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth  their 
heirs  or  Assigns  or  of  which  any  other  person  or  persons  under  title 
derived  from  or  under  or  In  Trust  for  the  Government  of  the  said 
Province  shall  severally  & respectively  be  by  themselves  or  their 
Tenants  possessed  provided  always  & Subject  nevertheless  to  a 
Condition  that  in  all  & every  future  Grants  that  shall  be  made  from 
& after  the  payment  of  the  said  Sum  of  One  thousand  pounds  of  any 
Waste  Lands  not  thentofore  granted  or  allotted  to  any  person  or 
persons  there  be  always  granted  & Allotted  unto  the  said  John  Tuf- 
ton  Mason  his  Heirs  & Assigns  a Lot  or  share  equal  in  proportion  to- 
any  other  party  or  partys  to  or  amongst  whom  such  Grant  or  Allott- 
ment  shall  be  made  or  given  And  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  doth 
hereby  for  himself  his  Heirs  Executors  & Administrators  further 
covenant  promise  & agree  to  & with  the  said  John  Ringe  Theodore' 
Atkinson  Andrew  Wiggain  George  Jefferys  & Benning  Wentworth 
their  Heirs  & Assigns  that  he  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  & his 
heirs  & all  & every  other  person  or  persons  lawfully  claiming  or  to 
claim  by  from  or  under  him  the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  or  his 
Heirs  anv  Estate  Right  Title  or  Interest  in  to  or  out  of  the  premisses 
hereby  agreed  to  be  released  & conveyed  shall  & will  at  all  or  any 
times  hereafter  at  the  Costs  & Charges  in  the  law  of  party  or  partys 
requiring  the  same  make  do  & execute  all  & every  such  further  Acts 
Deeds  matters  & things  for  the  further  & better  establishing  & con- 
firming the  Agreement  hereby  made  as  by  the  Councel  learned  in 
the  law  and  of  such  party  or  partys  shall  be  in  that  behalf  reason- 
ably advised  or  required  In  Witness  whereof  the  partys  first  above 
nam^d  have  to  these  present  Indentures  interchangeably  set  their 
hands  & Seals  the  day  & year  first  above  written — 

John  Tufton  [seal]  Mason 

Sealed  & delivered  (being  first  duly  stamped)  in  the  presence 

of 

Wm  Richardson 
Edwd  Montagu 

[Endorsed]  Dated  the  6 day  of  April  1739 

Mr  John  Tufton  Mason  & I 

John  Rindge  Theodore  Atkinson  > Articles 
& others  Esqr8  ) 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


19T 


[Massachusetts  Committee  to  Interview  John  Tufton  Mason , June 

29,  1739. ] 

[Mass.  Archives.  Vol.  5,  p.  120.] 

In  Council  June  29,  1739. 

Whereas  it  is  reported  that  John  Tufton  Mason  who  went  for 
Great  Britain  the  last  Fall  on  the  Affair  of  the  Boundaries  be- 
tween this  Province  and  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  on  the 
Charge  of  this  Province  is  returned  hither,  altho  he  has  given  no 
Accfc  to  this  Government  of  his  Conduct  in  the  Affair  above  men- 
tioned nor  of  his  Expence  of  the  Money  he  has  received  by  the 
Order  of  this  Court  for  defraying  his  Charges. 

Ordered  that  Wm  Dudley,  Antli0  Stoddard,  Tho.  Berry  & Benja 
Lynde  Esqrs  with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by  the  Honble  House  of 
Representves  be  a Committee  to  enquire  of  the  said  Mason  of  the 
Matters  aforesd  & report  thereon.  Sent  down  for  concurrence. 

J Willard  Sec’ry 

In  the  House  of  Repves  June  29,  1739 

Read  & Concurd  & John  Chandler  Esqr,  Mr  Thos  Cushing  Joseph 
Dwight  Thomas  Greaves  & George  Bunker  Esqrs  Are  joined  in  the 
affair 

J Quincy  Spkr 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Oct.  30,  1744.] 

His  Excelency  Sent  the  Secretary  to  the  House  with  the  Agree- 
ment made  between  Mr  Thomlinson  & others  & Mr  Tufton  Mason 
for  their  Perusal  & Consideration — 


[H  ouse  Journal,  l)ec.  19,  1 1 44.] 

Wednesday  xr  the  19th  A D 1744  the  House  met 
Mr  Secry  Bro1  a Messa  viz  that  Mr  Prescot  was  in  Town  and  made 
out  his  Claime  to  some  Small  Arms — & to  Know  if  the  House  would 
pay  for  them  or  Els  he  must  return  ym  and  to  Know  what  the 
House  would  do  abl  the  Deed  of  Mr  Mason — 


198 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason , Feb.  18 , 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  51.] 

To  his  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  Governour  & 
commander  in  cheif  in  & over  His  Majesty’s  Province  of  N Hamshr 
To  the  Honourable  His  Majesty’s  concill  for  said  Province  and 
House  of  Representatives  in  Generali  Assembly  Convened  Febry 
18th  1745— 

The  Memorial  of  John  Tufton  Mason  of  Portsmouth  in  the 
Province  of  N Hampshire  Gentleman  Most  Humbly  shews  that  on 
the  Sixth  day  of  April  178 ) [1789]  Your  Memorialist  of  the  first 
Part,  John  Rindge  Esqr  (now  deceas’d)  and  others  of  the  Second 
Part,  and  John  Thomlinson  of  London  Merchant  of  the  third  part, 
Did  enter  into  Articles  of  Agreement  Tripartite  by  way  of  Inden- 
ture (one  part)  of  which  namely  that  Signed  by  your  Memorialist 
is  herewith  presented,  the  Substance  whereof  is,  that  whereas  the 
Said  John  Thomlinson,  had  before  the  Date  of  said  Articles  of 
Agreement,  as  Agent  for  the  said  John  Rindge  & others  paid  unto 
your  Memorialist  Seven  Pounds  seven  shillings  Lawfull  money  of 
Great  Brittain,  and  upon  the  said  John  Rindge  and  others  or  the 
Gover’ment  of  N — Hampshire,  within  twelve  calender  Months  after 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshr  should  be  confirmed  Declared  or 
made  A Distinct  and  Seperate  Goverment  from  the  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay,  paying  unto  your  Memorialist  one  thousand 
pounds  Currant  money  of  said  Province  of  N — Hampshire,  Your 
Memorialist  did  covenant  and  Agree  to  convey  unto  the  Gover- 
ment of  N — Hampshire  all  his  Estate  Right  Title  Interest  Property 
Benefit  claim  and  Demand  whatsoever  both  in  Law  & Equity  unto 
any  Lands  in  New  Hampshire  aforesd  heretofore  Granted  unto  one 
capt  John  Mason  (Long  since)  deceasd  with  a Proviso  that  in  all 
future  Grants  or  Allotments  to  be  made  of  any  of  the  Wast  Lands 
therein  conteined  Your  Memorialists  his  heirs  or  Assigns  should 
have  an  Equall  Share  or  proportion  to  any  other  Party  or  Portys 
to  or  amongst  whom  such  grant  or  allotment  should  be  made  or 
given  as  bv  the  said  Articles  of  Agreement  may  at  Learge  appear, 
and  Your  Memorialist  humbly  begs  leave  also  further  to  Observe, 
that  the  Province  of  N — Hampshire  hath  been  declared  and  made 
A Distinct  & Seperate  Goverment  from  the  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  for  more  then  four  Years  past  and  y*  your  Memorialist 
hath  ever  since  and  still  is  ready  on  his  part  to  comply  with  and  per- 
form his  covenants  and  agreements  aforesrt,  Yet  nothing  hath  been 
done  b}T  the  Goverment  of  N — HampslF  relateing  to  the  said  Arti- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


199 


cles  of  agreement  that  your  Memorialist  hath  come  to  the  Knowl- 
edge of  Notwithstanding,  as  your  Memorialists  has  been  Informed, 
His  Excellency  the  Governour  of  this  Province,  some  considerable 
time  since  Laid  this  Affair  before  the  Honourable  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  this  Province  for  their  consideration  Wherefore  as 
your  Memorialist  expect  in  A Short  time  to  be  called  away  on  his 
Majesty’s  Service.  He  most  humbly  Prays  that  your  Excellency  & 
Honours  will  be  pleased  to  Come  to  a Determination  concerning  the 
Premises,  That  he  may  Discharge  himself  honourably  both  to  the 
Province  and  Mr  agent  Thomlinson  and  that  your  Memorialist  may 
be  at  Libert}7  to  make  such  advantages  as  the  nature  of  his  Claim 
will  admit  of  without  being  cheargable  with  making  the  least  In- 
fraction on  his  Obligation  And  Your  Memorialist  as  in  Duty  Bound 
shall  ever  pray  &c. 

John  Tufton  Mason 

In  council  Febry  22d  1745  the  within  Petition  read  & Recom- 
ended 

Theodr  Atkinson  Secry 

In  council  May  7th  1746  read  again  & Recomended  & ordd  to  be 
sent  Down 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary 

Province  of  ) a true  Copy  Exam’cl 

N — Hampsh  ) D Peirce  Clk  of  Hou  Representatives 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Feb.  22,  1745/6.] 

Cap1  Tufton  Masons  Memorial  About  A Contract  made  with 
Mesrs  Thomlinson,  Rindge  & others  in  behalf  of  this  Governm1  for 
the  sd  Masons  Rights  &ca  Read  Recomended  & Sent  down  to  the 
House  bv  Mr  Sheaff 


[House  Journal,  May  7,  1746.] 

Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  being  admitted  into  ye  House  upon  his 
Desire  & represented  to  ye  House  yl  he  once  & again  had  requested 
ye  Houses  Determination  on  Certain  Articles  of  agreement  tripar- 
tite between  John  Thomlinson  Esqr  &c  & himself  & now  once  more 
pray'd  that  ye  House  would  forthwith  come  to  a Determination  & 
give  him  their  final  & conclusive  Answer 


200 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Lease,  Mason  to  Wibird  and  Solly , May  16,  1746.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  53.] 

This  Indenture  made  the  Sixteenth  Day  of  May  in  the  Nineteenth 
Year  of  the  Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the  Second  by  the 
Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of 
the  Faith  &ca  Annoq  Domini  1746 — Between  John  Tufton  Mason 
of  Portsmouth  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  Esqr  of  the  one 
part  & Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  both  of  Portsmouth  afore- 
said Esqrs  of  the  other  part  Witnesseth  That  the  Said  John  Tufton 
Mason  in  Consideration  of  Five  pounds  lawfull  money  of  Said 
Province  to  him  in  hand  paid  by  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  and 
Samuel  Solly  at  or  before  the  Sealing  & Delivery  of  these  Presents 
the  Receipt  whereof  he  doth  hereby  acknowledge  hath  bargained  & 
Sold  & by  these  Presents  Doth  bargain  & Sell  all  that  Tract  & 
parcel  of  Land  heretofore  called  by  the  Name  of  the  County  of  New 
Hampshire  or  New  Hampshire — lying  & being  within  the  Said 
Province  Containing  by  Estimation  one  hundred  thousand  acres 
more  or  Less  Bounded  as  follows  viz — Begining  at  the  Middle  of 
Naumkeek  River  from  thence  Runing  Eastward  along  the  Sea 
Coast  to  Cape  Ann  & round  about  the  Same  to  Piscataqua  Harbour 
and  so  forward  up  within  the  River  Newichawannock  & to  the 
farthest  head  thereof  & from  thence  North  Westwards  till  Sixty 
Miles  are  Finished  from  the  first  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour 
And  also  from  Naumkeek  through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the 
Land  West  Sixtj^  Miles  & from  that  Period  to  Cross  over  Land  to 
the  Sixty  Miles  End  Accounted  from  Piscataqua  Harbour  as  afore- 
said and  all  the  Messuages  Tenements  & Hereditaments  thereof 
with  their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  Excepting  & Saving  out 
of  the  Said  Premisses  the  Townships  of  Portsmouth  Hampton 
Dover  Exeter  Stretham  & New  Castle  with  all  the  Parishes  Districts 
precincts  & Villages  within  the  Said  Townships  any  & every  of  them 
as  the  Said  Townships  Parishes  Districts  precincts  & Villages  are 
Limited  & Bounded  by  the  Acts  Orders  Records  Customs  & usages 
of  the  Said  Province  and  also  Excepting  all  that  part  of  Said  Prem- 
ises Contained  within  the  Bounds  & Limits  of  the  Townships  Called 
Salisbury  Almsbury  Haverhill  Methuen  & Dracut  any  & every  of 
them  which  is  Situate  within  the  Said  Province  with  all  & Singular 
the  Messuages  Tenements  & Hereditaments  Appertaining  & belong- 
ing to  any  & every  of  the  Sd  Excepted  premises  & every  part  & 
parcel  thereof  with  their  & every  of  their  Rights  members  Privileges 
& Appurtenances  with  all  Mines  Minerals  Rivers  Streams  ways 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


201 


Easements  Privileges  Profits  & Commodities  to  the  Said  Granted  & 
Released  premises  belonging  or  in  anywise  appertaining  & all  the 
Estate  Right  title  Interest  & property  of  the  Said  John  Tufton 
Mason  in  & to  the  Said  premises  & every  part  & parcel  thereof 
with  the  Reversion  & Reversions  Remainder  & Remainders  Rents 
& Services  thereof  or  Incident  thereto  the  Said  County  with  all  the 
Messuages  Lands  Tenements  Hereditaments  & all  & Singular  the 
Said  Granted  premises  with  their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  to 
them  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  To  have  & to  hold 
the  Said  County  with  all  ye  Messuages  Lands  Tenements  & Heredi- 
taments & all  & Singular  other  the  Premisses  herein  before  men- 
tioned or  intended  to  be  hereby  bargained  & Sold  with  their  & every 
of  their  Rights  members  & Appurtenances  unto  the  Said  Richard 
Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  their  Executors  Administrators  and  Assigns 
from  the  Day  next  before  the  Day  of  the  Date  of  these  presents  for 
& During  the  Term  of  one  whole  Year  from  thence  next  ensuing  & 
fully  to  be  compleat  and  ended  Yielding  & paying  therefore  unto 
the  said  John  Tufton  Mason  his  Heirs  & Assigns  the  Rent  of  one 
peper  Corn  only  on  the  last  Day  of  the  Said  Term  if  the  Same  Shall 
be  Demanded  To  the  Intent  & purpose  that  by  Virtue  of  these 
presents  & of  the  Statute  For  transferring  Uses  into  Possession  the 
Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  may  be  in  the  actual  Possession 
of  all  & Singular  the  Said  hereby  bargained  Premisses  with  their 
Appurtenances  & may  ther’bv  be  enabled  to  accept  and  take  a Grant 
or  release  of  the  Reversion  & Inheritance  thereof  to  them  & their 
Heirs  in  Such  Manner  and  for  Such  uses  intents  & purposes  as  the 
Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Doth  intend  to  grant  or  release  the  Same 
by  Indenture  intended  to  bear  Date  the  Day  next  after  the  Day  of 
the  Date  of  these  Presents  Witness,  my  hand  & Seal  the  Day  & 
Year  first  above  written — 

Signed  Sealed  & Jn°  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Deliver'd  in  presence 
of  us  the  words 
Soil//  both  being  first 
Interlin’d  also  the  Werds, 
as  aforesaid,  & Exeter. 

William  Parker 

D Peirce 

Province  of  ) May  the  20th  Day  1746  then  the  above  named 

New  Hampshr  ( John  Tufton  Mason  Personally  appearing  ac- 
knowledged this  Instrument  to  be  his  voluntary  act  & Deed  Before 
Will  iam  Parker  Justice  of  the  Peace — 


202 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Indenture  for  Docking  the  Entail , May  17 } 17I±6.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.l,  p.  52.] 

This  Indenture  Tripartite  made  the  Seventeenth  Day  of  May  in 
the  Nineteenth  Year  of  the  Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the 
Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca  Annoq  Domini  1746 — Between  John  Tuf- 
ton  Mason  of  Portsmouth  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  Esqr 
of  the  first  part  & Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  both  of  Ports- 
mouth aforesaid  Esqrs  of  the  Second  part  & John  Wentworth  of 
Portsmouth  aforesaid  EsqIS  of  the  third  part  Witnesseth  That  the 
Said  John  Tufton  Mason  for  the  Docking  barring  & cutting  off  all 
Estates  Tail  & Remainders  in  Tail  of  & in  the  Messuages  Lands 
buildings  Mills  Streams  tenements  & Hereditaments  herein  after 
Mention’d  & Described  & for  the  Settling  & Assuring  of  the  Same 
to  & for.  the  Uses  Intents  & purposes  herein  after  Limited  expiessed 
and  Declared  & in  Consideration  of  five  pounds  lawfull  money  to 
him  in  hand  paid  by  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  the 
Receipt  whereof  is  hereby  Acknowledged  & for  Divers  other  Good 
Causes  & Considerations  hereunto  moving  he  the  Said  John  Tufton 
Mason  Hath  Granted  Bargained  Sold  Remised  Released  Convey’d  & 
Confirmed  & by  these  Presents  Doth  giant  bargain  Sell  Remise  Re- 
lease Convey  & Confirm  unto  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel 
Solly  (in  their  actual  Possession  now  being  by  Virtue  of  a bargain 
Sale  thereof  to  them  made  by  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  by  In- 
denture Dated  the  Day  next  before  the  Day  of  the  Date  of  these 
Presents  for  one  Year  from  the  Day  next  before  the  Date  of  the 
Same  Indenture  in  Consideration  of  five  pounds  lawfull  money  paid 
by  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  to  the  Said  John  Tuf- 
ton Mason  (&  by  Force  of  the  Statute  for  transferring  uses  into  Pos- 
session) All  that  Tract  & parcel  of  Land  heretofore  called  by  the 
Name  of  the  County  of  new  Hampshire  or  New  Hampshire  lying  & 
being  within  the  Said  Province  Containing  by  Estimation  one  hun- 
dred thousand  acres  more  or  Less  Bounded  as  follows  viz  Begining 
at  the  Middle  of  Naumkeek  River  from  thence  runing  Eastward 
along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Ann  & round  about  the  Same  to  Piscat- 
aqua  Harbour  & So  forward  up  within  the  River  Newichawannock 
& to  the  farthest  head  thereof  & from  thence  Northwestwards  till 
Sixty  Miles  are  finished  from  the  first  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  Har- 
bour and  also  from  Naumkeek  thro’  the  River  thereof  up  into  the 
Land  WestSixty^  Miles  from  which  Period  to  Cross  Over  Land  to 
the  Sixty  Miles  End  Accounted  from  Piscataqua  Harbour  as  afore- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


203 


said  & all  the  Messuages  Tenements  & Hereditaments  thereof  with 
their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  Excepting  & Saving  out  of  the 
Said  Premisses  the  Townships  of  Portsmouth  Hampton  Dover  Exeter 
Stretham  & New  Castle  with  all  the  Parishes  Districts  precincts  & 
Villages  within  the  Said  Townships  any  & every  of  them  as  the  Said 
Townships  Parishes  Districts  precincts  & Villages  are  Limited  & 
Bounded  by  the  Acts  orders  Records  Customs  & usages  of  the  Sd 
Province  & also  Excepting  all  that  part  of  Said  premises  Contained 
within  the  bounds  & Limites  of  the  Townships  called  Salisbury 
Almsbury  Haverhill  Methuen  and  Dracut  any  & every  of  them 
which  is  Situate  within  the  Said  Province  with  all  & Singular  the 
Messuages  tenements  & Hereditaments  Appertaining  & belonging 
to  any  & every  of  the  Said  Excepted  premises  & every  part  & par- 
cel thereof  with  their  & every  of  their  Rights  Members  Privileges  & 
Appurtenances  with  all  Mines  Minerals  Rivers  Streams  Ways  Ease- 
ments Privileges  Profits  & Commodities  to  the  Said  Granted  & Re- 
leased premises  belonging  or  in  anywise  Appertaining  & all  the- 
Estate  Right  title  Interest  & property  of  the  Said  John  Tufton 
Mason  in  & to  the  Said  premises  & every  part  & parcel  thereof  with 
the  Reversion  & Reversions  Remainder  & Remainders  Rents  & Ser- 
vices thereof  or  Incident  thereto  To  Have  & to  Hold  the  Said 
County  with  all  the  Messuages  Lands  Tenements  Hereditaments  & 
all  & Singular  the  Said  Granted  premises  with  their  & every  of  their 
Appurtenances  to  them  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly 
their  Heirs  & Assigns  To  the  use  & Behoof  of  them  the  Said  Rich- 
ard Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  their  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  Yet  never- 
theless to  the  Intent  that  by  Virtue  of  the  Said  Indenture  of  Bargain 
& Sale  & of  these  Presents  they  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel 
Solly  may  become  good  & perfect  tenants  of  the  immediate  Freehold 
& Inheritance  of  all  & Singular  the  Said  County  with  all  the  Mes- 
sauges  Lands  Tenements  Hereditaments  & all  A Singular  the  Said 
Granted  premises  with  their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  against 
whom  a Common  Recovery  may  be  had  perfected  and  executed  in 
Such  manner  as  is  herein  after  mentioned.  And  thereupon  it  is 
Covenanted  Concluded  & agreed  by  and  between  all  the  Said  Partys 
to  these  Presents  for  themselves  their  and  every  of  their  heirs  by 
these  presents  in  manner  following  that  is  to  Say  that  they  the  Said 
Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  Shall  & will  permit  and  Suffer  the 
Said  John  Wentworth  to  Sue  forth  & prosecute  against  them  the 
Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  one  Writ  of  Entry  on  Dissei- 
sin in  tlie  Post  returnable  before  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Infe- 
riour  Court  of  Common  Pleas  at  Portsmouth  aforesaid  on  the  first 
Thursday  next  following  the  first  TuesDay  of  June  next  thereby 


204 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Demanding  against  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  the 
Said  County  with  all  the  Messuages  Lands  Tenements  Heredita- 
ments &all  & Singular  the  Said  Granted  premises  with  their  & every 
of  their  Appurtenances  thereto  belonging  or  in  any  manner  Apper- 
taining by  Such  name  & names  number  of  Acres  Quantitys  Qualitys 
Terms  & Discriptions  in  the  Said  Writ  to  be  contain’d  & in  Such 
manner  & form  as  by  Counsel  Learn'd  in  the  Law  Shall  be  Advised 
unto  & upon  which  Said  Writ  of  Entry  so  to  be  Prosecuted  & Sued 
forth  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  Shall  appear  Gratis 
and  vouch  to  Warranty  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  who  Shall 
appear  Either  in  Person  or  by  Attorney  lawfully  Authorized  & enter 
into  Said  Warranty  and  after  his  entry  into  Warranty  Shall  vouch 
over  to  warranty  the  Common  Vouchee  who  Shall  likewise  appear 
and  enter  into  the  Said  Warranty  & Imparl  and  after  Imparlance 
make  Default  & Depart  in  Contempt  of  the  Court  so  that  Judgment 
may  be  thereupon  had  & given  for  the  Said  John  Wentworth  to  re- 
cover the  Said  County  with  all  the  Messuages  Lands  Tenements 
Hereditaments  & all  & Singular  the  Said  Granted  premises  with 
their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  thereto  belonging  or  in  any 
wise  appertaining  against  the  said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly 
& for  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  to  recover  in  value 
against  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  & the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason 
to  recover  in  value  against  the  Common  Vouchee  to  the  end  one  per- 
fect Common  Recovery  with  Double  Voucher  may  be  thereupon  had 
and  Suffered  and  all  & every  other  thing  & Things  be  done  & per- 
fected needfull  & Convenient  for  the  having  and  Suffering  the  same 
Recovery  according  to  the  Course  of  Common  Recoverys  in  Such 
Cases  used  & the  Same  recovery  is  also  to  be  executed  by  one  Writ  of 
Harbere  facias  Seisinam  Accordingly.  And  it  is  hereby  further  Cov- 
enanted Concluded  & agreed  by  & between  all  the  Partys  to  these 
Presents  for  themselves  and  their  Heirs  & every  of  them  that  the 
Said  Recover}7  so  as  aforesaid  or  in  any  other  manner  to  be  had  & 
Sufferd  of  the  Said  County  with  all  the  Messuages  Lands  Tenements 
Hereditaments  & all  & Singular  the  Said  Granted  premises  with 
their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances  thereto  belonging  or  in  any 
manner  appertaining  Shall  be  and  Enure  & Shall  be  Deemed  Ad- 
judged & taken  & is  meant  and  intended  & by  all  the  Said  Partys  to 
these  Presents  is  hereby  Declared  to  be  and  enure  and  the  Said  John 
Wentworth  & his  heirs  from  & Immediately  after  the  perfecting  the 
Same  Shall  stand  Seized  of  all  and  Singular  the  Said  County  with 
all  the  Messuages  Lands  Tenements  Hereditaments  & all  & Singular 
the  Said  Granted  premises  with  their  & every  of  their  Appurtenances 
thereto  belonging  or  in  any  manner  appertaining  to  & for  the  only 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


205 


proper  use  Benefit  & Behoof  of  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  his 
heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  & to  & for  none  other  use  Intent  or  purpose 
whatsoever — 

In  Witness  whereof  the  Partvs  to  these  Presents  have  hereunto 
interchangably  Set  their  hands  & Seals  the  Da}7  & Year  first  Writ- 
ten 

Sign'd  Seald  & De-  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

liver’d  in  Presence  of 
us  the  words  both 
John  Exeter  his  being 
first  Interlin’d 

William  Parker 

D Peirce 

Province  of  New  Hampshire 

Portsmouth  May  the  20th  Day  1746  then  John  Tufton  Mason 
within  named  Personally  Appealing  acknowledged  this  Instrument 
to  be  his  Voluntary  Act  & Deed  Before 

William  Parker  Justice  of  the  peace 


Recovery  by  John  Wentworth , 7?^£.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  55.] 

Prove  of  ) George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brit- 
New  Hampr  | ain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ct 
To  the  Sheriff  of  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  his  under  Sheriff 
or  Deputy — Greeting. 

We  Command  you  that  you  Summon  Richard  Wibird  & 
[Seal]  Samuel  Solly  both  of  Portsmouth  within  our  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  Esqrs,  (if  they  may  be  found  in  your  Pre- 
cinct). to  appear  before  our  Justices  of  our  Inier  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  to  be  holden  at  Portsmouth  within  and  for  our  Said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  on  the  first  Thursday  Next  following  the  first 
Tuesday  of  dune  next  then  and  there  in  our  Said  Court  to  Answer 
unto  John  Wentworth  of  Portsmouth  a fores'1  Esqr  in  a Plea  of 
Entry  upon  a Disseizen  in  the  Post  wherein  lie  Demands  of  them  all 
that  Tract  & Parcel  of  Land  heretofore  Called  by  the  name  of  the 
County  of  New  Hampshire  or  New  Hampshire  Lying  & being  within 
our  Said  Province  Containing  by  Estimation  one  Hundred  Thousand 
Acres  more  or  Less  Bounded  as  follows  (V  iz1)  Begining  at  the  mid- 
dle part  of  Naumkeck  River  from  thence  Runing  Eat  ward  along  the 


206 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Ann  & Round  about  the  Same  to  Piscataqua  Har- 
bour and  So  forward  up  within  the  River  Newichawannock  & to  the 
farthest  head  thereof  & from  thence  North  Westwards  Till  Sixty- 
miles  are  fimiished  from  the  first  Enterance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour 
and  also  from  Naumkeek  through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land 
West  Sixty  Miles  from  which  Period  to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty 
miles  End  accounted  from  Piscataqua  Harbour  as  aforesaid  and  all 
the  messuages  Tenements  and  Hereditaments  thereof  with  their  & 
Every  of  their  appurtenances  Excepting  & Saveing  out  of  the  Said 
Premises  the  Townships  of  Portsmouth  Hampton  Dover  Exeter 
S treat  hem  & New  Castle  with  all  the  Parrishes  Districts  Precincts  & 
Villages  within  the  Said  Townships  any  and  Every  of  them  as  the 

5 lid  Townships  Parrishes  Districts  Precincts  & Villages  are  Limited 

6 Bounded  by  the  Acts  Orders  Records  Customs  & usages  of  our 
Said  Province  and  also  Excepting  all  that  Part  of  Said  Premises 
Contained  within  the  Bounds  & Limits  of  the  Townships  Called 
Salisbury  Almsbury  Haverhill  methuen  & Dracutt  any  & Every  of 
them  which  is  Situate  within  our  Said  Province  with  all  & Singuler 
the  M assuages  Tenements  & Hereditaments  appertaining  & belong- 
ing to  Any  & Every  of  the  Said  Excepted  Premises  and  Every  Part 
& Parcel  thereof  with  their  & Every  of  their  Rights  members  Prev- 
eledges  & appurtenanc  s into  which  Premises,  (Excepting  as  before 
Excepted)  they  the  Said  Richard  & Samuel  have  no  Entry  but  after 
a Disseizen  wch  Hugh  Hunt  thereof  unjustly  & without  Judgement 
Committed  Against  him  within  Twenty  years  Last  past  & whereof 
Iih  Complaineth  that  the  said  Richard  & Samuel  still  unjustly 
Deforce  him  and  whereupon  he  Saith  that  he  himself  was  Seized  of 
the  Said  County  of  New  Hampshire  Lands  Tenements  and  Heredi- 
taments afores'1  with  the  appurtunances  (Except  as  before  Excepted) 
in  his  own  Right  as  of  his  Inheritance  & Right  in  a Peaceable  time 
in  our  Reign  taking  the  Proffitt  thereof  to  the  Value  of  Three 
Thousand  Pounds  a year  and  into  wch  the  Said  Richard  & Samuel 
have  no  Entry  but  after  the  Disseizen  which  Hugh  Hunt  thereof 
u 11  justly  & without  Judgement  Committed  Against  him  within 
Twe  itv  years  Last  past  & whereof  they  unjustly  Deforce  him  & 
thereupon  he  brings  this  Suit  and  have  you  there  this  Writ  with 
your  doings  therein  Wittness  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  at  Portsmouth 
the  Twentieth  Day  of  may  in  the  19th  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque 
Domini  1746 — 


H Wentworth  Cler 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


207 


Prove  of  ) may  20th  1746.  I Summoned  the  within  named 
New  Hampr  \ Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  to  appear  & an- 
swer according  to  the  Tenor  of  this  Writ  by  Reading  the  Same  to 
them 

Thos  Packer  Sherrf 

A True  Copy  att:  H Wentworth  Cler 

John  Wentworth 


Prove  of  / At  His  Majesty5*  Infer  Court  of  Com’on  Pleas 

New  Hampr  j Holden  at  Portsm0  In  & for  Said  Province  on  the 

First  Thursday  Next  following  the  First  Tuesday 
in  June  being  the  5th  Dav  of  Said  month  1746 — 

O X/ 


The  Honble 


Present 


< 


(Theodore  Atkinson 
I William  Moor 


Joseph  Pei  i ce 


(Daniel  Warner 


i 

V 

I 

) 


Esqrs  Just8 


John  Wentworth  of  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshr 
Esqr  Pla4  advs 

Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solley  of  Said  Portsmouth  in  Said 
Province  Esqrs  Defts — 

In  a Plea  of  Entry  upon  a Diseizen  in  the  Post  wherein  he 
Demands  of  them  all  that  Tract  & Parcell  of  Land  heretofore  Called 
by  the  name  of  the  County  of  New  Hampr  or  New  Hampshire  Ly- 
ing and  being  within  the  Said  Province  Containing  by  Estamation 
One  Hundred  Thousand  Acres  more  or  Less  Bounded  as  follows 
(Viz1)  Begining  at  the  Middle  of  Naumkeek  River  from  thence  Run- 
ning Eastward  a Long  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Ann  & Round  about 
the  Same  to  Piscataqua  Harbour  & so  forward  up  within  the  River 
Newichawonnock  & to  the  farthest  head  thereof  & from  thence 
North  Westwards  Till  Sixty  miles  are  finished  from  the  first  En- 
trance of  Piscataqua  Harbour,  and  also  from  Naumkeek  through  the 
River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West  Sixty  miles  from  which  Period 
to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty  miles  End  accounted  from  Piscata- 
qua Harbour  as  aforesaid  and  all  the  Messuages  Tenements  & Heri- 
xlitaments  thereof  with  their  and  Every  of  their  Appurtenances  Ex- 
cepting & Saveing  out  of  the  Said  Premises  the  Townships  of  Ports- 
mouth Hampton  Dover  Exeter,  Streathem  & New  Castle  with  all  the 
Parrishes  Districts  Precincts  and  Villages  within  the  Said  Town- 


ships Any  and  Every  of  them  as  the  S 


,l  Townships 


Parrishes  Dis- 


tricts Precincts  & Villages  are  Limmitted  and  Bounded  by  the  Acts 


I 


208  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

Orders  Records  Customs  & useages  of  our  Said  Province  and  also 
Excepting  all  that  Part  of  Said  Promises  Contained  within  the 
Bounds  & Limmitts  of  the  Townships  Called  Salisbury  Almsbury 
Haverhill  Methuen  & Dracutt  Any  and  Every  of  them  wch  is  Situate 
within  our  Said  Province  with  all  and  Singular  the  Messuages  Tene- 
ments & Hereditaments  Appertaining  and  belonging  to  any  and 
Every  of  the  Said  Excepted  Premises  & Every  Part  and  Parcel 
thereof  with  their  and  Every  of  their  Rights  members  Piiveledges 
and  appurtunances  into  which  Premises  Excepting  as  before  Ex- 
cepted they  the  Said  Richard  & Samuel  have  no  Entry  but  after  a 
Disseizen  wch  Hugh  Hunt  thereof  unjustly  and  without  Judgement 
Committed  against  him  within  Twenty  years  Last  past  & whereof 
he  Complaineth  that  the  Said  Richard  & Samuel  still  unjustly  De- 
force him  & whereupon  he  Saith  that  he  himself  was  Seized  of  the 
Said  County  of  New  Hampr  Lands  Tenements  & Heriditaments 
aforesaid  with  the  appurtunances  (Except  as  before  Excepted.)  in 
his  own  Right  as  of  his  Inheritance  & Right  in  a Peaceable  time  in 
our  Reign  Takeing  the  Proffitt3  thereof  to  the  Value  of  Three  Thou- 
sand Pounds  a year  and  into  wch  the  Said  Richard  & Samuel  have 
no  Entry  but  after  the  Disseizen  which  Hugh  Hunt  thereof  unjustly 
& without  Judgement  Committed  Against  him  within  Twenty  years 
Last  Past  & whereof  they  unjustly  Deforce  him  & thereupon  he 
brings  this  Suit — 

And  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solley  come  Personely 
into  Court  and  Defend  their  Right  when  &t:t  and  Vouch  to  Warrant 
the  Said  Tract  of  Land  & Dountv  aforesd  with  all  the  Said  Mes- 
suages  Tenements  and  Heriditaments  with  their  and  Every  of  their 
Appurtunances  (Excepting  as  before  Excepted)  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqr 

Richard  Wibird 

Samuel  Sollev — 

*/ 

And  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  being  Present  here  in 
Court  in  His  own  Person  Freely  Warranteth  the  Said  Traet  of  Land 
& County  aforesd  with  all  the  Said  messuages  Tenements  and  Heri- 
ditaments with  their  & Every  of  their  Appurtunances  (Excepting 
as  before  Excepted)  to  them  their  Heirs  & Assignes  &ct — 

John  Tufton  Mason  — 

And  thereupon  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Demandeth  Against 
the.  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Tennant  by  his  Warranty  the  Said 
Tract  of  Land  & County  aforesaid  with  all  the  Said  Messuages 
Tenements  & Heriditaments  with  their  & Every  of  their  Appurtu- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


209 


nances  (Excepting  as  before  Excepted)  in  Form  afores'1  And  where- 
upon he  Saith  that  he  himself  was  Seized  of  the  Said  Tract  of  Land 
& County  aforesd  with  all  the  Said  Messuages  Tennements  & Heri- 
ditaments  with  their  & Every  of  their  Appurtunances  (Excepting  as 
aforesaid)  in  his  own  Right  as  of  his  Inheritance  & Right  in  a 
Peaceable  Time  of  the  Reign  of  our  Lord  the  King  that  now  is 
Takeing  the  Proflits  thereof  to  the  Value  of  Three  Thousand 
Pounds  a year  into  wch  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  had  no  Entry 
but  after  the  Diseizen  which  the  Said  Hugh  Hunt  thereof  unjustly  & 
without  Judgement  Committed  Against  him  within  Twenty  years 
Last  past  and  whereof  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Still  unjustly 
Deforceth  him  wherefore  he  brings  this  Suit — 

John  Wentworth — 

And  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Defendeth  his  Right  when  &ct 
and  further  Calletli  to  Warrant  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  & County 
aforesaid  with  all  the  Said  Messuages  Tenements  & Heriditaments 
with  their  and  Every  of  their  Appurtunances  (Excepting  as  before 
Excepted)  Michael  Ealker  who  is  Present  here  in  Court  in  his  own 
Person — John  Tufton  Mason — 

And  the  Said  Michael  Ealker  being  Present  in  Court  in  his  own 
Person  freely  Warranteth  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  & County  aforesa 
with  all  the  Said  messuages  Tenements  & Heriditaments  with  their 
& Every  of  their  Appurtunances,  Excepting  as  before  Excepted)  To 
the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  Michael  Falker — 

And  hereupon  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Demandeth  Against 
the  Said  Michael  Falker  Tenant  by  his  Warranty  the  Said  Tract  of 
Land  & County  afores'1  with  all  the  Said  Messuages  Tenements  and 
Heriditaments  with  their  and  Every  of  their  Appurtunances,  Except- 
ing as  before  Excepted)  in  form  aforesd  & hereupon  he  Saith  that  he 
himself  was  Seized  of  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  & County  afores11  with 
all  the  Said  Messuages  Tenements  & Heriditaments  with  their  and 
Every  of  their  appurtunances  Excepting  as  aforesaid)  in  his  own 
Right  as  of  his  Inheritance  & Right  in  a Peaceable  time  of  the 
Reign  of  our  Lord  the  King  that  now  in  Takeing  the  Proffitt  thereof 
to  the  Value  of  Three  Thousand  Pounds  a year  into  w('h  the  Said 
Michael  Falker  had  no  Entry  but  after  the  Diseizen  which  the  Said 
Hugh  Hunt  thereof  unjustly  & without  Judgement,  Committed 
Against  him  within  Twenty  years  Last  Past  & whereof  the  Said 
Michael  Falker  still  unjustly  Deforceth  him  wherefore  he  brings  this 
Suit — John  Wentworth — 


14 


210 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


And  the  aforesd  Michael  Falker  Tenant  by  his  Warranty  Defend- 
eth  his  Right  when  &et  and  Saith  that  the  aforesd  Hugh.  Hunt  did 
not  Disseize  the  aforesd  John  Wentworth  of  the  Said  Tract  of  Land 
& County  aforesd  with  all  the  Said  Messuages  Tenements  and  Heri- 
ditaments  with  their  & Every  of  their  appurtunances,  Excepting  as 
before  Excepted  as  the  Said  John  Wentworth  by  His  Writ  & Declar- 
ation aforesd  above  Supposeth  & of  this  he  Putteth  himself  on  the 
Country  &cfc 

Michael  Falker 


And  the  Said  John  Wentworth  asketh  Leave  therein  to  Imparle 
and  hath  it — 


Id  Wentworth  Cler 


And  afterwards  the  Said  John  Wentworth  came  again  into  Court 
this  Same  term  in  his  own  Person,  and  the  Said  Michael  Falker  Tho 
Solemnly  Called  Came  not  again  but  Departed  in  Contempt  of  the 
Court  and  made  Default.  Therefore  It  is  Considered  by  the  Court 
that  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Recover  his  Seizen  Against  the  Said 
Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solleyof  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  & County 
aforesd  with  all  the  Said  Messuages  Tenements  and  Heriditaments 
with  their  & Every  of  their  Appurtunances  Excepting  as  before  Ex- 
cepted) and  that  the  Said  Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  have  of 
the  Lands  of  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  to  the  Value  &ct  and  the 
Said  John  Tufton  Mason  have  Farther  of  the  Lands  of  the  Said 
Michael  Falker  to  the  Value  &ct  and  that  the  Said  Michael  Falker 
be  in  Mercy — 


And  hereupon  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Prayeth  the  Writ  of  the 
Lord  the  King  Directed  to  the  Sheriff  of  the  Said  Province  to 
Cause  him  to  have  full  Seizen  of  Said  Tract  of  Land  and  County 
aforesd  with  all  the  messuages  Tenements  & Heriditaments  with 
their  & Every  of  their  Appurtunances,  Except  as  ‘before  Excepted) 
and  it  is  Granted  to  him  Returnable  here  the  first  Thursday  Next 
following  the  First  Tuesday  of  September  Next — 

H Wentworth  Cler 


A Writ  of  Possession  Granted  26th  Day  of  July  1746,  Returned 
Septembr  1746.  full  Seizen  of  the  Foregoing  Premises  with  the  Mes- 
suages Tenements  Heriditaments  and  Appurtunances  &ct  given  to 
the  Said  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
A True  Copy  atP 


H Wentworth  Cler 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


211 


Prove  of 
New  Hamp1 

[seal] 


George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&ct — 

To  the  Sheriff  of  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
Greeting 

Know  you  that  John  Wentworth  of  Portsmouth 
in  Said  Province  Esqr  in  our  Infer  Court  of  Com’on  Pleas  Holden  at 
Portsm0  In  & for  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hamp1'  on  the  First 
Thursday  Next  following  the  First  Tuesday  of  June  Last  past  By 
the  Consideration  of  the  Same  Court  Recovered  his  Seizen  Against 
Richard  Wibird  & Samuel  Solly  both  of  Portsmouth  aforestl  within 
Our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Esqrs  of  all  that  Tract  or  Parcell 
of  Land  heretofore  Called  by  the  name  of  the  County  of  New  Hamp- 
shire or  New  Hampshire  Lying  and  being  within  our  Said  Province 
Containing  by  Estamation  One  Hundred  Thousand  Acres  more  or 
Less  Bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Begining  at  the  midle  of.Naumkeck 
River  from  thence  Runing  Eastward  along  the  Sea  Cost  to  Cape 
ann  and  Round  about  the  Same  to  Piscataqua  Harbour  and  So  for- 
ward up  within  the  River  Newichawonock  and  to  the  farthest  head 
thereof  & from  thence  Northwestward  till  Sixty  miles  are  finished 
from  the  first  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour  & also  from  Naum- 
keck  through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West  Sixty  Miles 
from  which  Period  to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty  miles  End 
accounted  from  Piscataqua  Harbour  as  aforesaid  and  all  the  mes- 
suages Tenements  & Heriditaments  thereof  with  their  & Every  of 
their  appurtunances  : Excepting  and  Saveing  out  of  the  Said  Prem- 
ises the  Townships  of  Portsmouth  Hampton  Dover  Exeter  Streathem 
& New  Castle  with  all  the  Parrishes  Districts  Precincts  and  Villages 
within  the  Said  Townships  Any  and  Every  of  them  as  the  Said 
Townships  Parrishes  Districts  Precincts  and  Villages  are  Limmitted 
and  Bounded  by  the  Acts  orders  Records  Customs  & usages  of  our 
Said  Province  and  also  Excepting  all  that  Part  of  Said  Primises  Con- 
tained within  the  Bounds  and  Limmitts  of  the  Townships  Called 
Sallisbury  Almsbury  Haverhill  Methuen  & Dracutt  Any  and  Every 
of  them  which  is  Situate  within  our  Said  Province  with  all  and  Sin- 
guler  the  messuages  Tenements  Heriditaments  Appertaining  & be- 
longing to  Any  and  Every  of  the  Said  Excepted  Premises  and  Every 
Part  & Parcel  thereof  with  their  & Every  of  their  Rights  Members 
Preveledges  & Appurtunances  into  which  Premises,  Excepting  as 
before  Excepted,  By  our  Writ  of  Entry  upon  Disseizen  in  the  Post — 
And  Therefore  We  Command  that  you  Cause  the  Said  John 
Wentworth  Esqr  to  have  full  Seizen  of  the  Said  Lands  Messuages 
Tenements  & Heriditaments  thereof  with  their  & Every  of  their 


212 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Appurtrmances  and  make  it  Appear  to  our  Justices  of  our  Infer 
Court  of  Condon  Pleas  Next  to  be  Holden  at  Portsmouth  aforesd  on 
the  First  Thursday  Next  following  the  First  Tuesday  of  September 
Next  How  you  Execute  this  Precept,  and  have  you  there  this  Writ 
Wittness  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  at  Portsmouth  The  Twenty  Sixth 
Day  of  July  in  the  Twentyeth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini 
1746— 

H Wentworth  Cler 


Provs  of  ) July  28,  1746  By  Virtue  of  this  Writ  to  me  Diricted 
New  Hamp1'  ( on  this  Day  I Caused  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
within  mentioned  to  have  full  Seizen  of  the  within  mentiond  Lands 
Messuages  Tenements  & Heriditaments  with  the  appurtunances 
thereof  as  by  this  Writ  I am  Commanded 

Thos  Packer,  Sherrff 

A True  Copy  Att1  H Wentworth  Cler 

Provs  of  \ Portsm0  September  1746  The  above  and  on  the 
New  Hampr  ( Contra  Side  is  a True  Copy  of  the  Writ  of  Possession 
Recorded  by 

H Wentworth  Cler 

Prov9  of  } Portsmouth  August  2P  1747  The  Foregoing  Papers 
New  Hampr  ( being  Nine  in  Number  Contain  a True  Copy  of  the 
whole  Process  wherein  John  Wentworth  Esqr  was  Platf  & Richard 
Wibird  & Samuel  Solley  Esqrs  were  Defts  in  a Plea  of  Entry  upon  a 
Disseizen  in  the  Post 

AtP  ^ Hunking  Wentworth  Clerk 
of  the  Infer  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  for  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire 

New  Tenor 

For  the  Copy  of  the  Foregoing  Pages  is  0 ..  15 — 

also  for  Copying  at  Large  in  the  books  — 5 — 

XL.— 

AtP  H Wentworth  Cler 


[House  Journal,  July  29,  1746.] 

Whereas  this  House  at  ye  Motion  of  Cap1  John  Tufton  have  for 
some  Time  had  an  Agreement  made  between  the  sd  Mason  & John 
Thomlinson  Esqr  &c  concerning  ye  Purchasing  ye  Right  which  said 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


213 


Mason  claims  to  ye  Province  under  Consideration  Resolved  that  yc 
Sd  Agreement  be  forthwith  Complyed  with  on  ye  Part  of  this  Gov- 
ernment & that  ye  Right  which  Sd  Mason  claims  be  purchas’d  for  ye 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  That  according  to  sd 
Agreement  ye  Sd  Inhabitants  be  quieted  in  their  Setlements  agreeable 
to  ye  Grants  of  this  Government  & ye  Wast  Lands  be  granted  out 
by  ve  Gen1  Assembly  to  ye  Inhabitants  of  Said  Province  as  they 
Shall  think  proper — 

Sent  up  by  Mr  Sanborn  ' 


[House  Journal,  July  30,  1746.]  • 

Agreeable  to  a Resolve  of  this  House  of  Yesterday 
Voted  That  John  Gage  Esq1  & Mr  Meshech  Weare  be  a Commit- 
tee of  this  House  to  join  Such  as  may  be  appointed  by  the  Hon1 
Council  to  treat  with  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  about  fullfilling  his 
Agreement  made  with  Mr  Thomlinson  about  conveying  ye  Right  Sd 
Mason  claims  to  this  Province  to  ye  Inhabitants  & to  draw  up  proper 
Instruments  in  order  therefor  & immediately  lay  them  before  ye  Gen- 
eral Assembly 

Sent  up  by  Mr  Sanborn 

Mr  Zeb  Giddinge  & Cap1  Israel  Gilman  begd  Leave  to  Enter  their 
Dissent  to  ye  Vote  & ve  Resolve  immediately  foregoing  & accordingly 
did  Dissent 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  July  30,  1746.] 

Mr  Sanburne  from  the  House  bro1  Up  a Resolve  (of  the  House  of 
this  Day)  forthwith  to  Comply  with  the  agreement  made  between 
John  Thomlinson  Esq  & Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  concerning  the 

right  the  sd  Mason  Claims  to  this  Province  &ca 

And  alsoe  A Vote  for  the  Choice  of  A Comittee  Agreeable  to  the 
above  Sd  Vote  to  Treat  with  the  Sd  Mason  about  fullfilling  the  Sd 
A green  il 


\I)eed , Mason  to  Proprietors , July  SO , 17J±67\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  56.] 

To  All  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  John  Tufton 
Mason  of  Portsmouth  within  v®  Province  of  New-Hampshire  in  New- 


214 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


England  sendeth  Greeting  Know  Ye  that  Captain  John  Mason  here- 
tofore of  London  Esqr  now  Deceas’d  by  Vertue  of  Several  Grants  to 
him  made  by  & under  the  Crown  & several  Confirmations  & Ratifi- 
cations thereof  by  ye  Crown  claimed  & held  a certain  Tract  of  Land 
Situate  in  New-England  in  America  lying  upon  ye  Sea  Coast  between 
ye  River  Merrimack  & ye  River  of  Piscataqua  & runing  up  Piscata- 
qua  River  to  ye  furthest  Head  thereof  & from  thence  Northwestward 
until  Sixty  miles  are  compleated  & so  runing  up  ye  River  Merrimack 
Sixty  Miles  & then  across  ye  main  Land  to  ye  End  of  ye  Sixty  Miles 
aforesaid  common  called  & Known  by  ye  Name  of  New-Hampshire 
which  Grants  & ye  Right  Title  & Inheritance  of  in  & unto  the  same 
which  did  belong  to  ye  said  Cap1  John  Mason  is  now  become  ye  Estate 
in  Fee  of  ye  said  John  Tufton  Mason  as  he  is  Heir  at  Law  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  deceas’d  who  was  ye  Son  & Heir  of  Robert  Tuf- 
ton Mason  deceas’d  who  was  Grandson  & Heir  at  Law  of  ve  Said 
Cap1  John  Mason  deceas’d  And  for  & in  Consideration  of  ye  Sum 
of  fifteen  Hundred  Pounds  of  good  & lawful  Money  of  ye  Province 
of  New-Hampshire  aforesaid  to  me  ve  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  in 
Hand  well  & truly  paid  by  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  John 
Moffatt  Mark  Hunting  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore  Jotham  Odiorne 
junr  & Joshua  Peirce  Esqrs  Nathaniel  Meserve  George  Jaffrey  junr  & 
John  Wentworth  junr  Gentlemen  all  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  & 
Thomas  Wallingford  of  Summersworth  in  Said  Province  Esqr  & 
Thomas  Packer  of  Greenland  in  ye  Province  aforesaid  Esqr  the  Re- 
ceipt whereof  to  full  Content  & Satisfaction  I hereby  acknowledge 
& thereof  & of  every  Part  & Parcel  thereof  I do  exonerate  acquit  & 
discharge  them  ye  said  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  John 
Moffatt  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore  Jotham  Odiorne 
junr  Joshua  Peirce  Nath1  Meserve  George  Jaffrey  junr  John  Went- 
worth junr  Thomas  Wallingford  & Thomas  Packer  & all  & every  of 
their  several  & respective  Heirs  Executors  & Administrs  for  ever 
Have  given  granted  bargaind  & Sold  & by  these  Presents  do  give- 
grant  bargain  Sell  aliene  enfeoff  make  over  convey  & for  ever  confirm 
unto  them  the  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  John  Moffatt 
Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore  Jotham  Odiorne  junr 
Joshua  Peirce  Nathainiel  Meserve  George  Jaffrey  junr  John  Went- 
worth junr  Thomas  Wallingford  & Thomas  Packer  their  Heirs  & 
Assigns  for  ever  in  ye  manner  & Proportion  hereafter  in  these  Pres- 
ents mention’d  All  that  mv  Right  Title  Interest  Estate  Inheritance 
Property  Possession  Claim  & Demand  whatsoever  which  I now  have 
of  in  & unto  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  Situate  in  ye  Province 
aforesaid  containing  two  Hundred  thousand  Acres  more  or  less 
bounded  as  follows  Viz*  begin ing  at  ye  Mouth  of  Piscataqua  River 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


215 


thence  up  ye  Same  to  ye  farthest  Head  of  Newichewannick  River  so 
calld  & to  the  farthest  Head  thereof  & thence  Northwestward  until 
Sixty  miles  be  compleated  from  ye  mouth  of  Piscataqua  River  afore- 
said ye  Place  where  it  began  & then  from  Piscataqua  River  aforesaid 
along  ye  Sea  Coast  towards  Merrimack  River  until  it  comes  to  ye 
Boundary  Line  between  ye  sd  Province  of  New-Hampshire  & ye  Prov- 
ince of  ye  Massachusets-Bay  then  riming  as  ye  Said  Boundary  Line 
runs  until  Sixty  Miles  be  compleated  from  ye  Sea  then  runing  from 
ye  Westerly  End  of  ye  Sixty  Miles  last  mention’d  across  ye  Land  to 
ye  Northerly  End  of  ye  Sixty  Miles  first  mention’d  together  with  ye 
Southwest  Half  of  ye  Isles  of  Shoals  with  all  my  Right  Title  Inter- 
est Estate  Inheritance  Property  Possession  Claim  & Demand  what- 
soever which  I have  of  in  & unto  all  & every  of  ye  Towns  Parishes 
Precincts  Districts  Villages  Buildings  Woods  Rivers  Ponds  Waters 
& Water  Courses  Stones  Mines  Quarries  & Minerals  & all  Timber 
Trees  within  ye  Said  Boundaries  with  all  & every  of  ye  Priviledges 
& Appurtenances  Proffitts  Commodities  & Accomodations  to  ye  Same 
& any  & every  Part  & Parcel  thereof  in  any  manner  belonging  with 
ye  Reversion  & Reversions  Remainder  and  Remai’ders  Rents  Issues 
& Proffits  to  ye  Same  & to  any  & every  Part  & Parcel  thereof  in  any 
manner  belonging  & appertaining  To  Have  & To  Hold  ye  Said 
granted  & bargain’d  Premises  with  ye  Privileges  & Appurtenances 
as  aforesaid  in  manner  & Form  following  Vizfc  to  the  Said  Theodore 
Atkinson  three  fifteenth  Parts  thereof  to  him  his  Heirs  &•  Assigns  & 
to  ye  Said  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  his  Heirs  & Assigns  two  fif- 
teenth Parts  thereof  & to  ye  Said  Richard  Wibird  John  Moffatt  Sam- 
uel Moore  Jotham  Odiorne  junr  Joshua  Peirce  Nathaniel  Meserve 
George  Jaffrey  junr  John  Wentworth  junr  Thomas  Wallingford  & 
Thomas  Packer  to  each  of  them  & their  several  & respective  Heirs 
& Assigns  for  ever  one  fifteenth  Part  thereof  for  ever  so  that  no 
Person  or  Persons  claiming  or  that  shall  or  may  hereafter  claim  ye 
Said  granted  & bargain’d  Premises  or  any  Part  thereof  from  by  or 
under  me  ye  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  shall  have  any  Right  Interest 
Inheritance  Possession  or  Property  whatsoever  of  in  & unto  ye  Same 
or  to  any  Part  or  Parcel  thereof  forever  hereafter  Moreover  Anna 
Elizabeth  Mason  ye  Wife  of  me  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  doth 
by  these  Presents  give  grant  & surrender  all  her  Right  of  Dower  & 
Thirds  in  ye  Premises  unto  them  ye  Said  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard 
Wibird  John  Moffatt  Mark  Ilunking  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore 
Jotham  Odiorne  junr  Joshua  Peirce  Nathaniel  Meserve  George  Jaf- 
frey junr  John  Wentworth  junr  Thomas  Wallingford  & Thomas 
Packer  their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  In  Witness  whereof  1 ye  S'1 
John  Tufton  Mason  & Anna  Elizabeth  my  said  Wife  hereunto  set 


216 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


our  Hands  and  Seals  the  thirtyeth  Day  of  July  in  the  twentyeth 
Year  of  ye  Reign  of  King  George  ye  Second  Anno  Domini  1746 

Signed  Sealed  & John  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Deliver’d  after  ye  Words  Anna  Elizabeth  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

(all  her  Right  of  Dower 
& Thirds  in  the  Premises) 
were  interlined  in  ye  last 
Line  of  ye  Second  Page  in 
Presence  of 

Joshua  Gilman  ( 

Noah  Emery — J 

Province  of  New-Hampshire  July  80th  1746  Receivd  of  Theo- 
dore Atkinson  Esq1'  & others  in  ye  foregoing  Deed  mention’d  fifteen 
Hundred  Pounds  ye  full  Sum  of  ye  Consideration  in  this  Deed  men- 
tion’d— 

.£1500  ..  0 .. Jn°  Tufton  Mason 

Province  of  New-Hampshire  Portsmouth  July  31st  1746  Then  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  above  named  & Anna  Elizabeth  his  Wife  per- 
sonally appearing  before  me  ye  Subscriber  one  of  his  Majesties  Jus- 
tices of  ye  Peace  for  said  Province  acknowledged  the  foregoing  Deed 
fco  be  their  free  Act  & Deed Pierse  Long — 

Receiv’d  August  27th  1746  & Recorded  August  28  1746 

D Peirce  Reed1 

Province  of  New-Hampshire  A true  Copy  from  Lib.  31  Fol  220 
Examine!  this  23d  Day  of  May  1748 D Peirce  Reed1' 


[ Proprietors'  Quitclaim  to  Towns , July  31,  1?46.\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  57.] 

To  All  People  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  Greeting — 
Know  Ye  that  we  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  John  Moffatt 
Mark  H unking  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore  Jotham  Odiorne  junr 
Joshua  Peirce  Nathanael  Messerve  George  Jeffrey  Junr  and  John 
Wentworth  Junr  all  of  Portsmouth  in  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
in  New  England  and  Thomas  Wallingsford  of  Somersworth  and 

Thomas  Packer  of  Greenland  both  of  said  Province  Aforesaid 

Diverse  good  causes  and  Considerations  us  hereunto  Moveing  have 
remised  Released  and  Quit  claimed  and  by  these  Presents  for  our 
Selves  Each  and  every  of  us  & all  and  each  & Every  of  our  Heirs 
Executors  and  administrators  Respectively  Do  Remise  Release  and 
forever  Quit  Claim  unto  the  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of  the  sev- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


217 


erall  Towns  Precincts  Parishes  Villages  & Districts  hereafter  named 
Lying  and  being  within  the  Province  aforesaid  Viz1  Portsmouth 
Dover  Exeter  Hampton  Gosport  Kingstown  Derry  Chester  Notting- 
ham Barrington  Rochester  Canterbury  Bow  Chicester  Epsom  Barn- 
stead — With  all  and  every  the  Districts  Parishes  Precincts  and  Vil- 
lages within  ye  said  Townships  any  and  every  of  them  and  to  their 
Successors  Heirs  and  assigns  forever  Respectively  in  their  Seisin  and 
Possession  now  being  as  the  said  Townships  Parishes  Districts  Pre- 
cincts & Villages  are  Limitted  bounded  and  described  by  the  acts 
orders  Customs  and  usages  of  the  said  Province  with  all  and  Singu- 
lar the  Estate  right  Title  Inheritance  Claim  and  demand  of  us  and 
each  and  every  of  us  of  in  and  unto  the  same  and  every  part  thereof 
to  us  in  any  manner  Belonging  Either  to  Houses  Lands  Rivers 
woods  mines  minerals  and  appurtenances  Whatsoever  Excepting  and 
Reserving  to  our  Selves  and  such  of  us  and  each  of  us  our  Respective 
Pleirs  and  assigns  all  and  each  of  our  several  and  Respective  rights 
Titles  Inheritance  & Possession  which  we  heretofore  had  in  Common 
or  In  Severalty  as  Inhabitants  or  Proprietors  of  Houses  & Lands 
within  any  of  the  Towns  Precincts  Parishes  Districts  & Villages 
aforesaid  in  the  same  Manner  as  tho  the  above  Release  had  never 
Been  made 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  above  Remised  And  released  premises 
with  all  the  Privilledges  and  appurtenances  to  the  same  in  any  man- 
ner belonging  to  them  the  said  Inhabitants  and  proprietors  their 
Severall  and  Respective  Successors  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  Ac- 
cording to  their  severall  & respective  Tenures  Grants  Privillidges  and 
Possessions  Excepting  as  before  Excepted  In  Wittness  Whereof 
we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  Seals  the  Thirty  first  Day  of 
July  Anno  Domini  1746  in  the  Twentieth  year  of  the  reign  of  King 
George  the  Second  &c 


Signed  Seald  and 
deliverd  after  the  words 
(of  us  and  each  and 
every  of  us)  were  In- 
terlind — In  presence 
of  us.  Executed  by 
all  Except  Tho8  Packer 
Esqr  before 
Joshua  Gilman 
Noah  Emery 
signd  Sealed  & delivered 
by  Tho8  Packer  Esqr  in 

Presence  of 

Richard  Hart. 

Noah  Emery 


Theod1  Atkinson  [seal] 

R Wibird  [seal] 

John  Moffatt  [seal] 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth  [seal] 

Sam1  Moore  [seal] 

J Odiorne  Jr  [seal] 

Josha  Peirce  [seal] 

Nathaniel  Meserve  [seal] 

Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  [seal] 

John  Wentworth  jr  [seal] 

Tho8  Wallingford  |seal] 

Tho8  Packer  [seal] 


218 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  \ Portsm0  July  31.  1746 — then  Theodore  Atkinson 
New  Hampshire  \ Richard  Wibird  John  Moffatt  Mark  hanking 
Wentworth  Jotham  Odiorne  junr  Joshua  Peirce  Natli11  Meserve 
George  Jaffrey  Junr  John  Wentworth  junr  and  Thomas  Wallingford 
above  named  Acknowledged  the  foregoing  Instrument  to  be  their 
free  Act  & deed  before  me 

Pierse  Long  just:  Peace 

Province  of  ) Portsm0  August  23d  1746  Then  ^ Son  ally  ap- 

New  HamplT  \ pear’d  Sam1  Moore  & Thomas  Packer  Esqrs  and 
Acknowledg’d  The  above  Instrument  to  be  Thier  free  Act  & Deed 
before 

Pierse  Long  just.  Peace 

Recorded  Lib.  71,  Fol.  175. 

Exam’d D Peirce  Rcdr 


[House  Journal,  July  31,  1746.] 

The  Hon1  Messrs  Atkinson  Solly  & Sheaf  came  down  to  ye  House 
& Said  they  were  directed  by  ye  Council  to  inform  ye  House  that 
they  had  no  material  objection  against  ye  Resolve  of  the  House  of  ye 
29th  Instant  & ye  Vote  of  ve  30th  Instant  in  Consequence  thereof  ex- 
cept ye  last  paragraph  of  ye  Resolve  Viz1  & that  the  Wast  Lands  be 
granted  out  by  ye  Gen1  Assembly  to  ye  Inhabitants  of  Sd  Province  as 
they  shall  thing  proper — for  that  they  tho’t  Sd  Paragraph  was  incon- 
sistant  with  ye  Constitution  & contrary  to  his  Majesties  Commission 
& Instructions  to  his  Excellency  Nevertheless  if  ye  House  proposes 
to  purchase  of  Capfc  Mason  & afterwards  address  his  Majesty  for 
Leave  to  dispose  of  Sd  Lands  to  ye  People  in  that  manner  they  were 
content 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  July  31,  1746.] 

Mr  Giddings  from  the  House  to  Enquire  weither  the  resolve  & 
Vote  of  the  House  of  Yesterday  relateing  to  Capfc  Masons  Claim 
were  Acted  upon — 

The  Council  took  the  Sd  resolve  & Vote  under  Consideration  & 
came  to  the  following  resolve  Viz  that  they  Are  willing  to  joyn  in  a 
Comittee  to  Treat  with  Mr  Mason  & to  make  good  the  Agreem*  made 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


219 


between  Mr  Thomlinson  & Mr  Mason  but  they  Apprehend  that  the 
sd  Resolve  of  the  House  is  not  Agreable  to  the  Sd  Agreement  Per- 
ticularly  in  the  Last  Clause  mentioned  that  the  Waste  be  Granted 
by  the  General  Assembly  which  Sd  resolve  was  Sent  Down  by  Atkin- 
son Solley  & Sheaffe  Esq 


[House  Journal,  Aug.  1,  1746.] 

Voted  That  Col  Petr  Gilman  John  Gage  Esqr  Mr  Henry  Sherburne 
jun1'  & Mr  Mesh  Weare  be  a Committee  of  this  House  to  join  Such 
as  may  be  appointed  by  ye  Hon1  Council  to  consult  on  ye  properest  & 
best  Method  for  ye  Prove  to  proceed  in  concerning  Cap4  Masons 
Claims  to  this  Province  & make  immediate  Report  to  ye  Gen1  As- 
sembl}7 

Sent  up  by  Cap1  Gilman 


[House  Journal,  Aug.  1,  1746.] 

The  Committee  appointed  this  morning  to  consult. on  ye  properest 
& best  method  for  ve  Prove  to  proceed  in  concerning  Mason’s  Claim 
to  this  Province  &c  report  as  follows  Viz 

Pursuant  to  ye  aforesd  Vote  we  have  met  & consulted  on  ye  Sub- 
ject matter  thereof  & do  Report  yl  for  ve  quieting  of  ye  Good  People 
of  this  Prove  & to  prevent  future  Difficulties  & Disputes  it  will  be 
best  for  this  Prove  to  purchase  ve  S'1  Claim  for  ye  Use  & Benefit  of 
ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  if  ye  late  Purchasers  will  sell  it  for 
ye  Same  Sum  they  gave  for  it  & Charges — 

The  afores'1  Report  being  read 

Voted  That  it  be  accepted  & Sent  up  for  Concurrence 
Sent  up  by  Cap1  Leavit 


[House  Journal,  Aug.  2,  1746.] 

Pursuant  to  ye  Report  of  ye  Committee  of  both  Houses  of  y®  first 
Instant  appointed  to  consult  on  y®  properest  & best  Methods  for  y'' 
Prov®  to  proceed  in  concerning  Cap1  Masons  Claims 

Voted  That  Col  Peter  Gilman  John  Gage  Esqr  Mr  Henry  Sher- 
burne junr  & Mr  Mesh  Weare  be  a Comm"'  of  this  House  to  join  Such 


220 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


as  may  be  appointed  by  ye  Hon1  Council  to  treat  with  ye  Claimers  & 
if  they  will  Sell  on  ye  Terms  mention’d  in  Sd  Report  & conclude  a 
Bargain  with  them  agreeable  to  sd  Report  & take  Advice  of  Gent11 
Bear’d  in  ye  Law  about  proper  Instruments  to  be  drawn  & Executed 
by  ye  Sd  Claimers  & get  them  prepar’d  & ready  to  la}7  before  the 
Gen1  Assembly  at  their  next  Meeting  & at  ye  Same  time  make  Re- 
port of  all  their  Doings 

Sent  up  by  Messrs  Bell  & Cap1  Gilman 


[House  Journal,  Sept.  19,  1746.] 

Whereas  a Committee  appointed  to  consult  on  ye  properest  & best 
Methods  for  ye  Province  to  proceed  in  concerning  Mr  Mason’s  Claim 
to  this  Province  &c  Reported  that  it  would  be  best  for  this  Province 
to  purchase  ye  Sd  Claim  for  ye  Benefit  of  ve  Inhabitants  of  this  Prov- 
ince if  ye  late  Purchasers  will  sell  it  for  the  same  Sum  they  gave  for 
it  & Charges  which  Report  was  accepted  by  ye  Gen1  Assembly  & 
thereupon  a Comtee  was  appointed  accordingly  & as  ye  Said  Claimers 
have  sent  a Letter  to  that  Comtee  which  lias  been  laid  before  ye  Gen1 
Assembly  intimating  that  they  expected  when  they  parted  that  they 
would  have  pursued  that  Part  of  ye  Vote  which  related  to  getting 
Instruments  of  Conveyance  drawn  &c 

Voted — That  Coll  Peter  Gilman  Clem1  March  Esqr  & Mr  Meshech 
Weare  be  a Committee  to  join  Such  as  may  be  appointed  by  ye  Honb1 
Council  to  purchase  sd  Claim  agreeable  to  ye  Report  of  ye  Committee 
appointed  to  consult  on  ye  properest  & best  Method  for  ye  Province 
to  proceed  in  concerning  Mr  Mason’s  Claim  & to  get  Instruments 
drawn  up  accordingly  to  be  laid  before  ye  Gen1  Assembly  for  their 
Approbation  as  soon  as  may  be — 

Sent  up  by  Cap1  Gilman 


[Report  of  House  Committee , Aug.  12,  174@.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  60.] 

Prove  of  New  ) Portsm0  Aug1  ye  12th  1746  The  members  of  ye 
Hampshire  J House  Representatives  who  were  of  ye  Commit- 
tee appointed  by  ye  General  Assembly  ye  2d  of  August  to  Treat 
with  ye  Claimers  under  Mason  &c  Report  to  ye  Hon1  House  as  fol- 
lows Viz1 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


221 


That  on  ye  4th  of  Aug*  Instant  Six  of  ye  Committee  met  with  ye 
Sd  Claimers  who  were  as  follows  Viz* 

The  Hon1  Theod1’  Atkinson  Esqr — three  fifteenths 
Mark  Hanking  Wentworth  Esqr  two  fifteenths 
The  Hon1  Richard  Wibird  Esqr 
Mr  John  Wentworth  junr 
Mr  George  Jaffrey  junr 
Coll  Sam1  Moore  Esq1’ 

Coll  Nath1  Meserve  Esq1’ 

Thos  Packer  Esqr 
Thos  Wallingford  Esqr 
Jotham  Odiorne  junr  Esqr 
Joshua  Peirce  Esqr 
John  Moffatt  Esqr 

and  informed  them  of  ye  Power  invested  in  ve  Committee  by  ye  Gen1 
Assembly  & after  Some  Time  spent  in  Conference  on  ye  Affair  the 
Question  was  put  to  ye  sd  Claimers  whether  they  would  Sell  on  y® 
Terms  proposed  by  ve  Gen1  Assembly  Viz*  for  ye  Same  Sum  they 
gave  & Charges  to  which  they  did  not  all  agree  but  soon  after  broke 
up  & left  ye  Committee 

Hen  Sherburne  junr  ) 
Peter  Gilman  j 

A true  Copy  Examind 

^ D Peirce  Clk  Hou  Reprvs 


[. Answer  of  Proprietors  to  Committee , Sept.  17^6C\ 

[Province  Papers,  Correspondence,  Vol.  1,  p.  313;  and  Masonian 

Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  63.] 

Gentlemen 

When  We  parted  about  a month  ago  by  what  was  then  said  We 
Expected  you  would  have  Pursued  that  part  of  the  Vote  you  shew 
us  that  Related  to  your  taking  the  advice  of  Gentlemen  Learned  in 
the  Law,  about  Proper  Instruments  to  be  Drawn  & Executed  by  us 
to  Convey  to  the  Province  Our  Right  to  that  part  of  the  Province 
heretofore  Claimed  by  AP  Mason,  which  after  the  said  Deeds  was  so 
Prepared  were  by  the  said  Vote  to  be  laid  before  the  Assembly  at 
their  next  meeting,  which  meeting  of  Assembly  is  long  since  Past  & 
We  have  never  yet  seen  any  Deed  nor  can  We  learn  any  hath  been 
Prepared 

Gentlemen  We  are  not  unsensible  that  a Report  has  Prevailed  in 
many  parts  of  the  Province — That  We  took  a bargain  out  of  the 


222 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Governments  hands,  & that  by  Our  so  doing,  they  were  Deprived  of 
that  very  Land  which  was  always  Reserved  for  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Province  as  A Recompense  for  the  great  Charge  they  had  been 
at  &c  and  that  the  same  had  often  been  Promised  to  them — Now 
Gentlemen  pray  give  us  leave  to  tell  you  (in  the  Capacity  of  a Com- 
mittee, appointed  to  Treat  with  us)  That  this  affair  has  lain  before 
the  Assembly  ever  since  the  30th  of  October  1744,  being  then  laid 
before  them  by  His  Excellency,  with  the  Agreement  made  between 
Mr  Thomlinson  on  behalf  of  the  Government,  and  the  said  Mason, 
and  was  afterward  several  times  put  in  mind  thereof  by  Messages 
but  nothing  done  to  Effect — After  this  when  Mr  Mason  arrived  from 
England  Last  Winter,  he  put  in  a memorial  Desiring  the  said  Agree- 
ment with  Mr  Thomlinson  might  be  Ratifyed,  that  he  on  his  part 
was  always  ready  ; but  to  this  he  could  get  no  Answer,  he  then  Pre- 
ferr'd  a second  memorial  in  which  he  told  the  Government  he  could 
wait  no  longer  and  that  unless  they  Immediately  came  to  some  Reso- 
lution he  should  be  Obliged  to  make  the  most  of  his  Interest  another 
wav,  and  that  he  should  take  their  Silence  as  a Refusal,  to  this  Last 
he  waited  many  Days  at  the  Door,  before  he  was  Admitted  to  Speak, 
and  when  he  was  and  had  Answered  such  Questions  as  the  House 
tho4  proper  to  ask,  and  had  said  what  he  thofc  was  necessary  in  the 
Affair  was  Dismiss'd  Without  any  Prospect  of  an  Agreement,  Then 
he  Apply’d  to  us  as  he  had  often  done  before,  but  We  Refused  to  have 
any  Treaty  with  him  ’till  he  had  Publickly  Docked  the  Intail,  which 
ought  to  have  been  done  at  the  Province  Charge  & We  Dare  say  not 
one  Person  in  the  Government  that  is  acquainted  with  these  things 
believes  the  Assembly  ever  Intended  to  Purchase  of  him,  So  that 
We  certainly  are  Clear  of  the  Charge  of  taking  a bargain  out  of  the 
Governin'18  hands,  We  could  by  no  means  force  the  Assembly  to 
Purchase  it  for  the  People;  Those  of  us  that  were  of  the  Court  for- 
warded it  to  the  utmost  of  Our  Power,  and  always  would  have  Voted 
for  it  & to  shew  Our  Inclination  Immediately  after  We  had  Pur- 
chased of  Mr  Mason  Signed  a Quit  Claim  to  every  Proprietor  of  Land 
holding  under  this  Government,  in  the  Old  Towns,  and  their  Appen- 
dages Viz — Portsmouth,  Dover,  Hampton,  & Exeter,  & to  the  other 
Towns  of  Kingstown,  Londonderry,  Chester,  Nottingham,  Barring- 
ton Rochester,  Chichester,  Epsom,  Canterbury,  Bow  & Barnsteed 
this  was  done  freely,  and  without  any  Consideration,  but  to  Quiet 
the  Good  People,  and  had  Our  View  been  otherwise,  We  might  have 
made  great  Sums,  even  of  Private  Persons  to  have  Confirmed  their 
particular  Rights,  in  many  of  these  New  Towns  whose  possessions 
cannot  as  yet  Create  them  a Ri«;ht,  This  was  one  Reason  of  Our 
Purchasing  & Let  any  Impartial  Person  Judge  wether  We  have  In- 


i 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


223 


jured  the  Inhabitants  or  befriended  them — We  assure  you  many  of 
us  would  have  given  as  much  money  for  Masons  Private  Quit  Claim 
to  Our  Own  Rights  in  the  New  Towns — 

Besides  every  body  knows  how  Masons  Right  has  always  hung 
over  us  and  on  every  Turn  We  are  threatened  with  a Proprietor  this 
has  ever  been  the  Case  since  the  Government  was  Settled  & very 
lately  these  threats  are  come  nearer  home,  within  less  than  Twelve 
months,  Masons  Deed  to  a Committee  of  the  Massachusetts  in  behalf 
of  that  Government  for  a Tract  of  Land  on  the  Boundary  Line 
whose  Purchase  Consideration  was  <£500 — has  lately  been  Entred  on 
Our  Province  Records  & bro1,  into  Court,  and  as  We  are  Informed  a 
Title  under  it  set  up  in  Opposition  to  the  Grants  made  here  by  the 
Governour  & Council — Seeing  these  things  We  Wisely  Pie  vented 
the  spreading  Evil  by  taking  Mr  Mason  up;  who  when  We  agreed 
with  him  had  better  offers  from  another  Quarter,  We  hope  We  have 
not  Materially  mistaken  Any  of  the  foregoing  facts,  Some  or  other  of 
us  being  Privy  hereto  from  whom  We  have  had  the  Information — 
And  now  Gentlemen  We  assure  you  that  We  are  ready  to  execute 
a Deed  for  Our  Remaining  Interest  in  the  Premises  in  the  same 
manner  as  We  recd  it,  and  for  the  same  sum  with  Our  Cost  attend- 
ing the  same,  Provided  this  be  done  within  one  month  from  the  Date 
hereof,  and  the  Deed  is  made  to  Convey  the  Land  to  the  Govern- 
ment to  be  Granted  to  such  Inhabitants  as  the  Governour,  and  Coun- 
cil shall  Grant  Charters  to, — You’l  Excuse  us  in  saying  We  will  wait 
no  longer  than  One  month,  because  We  have  many  Persons  to  Oblige 
in  the  disposal  of  these  Lands  & If  Wee  seek  the  Opportunity  can  sell 
them  for  more  than  ten  Times  the  Value  We  gave  and  offer  them  for — 


We  are  Gentlemen  Your 

Most  Obedient  Humble  Servts 


r 


Esq 


Portsmouth  Septembr  4th  1746 — 
To  the  Honrl,le 
Jotham  Odiorne  4 
Samuel  Smith  [ 

Samuel  Solly 
Sampson  Slieafe  j 
Peter  Gilman  ^ 

Henry  Sherburne  jr 
John  Gage  ( S<^ 

Mesl  lec  h Weare  J 

As  a Committee  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  Appointed  to  Treat 
with  the  Claimers  of  Masons 
Right  &c — 


,rs 


1 


> 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
John  Moffat  t 
J Odiorne  Jur 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
John  Wentworth  junr 
Nathaniel  Meserve 
Sam11  Moore 
Tho8  Wallingford 
Tho8  Packer 
Geo:  Jaffrey  junr 
Josha  Peirce 


I 


224  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

In  Council  September  the  6th  1746 

The  foregoing  haveing  been  Presented  to  the  board  by  the  Chair- 
man of  above  sd  Comittee  was  read  at  the  board  & ordred  to  be  Sent 
Down  to  the  Honble  the  House  of  Representatives 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 


[Council  and  Assembly  Records,  Sept.  6,  1746.] 

Jotham  Odiorne  Esqr  Chairman  of  the  Comittee  Appointed  to 
Treat  with  the  Claimers  of  Mr  Mason  Right  &a  bro1  in  A memorial 
from  the  s<l  Claimers  Directed  to  the  sd  Comittee  offering  to  Dispose 
of  their  Remaining  Right,  as  it  Cost  them  which  Memorial  was  Read 
at  the  board  & Sent  Down  to  the  House 


[House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1746.] 

Whereas  a Committee  appointed  to  consult  on  the  properest  & 
best  Methods  for  ye  Province  to  proceed  in  concerning  Mr  Mason’s 
Claim  to  this  Province  &c  reported  that  it  would  be  best  for  this 
Province  to  purchase  ye  Said  Claim  for  ye  Benefit  of  ye  Inhabitants 
of  this  Province  if  ye  late  Purchasers  will  sell  it  for  ye  Same  Sum 
they  gave  for  it  & Charges — which  Report  was  accepted  by  ye  Gen1 
Assembly  & thereupon  a Comtee  was  appointed  accordingly  & as  ye 
Said  Claimers  have  sent  a Letter  to  that  Committee  which  has  been 
laid  before  ye  Gen1  Assembly  intimating  that  they  expected  when 
they  parted  that  they  would  have  pursued  that  Part  of  ye  Vote 
which  related  to  getting  Instruments  of  Conveyances  drawn  &c  and 
whereas  by  a Vote  of  this  House  of  ye  nineteenth  of  Sepr  last  Coll 
Gilman  Mr  March  & Mr  Weare  were  appointed  a Commtee  of  this 
House  to  join  such  as  should  be  appointed  by  ye  Hon1  Council  to  pur- 
chase said  Claim  agreeable  to  said  Report  &c  which  Coinmite  were 
then  prevented  from  Acting  in  Said  Affair  by  ye  Surprise  & Confu- 
sion ye  Province  wns  then  put  in  by  ye  Report  of  a large  French 
Fleets  being  on  or  near  our  Coast  & Whereas  sd  Vote  is  since  dead 
b}^  ye  Prorogation  of  ye  Gen1  Assembly  it  is  therefore  again 

Voted  That  ye  Sd  Coll  Gilman  Mr  Wear  & Mr  March  be  a Comtee  to 
join  Such  as  may  be  appointed  by  ye  Honb1  Council  to  purchase  sd 
Claim  agreeable  to  ye  Report  of  ye  Committee  appointed  to  Consult 
on  ye  properest  & best  Methods  for  ve  Province  to  proceed  in  con- 
cerning Mr  Mason’s  Claim  & to  get  Instruments  drawn  up  accord- 
ingly to  be  laid  before  ve  Gen1  Assembly  as  soon  as  may  be 

Sent  up  by  Cap1  Jennes 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


225 


[House  Journal,  Dec.  11,  1746.] 

Mr  Secretary  came  down  & Said  in  Answer  to  ye  Message  by  Ml 
Sanburn  All  ye  Votes  y4  have  been  sent  up  this  Sessions  were  con- 
curr’d  by  ye  Council  Except  ye  Vote  relating  purchasing  ye  Powder 
brot  by  Cap4  Hammond  & ye  Vote  relating  ye  purchasing  Mason’s 
Claim  & ye  Vote  for  a Committee  to  correspond  with  ye  Agent  &c  & 
ye  Vote  for  Supplying  Coll  Gilman  & Cap4  Gage  with  Bilg  Money 


[ List  of  Legislative  Lvents.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  66.] 

1744  Jan?  1.  Govr  sends  to  ye  house  to  know  if  they  had  acted  upon 
ye  Indenture  between  Cap4  Thomlinson  & Mason 
1744,  Decr  19.  ye  Govr  sends  to  ye  house  to  desire  yey  would  come  to 
some  Resolve  About  ye  Agreem4  between  Cap4  Thom- 
linson & Mason — 

1744  Octobr  30th  ye  Govr  Send’s  ye  Agreem4  between  Cap4  Thomlin- 

son & mason  & others  for  their  Perusal  & Considera- 
tion 

1745  Feby  22tl  Mason’s  Memorial  to  Gen11  Court  recom’ended  to  ye 

House  ^ ye  Council — 

1746  July  30:  A messa  from  House  to  Comply  wth  ye  Agream4  be- 

tween Cap4  Thomlinson  & Cap4  Mason — & a Commit- 
tee to  treat  w4h  Mason  — 

July  31st  the  House  enquire  after  it — ye  Councill’s  Resolve  upon  it 
Aug:  1 The  house  appoint  a Comitte  & ye  Council  join  to  Consider 
ye  properest  & best  Method  to  proceed  in  ve  Pur- 
chase of  Mason 

ye  said  Comittee  consult  & make  Report  wch  is  accepted 
by  ye  house 

2'1  the  said  Report  is  accepted  by  ye  Council  1 
Septr  6 The  Claimers  Memorial  offering  to  dispose  of  their  Right  at 
ye  price  as  it  cost  read  at  ye  Council  & sent  down  to  ye 
house 

19  Mr  Israel  Gilman  brought  up  Votes  to  prepare  Deeds  of  Con- 
vey51 from  ye  Claimers  of  Masons  Right  & to  appoint  a 
Cominitte 

Decr  9th  a new  Committee  appointed  to  purchase  of  ye  Claimers  of 
Mason’s  Right 


15 


226 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Draft  of  Deed  of  Sale  to  Province , May  15,  171f77\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  67.] 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greeting, 
Know  Ye  that  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  John  Moffatt  Mark 
Hunking  Wentworth  Sam1  Moore  Jotham  Odiorne  junr  & Joshua 
Peirce  EsqIS  Nathaniel  Meserve  George  Jaffrey  junr  & John  Went- 
worth junr  Gentlemen,  all  of  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  & Thomas  Wallingford  of  Sumersworth  in  said  Province 
Esqr  & Thomas  Packer  of  Greenland  in  said  Province  Esq1  for  & in 
Consideration  of  ye  Sum  of  Pounds  lawful  money 

of  Said  Province  to  them  in  Hand  before  the  Ensealing  & Delivery 
of  these  Presents  well  & truly  paid  by  the  Hon1  George  Jaffrey  of 
Portsmouth  & the  Hon1  Ebenr  Stevens  Esqrs  Feoffees  in  Trust  for  & 
in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
aforesaid  the  Receipt  whereof  the  said  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard 
Wibird  John  Moffatt  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Samuel  Moore 
Jotham  Odiorne  junr  Joshua  Peirce  Nathaniel  Meservey  George 
Jaffrey  junr  John  Wentworth  junr  Thomas  Wallingford  & Thomas 
Packer  to  their  full  Satisfaction  do  hereby  Acknowledge  Have  given 
granted  bargain’d  sold  aliened  enfeoffd  convey’d  & confirm’d  & by 
these  Presents  do  freely  & absolutely  give  grant  bargain  sell  & aliene 
enfeoff  convey  & confirm  unto  them  ye  Said  George  Jaffrey  & Ebenr 
Stevens  as  Feoffees  in  Trust  for  & in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants  afore- 
said all  Right  Title  Interest  Claim  Property  Estate  Possession  & 
Demand  whatsoever  of  them  the  said  Grantors  by  Virtue  of  any 
Purchase  or  Purchases  by  them  made  or  any  Deed  or  Deeds  by  them 
had  of  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  Esqr  of  in 
& unto  all  that  Tract  of  Land  situate  in  the  Province  aforesaid  con- 
taining two  Hundred  thousand  Acres  more  or  less  bounded  as  fol- 
lows Viz  begining  at  ve  Mouth  of  Piscataqua  River  thence  up  the 
Same  to  ye  farthest  Head  of  Newiche  wan  nick  River  (so  called)  & 
thence  Northwestward  until  Sixty  Miles  be  compleated  from  the 
Mouth  of  Piscataqua  River  aforesaid  the  Place  where  it  began  & 
from  thence  along  the  Sea  Coast  towards  Merrimack  River  until  it 
comes  to  y®  Boundary  Line  between  ye  Said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire & ye  Province  of  ye  Massachusetts  Bay  then  runing  as  the  said 
Boundary  Line  runs  until  Sixty  Miles  be  compleated  from  the  sea 
then  runing  from  the  Westerly  End  of  ye  Sixty  Miles  last  mentioned 
across  ye  Land  to  the  Northerly  End  of  ye  Sixty  Miles  first  men- 
tion’d together  with  the  South  West  half  of  ye  Isles  of  Shoals  with 
all  ye  Profits  Commodities  Priviledges  Immunities  & Advantages 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


227 


whatsoever  to  the  said  granted  Premises  belonging  To  Have  and  To 
Hold  the  said  granted  & bargain’d  Premises  with  all  the  Priviledges 
& Appurtenances  to  ye  Same  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining 
unto  them  the  said  George  Jaffrey  & Ebenezer  Stevens  their  Heirs 
& Assigns  as  Feoffees  in  Trust  for  ye  use  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  the 
said  Province  of  New-Hampshire  & their  Successors  for  ever  & for 
no  other  use  Intent  Trust  or  Purpose  whatsoever  Moreover  the 
wives  of  those  of  ye  Said  Grantors  who  are  married  do  hereby  give 
grant  Sell  & convey  & surrender  up  to  ye  said  Feoffees  for  ye  use 
aforesaid  all  their  Right  of  Dower  & Power  of  Thirds  of  in  & unto 
the  said  granted  & bargaind  Premises  & every  Part  & Parcel 
thereof 

In  Witness  whereof  the  said  Grantors  & their  said  Wives  have 
hereunto  set  their  Hands  & Seals  ve  fifteenth  Day  of  May  Anno 
Domini  1747  And  in  the  twentyeth  Year  of  his  Majestie’s  Reign — 

Signed  Sealed  & Deliverd 
in  Presence  of  us — 

Prove  of  New  Hampshire  A true  Copy  of  a Deed  laid  before  yR 
House  of  Representatives  of  Said  Province  by  a Committee  ap- 
' pointed  for  that  End — 

D Peirce  Clk  Hou  Rep™ 


[House  Journal,  Aug.  20,  1747.] 

Voted  That  ye  Comtee  appointed  to  negotiate  ye  Affair  with  y® 
Purchasers  of  Mason’s  Claim  (so  called)  offer  ye  Deed  (which  has 
been  read  once  & again  in  this  House)  to  Said  Purchasers  in  order 
to  be  executed 


[Answer  of  Proprietors  to  Assembly,  June  7,  1748J\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  70.] 

Gentlemen 

When  we  met  you  in  August  Last  agreable  to  your 
Desire  in  order  to  Peruse  the  Deed  Conveying  the  Right  we  Pur- 
chassed  of  Cap1  Mason  to  the  Province  You  must  remember  at  first 
reading  we  Pointed  out  maney  objections  that  you  your  Selves  could 
not  think  it  Reasonable  for  us  (as  it  was  Drafted)  to  Execute  it — 
1.  the  Deed  was  made  to  the  HonMe  George  Jaffrey  & Ebenezr 
Stevens  Esq  as  feoffees  in  Trust  for  & in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants 


228 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  the  Province  2,lly  the  Premisses  Conveyed  was  Viz  all  right  Title 
Interest  claim  Property  Estate  Possession  & Demand  whatsoever 
which  we  had  by  Virtue  of  Any  Purchass  or  Purchasses  by  us 
made  or  any  Deed  or  Deeds  by  us  had  of  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason 
of  in  & to  all  that  Tract  of  Land  Scituate  in  the  Province  Contein- 
ing  Two  hundred  thousand  Acres  more  or  Less  Bounded  Viz  begin- 
ing  at  the  mouth  of  Piscataqua  River  thence  up  the  Same  to  the 
furthest  head  of  Newichwannick  River  thence  Northwestward  till 
Sixty  Miles  be  Compleated  from  the  mouth  of  Piscataqua  river 
afores'1  & from  thence  along  the  Sea  Coast  towards  Merrimack 
River  untill  it  comes  to  the  Boundary  Line  between  the  Province  of 
N:  Hampr  & the  Province  of  the  Massa  Bay  then  Run'ing  as  the 
sd  Boundary  line  Runs  untill  Sixty  Miles  be  Compleated  from  the 
Sea  then  Run’ing  from  the  Westerly  End  of  the  Sixty  Miles  last 
mentioned  a Cross  the  Land  to  the  northerly  End  of  the  Sixty  Miles 
first  mentioned  to  geather  with  the  South  West  half  of  the  Isles  of 
Shoals  with  all  Profits  Previledges  &ca  &ca  and  3dly  the  feofees  were 
to  have  & to  hold  the  Premisses  to  them  their  heirs  & assignes  in 
Trust  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants  &ca  forever  Now  Gentlemen 
agreable  to  your  Desire  we  have  pen’d  the  objections  & offer  our  Rea- 
sons why  we  did  not  Execute  the  Deed  that  the  Gen11  Court  & every 
Person  in  the  Province  may  if  they  Please  be  Acquainted  with  the 
whole  affair — as  to  the  first  objection  as  to  the  feoffees  in  Trust 
there  is  nothing  mention’d  in  the  Deed  what  they  are  to  Do  with 
the  Premisses  nor  Any  Time  when  any  thing  Should  be  Transacted 
about  them  tis  true  tis  mentioned  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants  So 
that  Such  a Deed  when  Executed  Intituled  every  Inhabitant  to  an 
Equall  Shear  of  the  Land  So  that  a Person  that  had  not  been  an 
Inhab1  more  then  a Day  before  the  Deed  took  Place  had  as  good  a 
right  As  the  oldest  Inhabitant  & one  that  Pays  the  Least  rate  to  the 
Province  Tax  as  much  Land  as  he  that  Pays  the  most  & one  that 
never  paid  more  then  one  Rate  Equal  to  him  that  Perhaps  has  paid 
fifty  neither  is  their  any  mentioned  weither  the  Land  Shall  be  Laid 
out  into  Townships  or  other  ways  So  that  before  any  thing  could  be 
done  every  Inhabitant  in  the  Province  must  be  notifyed  & meet  & 
Pass  Some  Vote  about  which  no  Law  or  Custom  can  Support  they 
not  being  Incorporated  as  a body  Pollitik  for  any  Such  End  we  could 
give  many  more  Reasons  for  our  first  objection  but  the  nature  of  ye 
thing  does  So  Plainly  Suggest  them  that  we  think  it  Quite  unnessary 
if  any  Controversy  should  arise  ab*  the  Shars  how  Should  it  be 
Determined  no  Jury  but  which  are  Parties  & what  must  be  Done  in 
Such  a Case  but  Our  Reasons  for  the  2d  objection  is  that  if  we  Exe- 
cute that  Deed  we  in  Express  words  Convey  all  our  Respective 


MASON  IAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


229 


Rights  to  all  the  Land  with  in  the  bounds  Set  forth  in  ye  Deed  for 
all  these  we  Purcbassed  of  Mason  th6  Perhaps  we  might  have  Some 
other  Right  at  the  Same  Time  to  our  houses  & Land  Possessed  a 
Long  Time  Still  all  these  are  Included  in  Masons  Deed  to  11s  & alsoe 
in  the  Deed  you  have  Prepared  for  us  to  Signe  this  appears  at  the 
first  View  but  we  hope  not  Designed  but  this  we  know  it  would  not 
avail  us  to  Say  we  Did  not  Designe  to  Convey  what  we  Enjoyd 
before  the  Purchass  of  Mason  for  we  should  be  told  to  ye  Law  & to 
the  Deed  & that  what  was  Written  was  writen  this  as  it  in  a Perfcic- 
ular  manner  affected  us  as  the  Sellers  we  think  Quite  a Sufficient 
Reason  for  Rejecting  the  Deed  But  as  we  Took  upon  our  Selves 
Included  in  the  number  of  ye  Purchassers  it  will  not  we  hope  be 
taken  amiss  if  we  answer  the  theird  objection  by  askeing  a Question 
Pray  Suppose  Mr  Jaffre}'  or  Mr  Stevens  Should  Die  before  their 
Trust  is  finished  Pray  who  Are  to  be  the  feofees  their  Sons  they 
Certainly  are  their  heirs  or  how  are  the  Successors  to  be  Appointed 
— or  Supose  one  only  Should  Die  must  the  heirs  or  Successor  of  the 
Surviver  Act  We  hope  these  reasons  with  Inumerable  others  too 
tedious  to  Insert  in  this  man’er  are  Sufficient  to  Convince  you  Gen- 
tlemen & the  IIon1,le  Assembly  that  our  objections  are  well  grounded 
Besides  had  your  Leazure  Permitted  you  to  have  Perused  our  Letter 
to  the  former  Comittee  Dated  the  fourth  of  September  1746  you 
could  not  have  mistaken  our  Intent  with  respect  to  this  Conveyance 
in  that  Letter  we  Stated  Severall  matters  of  fact  that  then  occurrd 
& we  tho*  necessary  & are  Sorry  they  did  not  meet  the  Courts  appro- 
bation we  have  been  told  that  one  fact  there  alledged  -was  not  True 
& if  this  was  realy  So  & we  upon  its  being  Pointed  out  to  us  could 
Not  have  Explaind  it  Consistant  with  Truth  & uprightness  or  had 
Mentiond  the  sd  fact  Perversely  or  with  any  wicked  Design  we 
Should  Acknowledge  the  Censer  our  Due  this  Perticular  is  thus 
worded  After  this  when  Mr  Mason  Arived  from  England  last  Winter 
he  Put  in  a memorial  Deposeing  that  s<l  agreem'  with  Mr  Thomlinson 
might  be  Ratifyed  That  he  on  his  Part  was  allways  Ready  hut  to 
this  he  could  get  no  Answer — he  then  Preferrd  a Second  Memorial 
in  which  he  told  the  Government  he  Could  wait  no  Longer  &cH  now 
Gentlemen  what  we  have  realy  been  upbraided  With  is  that  Cap* 
Mason  Preferrd  but  one  memorial  which  may  he  answerd  by  E11- 
quireing  whether  Mr  Mason  Did  Attend  upon  & was  admitted  into 
the  House  in  Person  & there  memorialized  again  & again — So 
that  we  think  the  Charge  ags1  us  must  Vanish  & our  Integrity 
plainly  appears  in  the  affair — this  gave  Rise  to  our  Limiting  the 
Time  for  concludeing  the  bargain  to  one  month  with  out  any  View 
but  to  Quicken  the  finishing  the  affair  which  will  Plainly  Appear  by 


J^7  > cds 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


231 


[Information  from  Joseph  Blanchard , 17^#.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  68.] 

lam  of  Opinion  that  the  two  towns  that  Goffe  and  Stark,  Are  Sell- 
ing, may  Perform  ye  Duty  (if  Strangers  take  it)  for  2 thirds  the  Land, 
Salem  Canada  for  3 Quarters  N°  6 in  the  South  line  of  towns,  be- 
tween N°  7 : Called  Hills  Borough)  and  Hopkinton  Called  N°  5,  for 
2 thirds,  and  the  Originall  Grantees  under  Masstts  Would  Readily 
Comply  with  them  Conditions  Salem  Canada  & Sd  N°  6.  I Believe 
I Could  Negociate  the  towns  Bay’d  out  More  Northward  1 am  a 
Stranger  to.  Peters  Borough  New  Boston  Halestown  Hopkinton  & 
Hills  Borough  & Sowheegun  West  are  all  towns  of  Excellent  Good 
Land  And  they  Will  I Expect  Apply  by  their  Agents  to  you  & Com- 
pound for  them  Selves — 

I am  of  Opinion  ye  Setlements  Ought  to  begin  next  Spring,*  the 
next  Sumer  fit  2 acres  for  plowing  And  two  for  mowing  and  Build  a 
house  and  by  Next  November  have  an  Inhabitant  on  each  Setling 
Right  that  they  Continue  there  and  each  Succeeding  year  for  three 
years  more  subdue  & fit  for  plowing  or  mowing  the  like  Quantity 
Stocking  the  mowing  Land  with  Grass,  and  Manure  the  tillage  And 
On  Omision  of  any  part  for  either  Year  the  Land  to  Revert  & to  be 
granted  to  Other  Setters,  that  Each  Setler  pay  Such  Rates  for  the 
Mending  Roads  Building  a Meeting  house  Setling  & Supporting  A 
minister,  or  Other  necessary  town  Charges  As  Shall  by  ye  Major 
part  of  ye  Inha18  be  equally  assessed  for  Sd  Uses  within — Blanck — 
months  after  notice,  or  his  lands  forfeited — or  so  much  as  will  pay 
the  Rate  And  Charges/ 

Conditions  fraimd  Somthing  like  this  will  be  necessary 
the  House  7 feet  Stud  18  feet  Square  Room  a Celler  & Chimney — 
or  Other  like  Dimensions 

I Bought  2 Rights  In  Gorehams  town  & if  it  Should  be  the  pleas- 
ure of  ye  Proprs  to  let  me  Setle  on  the  Condition  of  other  Setlers 
one  Share  in  the  town  Cap1  Goffe  takes  the  Care  of  And  One  in 
Starks  town  I Shall  readily  do  Com’on  Duty.  Shall  Esteem  ye 
favour  (if  otherwise. — will  not  Complain 

N B.  the  Revd  Ml  Tho8  Parker  of  Dracut  & Col:  Stoddard  of 
Chelmsford,  had  Each  of  them  one  Right  in  Gorehams  town  / if 
there  be  room  to  Admit  them  as  Setlers  would  be  of  Service/ 

These  Broaken  Scraps  of  minits  may  ^jHiaps  Serve  to  keep  in  your 
Remembrance,  Some  of  these  things  / And  desire  You  would 
keep  it  for  yr  Own  Information  till  I Can  prepare  Somthing  from 

these  things  more  plain  J B 

Mr  Jaffrey 


232 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


That  they  Likewise  as  Conditions  of  grant  in  Some  proper,  time, 
Build  a Meeting  house  And  Setle  a minister  & prohibtion  of  Break- 
ing the  Course  of  fish  in  Any  Stream — 


[. Deposition  of  Margaret  Pastree , July  25,  17If8.\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  72.] 

Margrett  Pastree  aged  about  74  years,  Testifyeth  & Saith  That  She 
well  Knew  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Esqrthe  Claimer  of  y Province  of 
New  Hampshire  about  the  year  of  1686  when  Sir  Edmund  Andrews 
was  Governour  of  the  Territorys  of  New  England  in  the  Reign  of 
his  Majesty  King  James  the  Second,  and  that  the  Said  Robert  with 
Severall  Other  Gentlemen  was  with  ye  Said  Sir  Edmund  Andrews  to 
his  Government  of  New  York  & Albany  and  that  the  Deponent  was 
Informed  that  the  Said  Robert  Died  at  Sopas  upon  Hudson’s  River 
between  the  Cities  of  New  York  and  Albany  in  his  Said  Journey, 
and  further  Saith  that  she  knew  two  young  men  named  John  & 
Robert  who  were  Called  and  Reputed  the  Sons  of  y abovementioned 
Robert  Tufton  Mason  Esq1 

Margrett  Pastree 

Suffk  ss  Boston,  25th  July,  1748 

Margaret  Pastree  the  above  Deponant  made  Oath  to  the  Truth  of 
the  foregoing  Declaration  by  her  signed  In  perpetuam  rei  memoriam 

Corm  Edwd  Hutchinson  ) Justices  of  the 

John  Ruck  j peace  & of  the  quorum 


[Joseph  Blanchard9 s Obligation , Nov.  5 , 1748 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  78.] 

Portsmouth  Nov1'  5th  1748 

Gentn  the  Proprs  of  Masons  Grant  &ca 

Whereas  I the  Subscriber  have  this  day  Recd  your  Request  & 
Authority  to  Lay  out  into  townships  the  Lands  As  therein  described 
And  to  Admitt  Setlers  at  my  descretion  And  On  Such  Conditions 
on  your  behalf  as  I Shall  think  Equitable  I hereby  Oblidge  my  Self 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


233 


to  Reserve  on  Quarter  part  at  the  least  And  As  much  more  as  the 
Expediency  of  the  Setlement  will  Allow  of  &c  the  township  to  be 
Allotted  out  & the  Setlers  at  the  whole  Charge  therein  And  will 
Constantly  Acquaint  You  with  my  proceedings  thering 

I am  Yr  Hum1  Ser* 

Jos:  Blanchard 


[Letter  from  Joseph  Blanchard , Nov.  30,  17/j-83\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  80.] 

The  venerable  Society  of  Mason  Hall — 

Gentlemen — 

In  Pursuance  of  your  desire  I have  proceeded  to  measure  the 
Lands  directed  to  make  Setlement  on,  and  find  enough  for  five  town- 
ships; have  not  time  to  transmitt  you  a plan  but  shall  Send  it  next 
week  I have  Wrote  to  the  Proprs  Clerk  of  Groton  and  the  Proprs 
Clerk  of  townshend,  Intimating  ve  Authority  you  gave  me,  Particu- 
larly that  at  my  Discretion  I was  to  Admitt  Inhabitants,  and  if  they 
inclined  to  Setle  I should  Accommodate  them  as  far  as  I Could  in 
faithfullness  to  my  trust  provided  I had  their  Answer  in  twenty  days 
to  the  Same  purpose  I have  Wrote  Coll°  Berry  one  of  ye  Principal 
Prop”  of  New  Ipswich  & to  Severall  of  the  Proprs  of  Rowley  Can- 
ada desireing  them  to  Comunicate  it  to  their  prop™  Desireing  a 
positive  Answer — This  has  Sufficiently  Allarm’d  the  vicinity,  And 
Application  has  already  been  made  for  twice  the  Quantity  of  Land 
you  Left  with  me  to  dispose  of  All  the  Inhabitants  of  New  Ipswich 
And  Rowley  Canada  (both  which  fall  within  my  Diocess)  have 
Applyed,  to  be  Continued  As  Setlers  under  Your  Conditions  And 
many  others  of  ye  Proprs  of  each  town,  I apprehend  I Shall  Quietly 
Succeed,  unless  Coll°  Berry  be  Poutey  & Sullen  on  Behalf  of  New 
Ipswich,  Which  Since  I have  entered  upon  it  Desire  under  your 
directions  my  Liberty  may  be  Continued  to  Setle  with  him,  or  Any 
Others  that  Shall  be  Obstinate:  I can  readily  Compound  that  the 
Eighteen  Shares  proposed  As  Owners  to  Draw  one  third  of  Each 
town  Clere,  have  proposed  to  Equalize  the  towns  Quantity  for  Qual- 
lity,  And  the  Setlers  to  Draw  lotts  which  towns  to  fall  into,  a Suffi- 
cient Sum  of  money  Advanced  on  entrance  to  pay  the  Charge  of 
Survey  Roads  a Meetinghouse  and  for  preaching  the  first  Six  months 
to  begin  the  Setlement  next  June  at  furthest  if  peace  In  Six  months 
from  Drawing  their  Lotts  to  have  Housen  built  And  Inhabit  there, 
and  so  to  make  a progressive  Improvement  for  four  years  Stating  a 


234 


C H A R T EK  R ECO R DS . 


Certain  Quantity  for  each  year  & for  them  by  Indenture  to  your 
Lordships  on  failure  at  any  time  of  any  part  to  Surrender  the  Whole 
under  a Sufficient  Penalty;  by  the  Same  Indenture  to  pay  by  the 
Setlers  all  town  Charges,  untill  Your  lotts  are  Improved  and  so  fait 
them  to  become  Chargable  According  to  the  Incombe  ; In  Case  a 
Lawsute  Should  Arise  from  Other  Claimers  you  to  be  at  that  Charge, 
(which  I had  not  your  Speciall  Authority  for)  excepting  that  your 
Quitclaim  to  be  their  title  with  Severall  Other  Contingent  Articles 
of  Duty  On  their  part  which  all  who  have  Applyed  readily  Concur 
with — 

if  this  be  not  Acceptable  or  any  thing  further  Occurrs  to  your 
minds  for  my  Direction  you  may  Write  by  Cap1  Goffe  & may  be 
Assured  of  my  faithfull  Complyance  I have  Likewise  proposed  An 
Injunction  that  they  Joyn  with  the  non  Setlers  in  Applying  to  the 
Govr  & Council  for  an  Incorporation  And  as  Soon  As  I have  Answer 
from  the  Massachusetts  Claimers  Shall  fill  up  the  lists  of  ye  Severall 
Towns — 

The  Writings  I’m  not  Capable  of  forming,  shall  depend  on  them 
being  done  at  Portsmouth. — The  Proprs  of  Souheegun  West,  Since 
I was  at  Portsmouth  have  Divided  their  Com’ons  & I hear  bid  Defi- 
ance to  your  Title,  if  no  Notice  be  taken  of  them  I apprehend  it 
will  have  An  ill  effect  ^haps  create  you  a Squable  with  many  other 
towns,  and  your  Setting  up  your  Bristles  early  might  put  an  end 
to  it.  (but  as  to  yt  you  know  best  what  to  do.)  I have  Nothing 
to  add  but  Wish  vou  Success  in  the  Affairs  before  you  And  rest  Yr 
H um1  SeP  at  Com ’and 

Joseph  Blanchard 

Dunstable  Novr  30th  1748. 

To  the  Hon1  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  moderator  &c  please  to 
Com’unicate  the  aforewritten 

Yrs  ut  Supra  J B — 


[ List  of  Petitions  for  Grants , Dec.  7,  17f87\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  81.] 

Pursuant  to  a Vote  of  ye  Proprietors  appointing  us  ye  Subscribers 
a Committee  to  Examine  ye  Petitions  that  have  been  preferr’d  to  ye 
Proprietors,  and  prepare  a Plan  of  Said  Petitions  with  ye  numbers  of 
Petitioners — we  Make  Return  as  follow’s — viz1 

old  Hampton  N°  1 Petition  from  old  Hampton  Town  ^ mr  Jn° 
Lovett  for  no  certain  place  or  Terms  ql  39  Petitioners 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


235 


Hampton  N°  2 Petition  from  Hampton  ^ m1  Jona  Lovett  for  no 
certain  place  or  Terms  60  Petitioners 

N°  Hampton  N°  3 — Petition  from  North  Hampton  ^ Dan11  Mars- 
ton  & John  Lovett  for  no  certain  place  or  Terms  60  Petitrs 

Hampton  N°  4 Petition  from  Hampton  ^ mr  John  Sandborn  for 
on  certain  Place  or  Terms  q4  60  Petitioners 

Hampton  Falls  N°  5 Petition  from  Hampton  Falls  ^ mr  Meshech 
Wear  Sam11  Prescott  & Benja  Hiliard  for  a Township  at  or  as  near 
Amosceeg  Falls  or  as  near  thereto  as  possible  or  a tract  at  ye  north 
westerly  corner  of  ye  Town  to  be  granted  to  Stark  &ca  &ca  but  on 
no  certain  Terms  q4  47  Petitioners 

Portsmo0  N°  6.  Petition  from  Portsm0  ^ mr  Hunkg  Wentworth 
for  a Township  on  Merrimack  River  or  as  near  as  may  be  conven- 
iently on  no  certain  Terms  q4  240  Petitioners 

Portsm0  N°  7.  Petition  from  Portsm0  ^ rnr  Hunkg  Wentworth 
for  a Township  called  Souhegan  West  or  Contocook  or  N°  5 if  not 
them  where  may  best  suit  ye  Proprs  no  certain  Terms  q4  90  Peti- 
tioners— 

Portsm0  N°  8 Petition  from  Portsm0  ^ Coll0  Jn°  Wentworth  for  a 
Township  at  Winepissiokee  Pond  upon  no  certain  Terms  q4  53  Peti- 
titioners — 

Exeter  N°  9 — Petition  from  Exeter  ^ Geo:  Creighton  & Jere 
Veasy  for  a Township  requesting  no  certain  place  or  upon  certain 
Terms — q4  80  Petitioners 

Stretham  N°  10.  Petition  from  Stretham  ^ Cap4  Geo:  Veasy  for 
no  certain  place  or  Terms  q4  60  Petitioners 

Rhye  N°  11 : Petition  from  Rhye  ^ Jona  Towle  Franis  & Richd 
Jennes  3d  for  no  certain  place  or  Terms  ql  80  Petitioners 

Kingston  N°  12  Petition  from  Kingston  ^ Rich'1  Hubbard  & Dan11 
Young  for  a Township  bounding  upon  ye  Crotch  at  northern  side  of 
Winepisseoke  River — upon  no  certain  Terms  q4  57  Petitioners 

Kingston  No0  13  Petition  in  behalf  of  Kingston  ^ Major  Ebenr 
Stevens  & Jedediah  Philbrick  for  a Township  joining  northerly  on 
Contocook  on  ye  west  side  of  Merimack  upon  no  certain  Terms  no 
particular  number  of  Petitioners — 

Kingston  N°  14  Petition  in  behalfe  of  Officers  & Soldiers  of  Cape 
Breton  Expedition  ^ John  Lad  & Jona  Young  for  no  certain  place 
or  Terms  & no  particular  Number  of  Petitioners 

Exeter  & Hampton  N°  15  Petition  from  Exeter  Hampton  &a  ^ 
Joseph  Rawlins  for  a Township  in  no  certain  place — upon  reasonable 
Terms  q4  60  Petitioners 

Chester  & Londonderry  N°  16  Petition  from  Chester  & London- 
derry by  James  Campbell  for  a Township  to  as  many  Persons  as  ye 


236 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Proprietors  shall  think  Proper  Scituate  & lying  chiefly  to  ye  north 
of  ye  road  lead8  from  New  Boston  to  Hillsborough 

Lond°derry  N°  17  Petition  from  Londonderry  by  Cap1  Todd  & 
Cap1  Barr  for  a Township  at  or  near  Hales  Town  or  otherways  upon 
no  certain  Terms — ql  64  Petitioners — 

Districts  N°  18 — Petition  from  Districts  by  Nich0  White  & Nath11 
Bartlet  for  a Township  betwixt  Salem  Cannada  & a remote  place 
call’d  Groton  if  not  there  where  it  best  suits  ye  Proprietors  upon  no 
certain  Terms  ql  60  Petitioners — 

Haverhill  District  N°  19  Petition  by  Obadiah  Perry  & Dan11  Poor 
for  a Township  to  ye  northward  joining  upon  Contocook  & merri- 
mack  River — q*  45  Petitioners — 

Penycook  N°  20.  Petition  by  John  Webster  & Nath11  Smith  for 
Six  miles  Square  bounded  easterly  upon  Hopkinton  Westerly  upon 
N°  7 northerly  by  Almsbury  Town  so  call’d  southerly  by  ungranted 
land  if  not  where  else  best  suits  ye  Proprrs — no  certain  number  of 
Petitioners — 

Haverhill  District  N°  21  Petition  by  Sam11  Dustin  for  a Township 
begining  at  ye  East  Corner  of  Souhegan  West  then  running  Six 
Miles  upon  Salem  Cannada  then  running  Westerly  Six  miles  &ce  to 
make  Six  Miles  Squar  no  certain  Terms  or  Petitioners — 

Chester  N°  22 — Petition  from  Chester  by  Ebenezer  Dearborn 
James  Hills  James  Basford  for  a Township  between  a place  called 
New  Boston  & Hillsboro — nor  certain  Terms  or  number  of  Peti- 
tioners 

Rumford  N°  23 — Petition  from  Rumford  for  a Township  between 
a place  called  n°  5 & n°  7 — upon  no  certain  Terms  qfc  48  Petitioners 
Souhegan  East  N°  24.  Petition  in  behalf  of  ye  Grantees  of 
N°  5.  or  souhegan  East — by  Doctr  Miller  & Major 

Souhegan  East  N°  25 — Petition  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  Souhegan  East 
for  Said  Township — qfc  32  Petitioners — 

N°  26  Petition  of  Messrs  Goffe  & Associates  for  Gorham’s  Town 
N°  27  Petition  of  Messrs  Stark  & Renkin  & associates  for  a Town- 
ship— 

Greenland  N°  28.  Petition  from  Greenland  ^ Clem1  March  Esqur 
& Walter  Weeks  for  a Township  bound8  on  Gilman  Town  & part  of 
Winipissiokee  pond,  upon  no  certain  Terms — q*  ab*  62  petitioners — 
Stretham  N°  29 — Petition  from  stretham  ^ Cap1  Wiggins  &c  for 
a Quantity  of  land  (Suppose  a Township — ) no  certain  place  or 
Terms — q*  81  Petitioners 

Dover  & Summersworth  N°  30.  Petition  from  Dover  & Summers- 
worth  ^ John  Gage  Esqur  for  two  tracts  to  make  2 Towns  on  ye 


Naragansett 
White — 


MAS0N1AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


237 


Head  of  Rochester  line  beginning  on  ye  eastward  side  next  to  ye 
County  of  york  &ce  no  certain  conditions — 

Durham  81  Petition  from  Durham  ^ Cap1  Chesley  & Ebenr  smith 
for  a Township,  bounding  on  Rochester  head  line  & Barnstead,  no 
certain  Terms — qt 

N°  1.  Permission  given  to  John  Shepherd,  to  enter  upon  a Tract 
of  Land  abl  500  Acres,  Southerly  by  Souhegan  River,  Easterly  by 
Souhegan  West,  &ca 

N°  2.  James  Rogers,  Pudney  & Others  petition  for  a parcell  of 
Land  on  the  westerlv  side  of  Bow,  or  Lovell’s  Farm 

N°  3.  Sundry  petitions  for  Settlements,  in  Suncook  Gorhams 
Town,  New  Boston  &ca 

N°  4.  Majr  whites  Petition  for  his  Right  in  Gorham  Town 
N°  5.  John  Duncan  for  a Tract  at  Cohass — 

N°  6.  Tim0  Walker  for  Ditto  in  Marlbrougli 
N°  7.  Ebenr  Flag’s  2 Letters  about  his  Right  in  Hales  Town 
N°  8.  Gold  & Parkhurst  for  a Tract  of  Land,  call’d  Lovell’s 
Farm,  near  Gorham  Town — 

N°  9.  Thos  Colburn’s  petition  for  a Tract  in  Lovell’s  Farm  also 
Stephen  Chess  for  a Right  in  Baker’s  Town 

N°  10.  Goffes  & Walker’s  Plan  of  Rand’s  Farm 
N°  11.  Ebenr  whittemore  & Others  for  Suncook 
N°  12.  Thomas  Thomas  a Tract  of  Land  between  New  Boston 
& N°  7— 

N°  13.  Andrew  Todd  & Others  for  a Tract  of  land  below  Bow 
line 

Portsm0  Decr  7th  1748  Sam1  Solly 

Geo:  Jaffrey  jun 


[ Letter  to  John  Tufton  Mason.~\ 

% 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  84.] 

John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 

Sr  As  you  was  about  embarquing  for  England  you  was  desirous  of 
having  a State  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Proprietors  in  the  Lands 
purchased  of  you;  from  your  Sale,  to  that  time;  but  your  Sailincr 
within  a few  hours  prevented  the  Attempt,  which  I now  endeavour 
to  comply  with  in  giving  you  a Short  Sketch  which  may  refresh  your 
Memory  in  what  you  was  knowing,  and  information  of  Some  partic- 
ulars transacted  in  your  Absence — In  order  to  which  you  need  no 


238 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Information  of  your  Agreement  with  John  Thomlinson  Esqur  in 
London  April  1739.  and  after  your  Arrival  here,  you  need  not  be 
reminded  of  your  Memorials  to  Govr  Council  & Representatives  of 
Febry  18,  1745,  and  of  y*  7th  may  following,  praying  them  to  come  to 
Some  Determination  on  the  Said  Agreement ; which  were  read,  & 
Recommended  by  the  Govr  & Cou’cill  to  ye  House  of  Representatives 
— nor  can  you  forget  how  often  you  personally  waited  upon  the 
Asembly  to  Scollicit  their  Compliance  with  your  Agreement  with 
their  worthy  Friend  & Agent  in  behalfe  of  the  People  of  this  Prov- 
ince ; and  how  lightly  they  Esteem’d  that  Gentleman’s  good  Service 
in  that  particular  was  within  your  own  Observation  ; and  what 
Reception  & treatment  your  personal  applications  to  the  Assembly 
met  with  you  best  know — & Also  how  justly  you  inferred  the  Deter- 
mination of  the  Assembly  of  not  Complying  with  your  Agreement 
with  their  Agent — in  Consequence  of  which  you  determin’d  to  make 
Sale  of  ye  Premises,  & in  Order  thereto  you  had  A common  Recov- 
ery pass’d  in  June  1746,  to  dock  ye  Entail — & then  was  so  generous 
as  to  tender  it  to  Gentlemen  in  this  Province ; who  readily  accepted 
of  the  Offer,  and  Complyed  with  your  Terms — It  hapening  you  was 
Ordered  to. your  Post  at  Louisbourg  within  a few  days  prevented  a 
larger  Number  in  the  Purchase,  and  waiting  for  a further  Motion  to 
be  made  to  the  Assembly  before  ye  Sale  was  Executed — you  may 
remember  the  Regard  to  the  publick  which  was  design’d  in  making 
the  Purchase,  and  unanimity  of  Agreement  in  making  a Quitclaim  to 
all  the  Townships  granted  by  the  Govrs  & Councill  of  this  Province, 
in  the  Same  manner  as  they  were  before  held  by  the  Grantees  or 
those  who  hold  under  them;  except  two  Townships  viz1  Gilman 
Town,  a valuable  tract  of  Land,  about  which,  it  was  not  then  under- 
stood that  any  Settlement  was  made  or  any  Expence  lay’d  out  by  the 
Persons  to  whom  granted;  and  therefore  none  injured — and  Town- 
ship of  Kingswood,  granted  by  Govr  Belcher  & his  Councill  about  the 
time  of  the  Trial  of  the  boundary  Lines  betwixt  Massa  Bay  & New 
Hampshire,  and  when  ye  Court  Sat  at  Hampton  Falls  (within  which 
no  Improvement  had  been  made)  it  being  all  the  Land  ungranted  to 
ye  Eastward  of  Merrimack  and  Winipisiokee  Pond,  or  at  least  all  ye 
land  of  Repute,  within  those  Bounds  of  ye  Province,  not  granted,  that 
ye  Grantors  inclined  should  be  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  ; 
and  ye  persons  to  whom  granted  were  about  between  forty  & fifty 
Persons,  very  few  of  considerable  note,  and  only  Such  as  were 
Abbettors  of  mr  Belcher’s  Scheems  in  this  Province — you  may 
remember  After  ye  Assembly  were  inform’d  you  had  Agreed  with 
us  upon  the  Conveyance — they  Sent  a Comtee  to  ye  Place  where  we 
agreed  to  meet  to  have  your  Deed  Executed  ; to  inform  you  and  us, 


MASON1AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


239 


that  if  we  had  not  proceeded  so  far  as  Executing  the  Deeds,  & if  we 
consented  to  release  our  Agreement  with  you,  they  would  Comply 
with  mr  Thomlinson’s  Agreement  with  you,  for  the  purchase  ; Then 
you  took  Occasion  to  recite  to  ye  Comtee  (the  Speaker  being  one)  the 
whole  Transactions,  which  pass’d  about  the  Affair  from  your  Agree- 
ment with  Mr  Thomlinson,  to  that  time  ; Concluding  with  a Solemn 
Asseveration,  that  you  would  not- Execute  a Deed  to  the  Assembly 
upon  any  Terms  whatever;  after  wch  they  made  no  further  Applica- 
tion to  you  upon  the  Affair — The  next  day  the  house  Appointed  a 
Committee  to  join  Such  as  may  be  Appointed  by  ye  Council  to  Con- 
sult on  ye  properest  & best  Method  to  proceed  in,  concerning  Mason's 
Claim,  & make  im’ediate  Report  to  ye  Gen11  Assembly  ; to  which 
Comtee  the  Council  join  four  of  their  Members  to  make  a Comtee  of 
both  houses — and  Assented  by  ye  Govr  the  Same  day  ye  Comtec  Con- 
sult upon  the  affair,  and  Report  it  will  be  best  for  the  Province  to 
purchase  the  Said  claim  for  the  Use  and  Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  Provce;  provided  the  late  purchasers  will  Sell  it  for  the  Same 
Sum’  they  gave  for  it,  & Charges,  which  Report  was  read.  Accepted 
& Concurrd  by  Council  & Assembly,  and  Assented  to  by  ye  Govern- 
our.  the  next  clay  a Committee  of  both  Houses  was  Appointed — and 
Assented  to  by  the  Govr — to  treat  with  the  Claimers;  and  if  they 
will  Sell  on  the  Terms  mentioned  in  ye  Said  Report — to  conclude  a 
Bargain  with  them  agreable  to  Said  Report ; and  take  advice  of 
Gentm  learn ’d  in  the  law  about  proper  Instruments  to  be  drawn  & to 
be  Executed  by  the  Said  Claimers,  to  get  them  ready  & prepared  to 
lay  before  ye  Gen11  Assembly  at  their  next  meeting  & at  the  Same  time 
to  make  report  of  all  their  Doings — 

The  Members  of  ye  Committee  of  ye  Assembly — Report  in  the 
house  “that  they  met  with  the  Said  Claimers  & informed  them  of 
the  Power  invested  in  the  Comtee  by  the  Gen11  Assembly  and  After 
Some  time  Spent  in  Conferrence  on  the  Affair  the  Question  was  put 
to  the  Said  Claimers  whether  they  would  Sell  on  the  terms  propos'd 
by  ye  Gen11  Assembly  viz1,  for  the  Same  Sum  they  gave  & Charges, 
to  which  they  did  not  all  agree  but  Soon  after  broke  up”  before  I 
proceed  would  make  a few  Remarks — Soon  after  his  Excellency 
came  to  the  Chair  he  Communicated  to  ye  assembly  your  Agreement 
with  Mr  Thomlinson  and  frequently  Recomended  their  Consideration 
of  it,  and  Compliance — it  Seems  they  Considered  it  So  far,  as  to  agree 
that  not  the  least  mention  Should  be  made  of  your  Right  or  Claim 
upon  their  Journal — which  I may  Say  will  not  Appear  till  the  latter 
end  of  July  1746.  ye  day  Appointed  for  your  Executing  the  Deed  (o 
us — notwithstanding,  as  you  was  about  making  Sale  of  your  Right  to 
us,  they  would  Comply,  upon  Condition  that  the  Assembly  might 


240 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


have  the  Right  with  ye  Gov1  & Council  to  dispose  of  the  Lands,  to 
which  ye  Govr  & Council  would  not  agree  to,  but  insisted,  that  the 
Disposal  of  the  Lands  should  be,  by  the  Govr  & Council  as  usualy  ye 
Lands  in  this  Province  had  been  granted — which  Controversy  was 
never  Settled  by  ye  Council  & Assembly  and  }'Ou  may  remember  at 
the  Conference  we  had  with  ye  Committee  when  they  propos’d  to 
buy  of  us,  for  ye  Sum  we  gave  you  & our  Charges,  when  the  Ques- 
tion was  put  whether  we  would  accept  of  their  Offer  ; the  first  who 
answer’d,  said,  in  Case  the  Government,  meaning  Govr  Council  & As- 
sembly, were  agreed  by  whom  the  Lands  should  be  granted  he  was 
ready  to  Accept  of  their  Offer,  which  was  generaly  Consented  to — 
for  it  was  easily  conceived  what  would  be  the  Consequence  of  that 
Assembly’s  having  an  equal  Right  witli  Gov1'  & Council  in  the  Dis- 
posal of  the  Lands,  from  their  Temper  & Disposition  in  other  af- 
fairs about  that  time — for  it  was  very  unlikely  they  would  have 
agreed  amongst  themselves,  upon  the  proportioning  ye  Quantitys  to 
each  Town  ; and  then,  upon  the  Objects  of  their  favours  : which 
doubtless  would  be  to  those  only,  who  would  in  Return,  give  them 
their  Votes  at  the  next  Election;  which  Power  was  never  intended 
to  be  lodged  in  the  hands  of  Representatives,  which  reason  was 
Sufficient  of  it  Selfe  to  hinder  our  Selling  to  them  in  that  manner; 
without  Considering  the  Expence  the  Province  would  be  at,  for  the 
time  that  would  be  Expended  about  the  Grants,  which  it’s  very 
likely  to  be  expected,  would  be  long  if  ever  before  they  would  be  so 
framed  that  all  the  Branches  would  have  Concurr’d,  so  that  the  land 
would  probably  lay  unimproved  for  many  years,  besides  many  other 
Inconveniences  to  the  Province. — In  dayly  expectation  of  an  Answer 
or  a deed  prepared  for  us  to  Execute  fram’d  agreable  to  the  Result 
of  ye  Conference,  which  was  agreable  to  ye  opinion  of  two  branches 
of  ye  Court,  (viz1)  Gov1'  & Council,  but  the  first  thing  we  heard,  was 
a Rumour  Spread  thro’  ye  Government,  that  we  had  bo’t  a Bargain 
out  of  the  hands  of  the  Government;  attended  with  many  malicious 
and  vile  Aspersions,  very  indecent  in  themselves,  and  as  unbecome- 
ing  the  Authors — As  most  or  all  of  us  who  made  ye  Purchase  had 
either  in  a publick  Capacity  or  in  a private  way  endeavour’d  to  in- 
fluence ye  Assembly  to  comply  with  mr  Thomlinson’s  Agreement 
with  you,  yet  we  tho’t  it  expedient  in  a more  express  and  publick 
manner  to  manifest  our  Disposition  upon  that  head  ; which  we  did 
by  Signing  a memorial  to  the  Committee  of  ye  Gen11  Court  on  Sept1' 
4th  1746 — Setting  forth  what  had  been  transacted  about  your  Right 
Since  mr  Thomlinson’s  & your  Agreement,  to  ye  time  of  our  Con- 
ference with  ye  Comtee  and  adding  that  we  expected  for  about  a 
month,  that  they  would  have  pursued  that  part  of  the  Vote  of  ye 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


241 


Gen11  Court  that  related  to  their  taking  the  Advice  of  Gentm  learned 
in  ye  law  about  proper  Instruments  to  be  drawn,  for  us  to  Execute, 
to  Convey  to  the  Province,  what  we  had  purchased  of  you  ; which 
Deed  we  had  neither  Seen  or  heard  of, — also  obviating  that  ground- 
less Censure,  by  Stating  ye  facts  of  their  own  Conduct,  and  reciting 
our  Quit  Claim  &c  &c  concluding  that  we  were  ready  to  Execute  a 
Deed  for  our  Remaining  Interest  in  the  Premises,  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  we  received  it.  and  for  the  Same  Sum  we  gave  you  for  it,  and 
our  Costs  attending  the  Same  ; provided  it  be  done  within  one  month 
from  ye  Date  of  ye  memorial;  and  ye  Deed  so  made  as  to* convey  ye 
land  to  the  Government,  to  be  granted  to  Such  Inhabitants  as  ye 
Govr  & Council  shall  grant  Charters  to  ; & excus’d  ye  Limitation  of 
one  month  because  sundrys  were  to  be  obliged  in  ye  Premises  as 
they  had  applied  which  Memorial  was  read  at  Council  board  & Sent 
down  to  ye  House,  & read  there — which  happen’d  within  a day  or 
two  of  it’s  date — after  which  we  hear  nothing  from  ye  Gen11  Court 
upon  ye  Affair  till  the  8th  decer  when  they  alledge  in  a preamble  of 
a Vote  yt  they  had  Appointed  a Committee  on  ye  19th  Septr  to  join 
with  such  as  should  be  appointed  by  the  Council  to  purchase  said 
Claim,  agreable  to  ye  former  Report  of  a Comtee  but  were  prevented 
by  ye  Surprize  of  ye  Report  of  ye  French  Fleet  being  on  ye  Coast ; 
and  a Prorogation  of  ye  Court,  before  ye  Vote  was  Compleated — but 
on  ye  Sd  8th  day  of  Decr  A Committee  was  Appointed  to  prepare  and 
get  Instruments  drawn  to  be  laid  before  ye  Gen1]  Court 

On  August  20th  1747,  a Deed  was  Voted  to  be  offered  us  to  Sign, 
which  had  been  read  once  and  again  in  the  house  & which  was 
Concurr’d  by  the  Council  The  Deed  was  prepared  about  ye middle  of 
may  1747 — and  lay  in  ye  Files  of  ye  house  till  Aug:  20th  aforesaid, 
about  which  time  ye  Committee  offered  it  to  us,  as  what  was  pre- 
pared by  the  General  Court,  for  us  to  Execute — the  Purport 
whereof  was,  for  us  to  Convey  to  two  Gentm  as  Feoffees  in 
Trust  for  and  in  behalfe  of  ye  Inhabit185  of  this  Province  all  our 
Right  Estate  Property  Possession  &c  by  virtue  of  any  Purchase 
of  you  made  &c  Situate  within  ye  bounds  of — beginning  at  ye  mouth 
of  Piscata  River  and  Sixty  Miles  up  into  y®  Countrey  so  along  ye  Sea 
Coast  towards  Merrimack  River  untill  it  pomes  to  ye  Boundary  Line 
between  Massa  & New  IIampshr  then  running  up  the  Country  till 
Sixty  Miles  be  finish’d,  then  a line  across  to  ye  End  of  ye  first  Sixty 
Mile  line — the  Form  of  this  Deed  was  Debated  in  the  House  and 
ye  Objections  propos'd  which  we  might  make;  notwithstanding 
which,  a Majority  voted  it  to  be  the  form  in  which  they  would  have 
us  make  a Conveyance  : the  Council  might  pass  it,  and  in  Complais- 
ance to  ye  Assembly  and  Committee,  without  Examination  ; we  bor- 
16 


242 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


row’d  ye  Deed  of  the  Committee  to  peruse  in  order  to  give  them  an 
Answer,  before  I observe  to  you  ye  Effect  of  that  Deed  & the  Result 
of  ye  Proprietors  upon  it,  I Will  take  some  notice  of  our  Quitclaim, 
which  you  may  Remember  was  Executed  by  us,  immediately  after 
your  Deed  of  Conveyance  was  Executed  & Acknoleged ; least 
any  Accident  should  prevent  our  good  Intentions  to  the  publick — as 
we  Esteem’d  your  Title  to  ye  premises  to  be  good,  and  your  Convey- 
ance regular  and  firm — -we  reserved  in  ye  Quit  Claim,  or  rather 
did  not  include  any  Rights  we  had  by  Grant  or  Purchase  of  any  Land 
or  Estate  within  the  Bounds  of  your  Deed  to  us,  but  left  it  to  Depend 
upon  that  Title  we  purchas’d  of  you  and  very  early  Care  was  taken 
to  have  ye  Quit  Claim  recorded  in  The  Province  Records,  even  before 
your  Deed  was  recorded  of  which  ye  Members  of  ye  Assembly  well 
knew  by  perusing  it  on  ye  Record  as  Soon  as  it  was  Recorded,  which 
was  within  a short  time  of  it’s  Date,  and  Copies  were  taken  of  it — 
so  that  our  Quit  claim  was  well  known,  at  least  to  ve  Assembly — 
Upon  Reflection  of  the  Conduct  of  the  Assembly  about  the  affair 
from  it’s  being  first  Communicated  to  them  by  his  Excellency,  and 
your  Appearing  to  Comply  with  your  agreement,  and  also  yr  Sollici- 
tation  to  have  them  make  the  Purchase  for  ye  Government;  their 
Neglect  & Silence  upon  it,  and  even,  when  they  seem’d  most  anx- 
iously concern’d  about  ye  Purchase,  as  to  lay  aside  all  other  Buisness 
for  Several  days,  and  to  pass  Votes,  and  appoint  Com’ittees  to  treat 
with  us,  and  prepare  a Deed  for  us  to  Execute,  and  even  Send  their 
Committee  to  us  with  the  Deed  to  be  executed  ; yet  in  all  their  Con- 
cern to  Serve  ye  good  People  of  the  Province — never  voted  the  rais- 
ing a Penny  of  Money  to  pay  us  the  Consideration,  they  propos’d  to 
give — which  by  ye  way  was  more  than  halfe  as  much  again  than  the 
Sum  you  would  have  Sold  it  for  to  them — so  that  were  we  So  Stupid 
as  to  Sign  their  Deed  they  brought  us,  they  had  not  a Shilling  to  pay 
us  for  ye  Consideration  we  gave,  & the  Charges;  and  then  Consider- 
ing the  Force  of  the  Deed  which  was  tendered,  which  had  we  Exe- 

O . 

cuted,  we  had  Conveyed  to  the  Feoffees  in  Trust  for  the  Use  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  Government,  all  our  Estates  of  Lands  and  Appur- 
tenances, we  any  of  us  held  within  the  Province,  unless  any  part 
could  be  preserv’d  by  a Tenure  of  Sixty  years  Possession,  before  ye 
Executing  of  the  Deed — and  you  are  not  insensible  That  Many  of 
your  Purchasers  had  valuable  Estates  in  out  Lands  by  Grants  from 
Govrs  and  Councill  of  this  Province,  or  by  purchases,  which  could 
not  prescribe  more  than  thirty  years  Possession  at  most,  and  a great 
Quantity  not  So  much ; so  that  after  we  had  given  the  People  in  the 
Province  all  our  Right  to  their  Estates,  which  we  might  have  recov- 
ered from  them  by  virtue  of  your  Title ; and  Quieted  them  in  their 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


243 


Possessions,  which  they  could  legaly  hold  otherwise  ; in  Return  for 
that  good  Service  the  Government  would  Strip  us  of  all  our  Estates 
within  ye  Province,  had  we  been  so  complaisant  as  to  have  Executed 
the  Deed  they  had  prepared  for  us — which  last  Transaction  of  ve 
Assembly,  for  there  it  was  contrived,  bro’t  us  to  a Resolution  of  what 
must  be  their  Disposition — viz1  considering  their  other  Behaviour 
about  the  Affair  ; that  they  would  not  purchase  of  you  or  us  ; So  that 
the  Govr  & Council  should  have  the  Granting  of  ye  Lands,  but  would 
run  ye  Risque  of  ye  People  of  ye  Province  becoming  Tennants — per- 
haps to  their  Good  Friends  in  the  Massa  and  Seem’d  to  be  So  bent; 
& their  framing  Such  a Deed  which  bring’s  us  to  this  Premunire — 
that  if  we  would  Still  persist  in  Endeavouring  to  Serve  or  gratify 
ye  Government  in  Selling  the  Right  We  bought  of  you,  for  ye  sum 
it  cost  us  & Charges,  it  Shall  be  at  the  Expence  of  our  Estates ; or 
the  Obstacle  such,  yl  if  we  had  not  lost  our  Senses,  we  would  not — 
So  w7e  concluded  that  we  would  give  the  Assembly  No  further  trou- 
ble about  our  Right,  but  dispose  of  ye  Waste  Lands  as  we  should 
thereafter  agree — I don’t  recollect  any  remarkable  Occurrences  about 
the  affair,  but  that  ye  three  Branches  of  the  Government  were  not 
pleas’d  with  our  holding  ye  Right,  but  that  most  of  ye  Councill  and 
his  Excellency  were  determined  to  make  Grants  of  three  Townships, 
all  contiguous;  to  Inhabitants  of  Dover  & Durham — joining  upon 
Rochester,  ye  nearest  unimproved  Lands  not  included  in  our  Quit 
Claim,  and  very  valuable ; they  proceeded  so  far  as  to  give  orders  to 
have  a Survey  of  ye  Townships  and  Return  of  a Plan  to  draw  the 
Charters  by,  which  I beleive  was  Effected  so  far,  that  the  Charters 
were  about  to  be  accomplished  ; had  not  two  of  the  Members  of  ve 
Councill  entered  their  Protest  against  the  Proceeding  & Some  other 
Attempts,  to  grant  the  waste  Lands  within  our  purchase;  yfc  we 
found  it  was  high  time  for  us  to  get  into  Some  Situation  wherein  we 
might  take  some  method  of  Securing  and  improving  our  Interest  in 
the  Waste  Lands — accordingly  concluded  upon  forming  ourselves 
into  a Propriety,  for  which  as  there  is  no  Law  of  ye  Province  direct- 
ing how  it  Should  be  perform’d,  We  took  the  Method  which  had 
been  us’d  in  the  Government  upon  Such  Occasions,  which  was,  by 
every  purchaser’s  Signing  a Notification  to  meet  at  such  time  & 
place,  to  transact  Such  Things,  as  Specified  in  vc  Notification  woh 
was  done,  and  the  first  meeting  was  held  on  ye  14th  May  1748,  and 
repeated  to  this  time — before  which,  and  Since,  we  received  Many 
Applications  from  Societies  within,  and  some  without,  the  Province 
for  G rants  of  Lands  for  Townships,  and  Confirmation,  of  former 
Possessions  of  particular  Tracts ; and  as  we  were  sensible  of  the  Op- 
position of  his  Excellency  & ye  Council  to  our  Right  in  ye  Waste 


214 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Lands,  which  very  much  Discouraged  our  Improvement  & Settle- 
ment, it’s  being  so  publickly  known  ; we  were  obliged,  in  a maimer 
much  to  ye  Disadvantage  of  our  Interest,  to  endeavour  to  make  our 
Right  as  popular  as  we  could,  to  prevent  ye  Inconveniences  of  ye 
Powerfull  Influence  of  those  Branches  of  Authority,  with  the  Assem- 
bly, against  us,  and  the  general  torrent  of  a Disaffected  Populace, 
wch  would  very  much  affect  our  Interest  both  among  our  Province 
People,  and  those  of  ye  Massa,  who  claim’d  many  Townships  by 
Massa  Grants;  that  we  encouraged  Such  Applications,  and  engaged 
to  make  Grants  upon  easier  Terms,  than  ye  Government  would  make, 
so  that  the  Petitions  have  exceeded,  what  was  in  our  Power  to  grant, 
and  as  it  happen’d  there  is  in  ye  Superiour  Court’s  Office  Several 
Cases  filed;  that  were  tried  here  upon  your  Title,  which  furnished 
us  with  Such  Evidence  of  Mason’s  Right  in  the  Premises,  y4  we  were 
able,  as  Opp°  offered,  to  Convince  most  people  that  Applyed,  of  the 
Validity  of  our  Pretentions  in  it,  and  I believe  is  generaly  So 
esteem’d,  that  even  those  People,  who  had  the  general  Vote  of  ye 
Gov1'  & Council  for  the  three  Townships  upon  ye  head  of  Rochester, 
have  Since  Petitioned  us  for  our  grant  of  those  Townships,  asserting 
our  Title,  in  their  Petitions,  and  in  Complaisance  to  ye  Govr  & 
Councill  we  made  them  their  grants,  as  they  were  directed  before  to 
Survey  the  land,  and  they  have  taken  no  Charter  from  Govr  & 
Council  Since  our  grant — but  in  virtue  of  it  are  going  upon  ye 
Settlement  of  their  Respective  Tracts — so  that  with  much  trouble, 
and  Detriment  to  our  Interest,  we  have  got  over  the  most  popular 
Objections,  occasion’d  chiefly  by  the  Opposition  of  those  Authorities  ; 
which  Seern’s  to  be  with  Some  Inconsistency,  considering,  the 
Recommendation,  Concurrence  & Assent  to  the  purchasing  of  you, 
and  afterwards,  frequent  Transactions  in  Respect  to  the  Purchase  of 
us — which  might  have  been  accomplish’d  upon  their  Own  Terms,  if 
they  would  have  agreed  among  themselves  to  do  it — and  rather 
think  a little  Acknolegement  might  have  been  expected  for  our 
Quit  Claim,  by  the  Guardians  of  the  Publick,  for  Such  a Benefit  but 
in  its  stead  we  met  with  all  ye  Opposition  they  could  make — whether 
his  Excellency’s  appearing  to  Oppose  us  was  real,  or  political,  you 
are  capable  of  Judging,  I would  encline  to  think  ye  latter — and  as  to 
ye  others  it  appear’d  to  be  from  a malignant  invidious  Disposition, 
which  I hope  will  not  rise  to  any  higher  Degree,  but  rather  Subside; 
without  they  should  have  Power  & Opp°  to  Defeat  us — We  have 
Accomplish’d  eight  grants  for  Townships,  & Some  more,  near  the 
finishing,  and  man}7  more  engaged,  Some  of  the  grants  are  made  of 
ye  land  which  ye  Massa  had  granted  about  the  time  ye  line  was  about 
Settling,  and  Some  within  what  was  granted  in  this  Province,  called 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


245 


Kingswood — , the  Terms  of  ye  Grants  are  only  a gradual  Settlement 
of  ye  Townships  a longer  or  a shorter  Space  for  complying,  as  ye  land 
is  near  or  Remote  from  Settled  Towns  & reserving  three  Shares  for 
publick  uses  for  ye  Town  Such  as  for  ye  Ministry  and  School — and 
each  of  ye  fifteen  Proprietors  an  equal  Share,  to  be  drawn  for  by  lot 
in  Common  with  ye  others,  and  to  be  exempted  from  any  Charge  of 
Settlement,  till  dispos'd  of,  or  improv'd  upon  by  ye  owner — and  two 
other  Lots  which  were  design’d  for  ye  Lawyers,  for  their  aid  and 
Assistance  in  all  ye  Proprietors  Affairs — the  Tracts  of  land  to  con- 
tain Six  miles  Square,  to  be  divided  into  one  hundred  shares  ; one 
or  two  of  ye  first  grants  to  be  divided  into  eighty  shares.  Reserving 
all  white  Pine  Trees  fit  for  masting  ye  royal  Navy,  which  are  granted 
to  his  Majesty  his  heirs  & successors,  inserting  many  necessary  Con- 
veniencies  for  ye  Benefit  of  ye  Township — and  in  Case  of  any  Law 
suit  about  ye  Title  to  ye  Land,  we  have  warranteed  so  far  as  to  be  at 
the  Expence  of  Carying  it  thro'  ye  law  to  final  Issue — when,  if  we 
loose,  we  loose  our  Expence  & Right,  & ye  Persons  we  grant  to, 
loose  their  Labour — in  all  the  grants  we  have  made,  wherever  we 
understand  any  persons  live  upon  ye  Spot,  or  have  made  Improve- 
ments thereon,  if  they  will  make  Application  for  it,  we  confirm  their 
Improvements  to  them,  and  not  give  them  to  others — upon  which 
Account  we  have  had  Application  from  Several  of  the  Massa  Gentle- 
men, who  had  land  granted  by  the  Massa,  or  purchas’d  Such  Grants 
— and  we  have  also  had  whole  Town-Proprietors,  of  Massa  granting, 
to  make  Application,  but  how  far  they  will  prosecute  their  Applica- 
tion, their  own  Necessity  will  Determine,  wch  they  will  doubtless 
withdraw,  if  they  can  be  Satisfyed,  by  this  Government,  to  with- 
stand our  Right,  to  Effect  or  be  Supported  by  y*  Massa  in  opposi- 
tion, so  as  to  preserve  a Right  to  get  Possession  & Improvement  of 
ye  Lands — which  are  Scarcely  improv’d  upon,  or  but  little  in  many 
of  ye  Massa  Grants,  for  which  their  Gen11  Court  had  very  nearly 
granted  a large  Sum  of  Money  to  maintain  their  Rights  to,  in  Oppo- 
sition to  our  Claim — It  is  very  probable  Some  Society  or  person  will 
put  us  upon  the  trial  of  our  Title  to  the  Premises,  if  you  can  Recol- 
lect any  kind  of  Evidence  that  will  be  of  Use,  which  you  can  get  at 
Home,  as  you  are  upon  ye  Spot,  you  might  do  Service  in  procuring 
of  it ; I don’t  at  present  think  of  ail}’  thing  to  Recom’end  to  your 
procuring,  urdess  a proper  Certificate  or  Evidence  of  your  Ancestor's 
taking  upon  him  the  name  of  Mason,  by  Authority,  if  Such  Author- 
ity is  necessary  & proper  for  it,  also  if  you  have  a Copy  of  Cap1 
John  Mason’s  Will,  to  take  Advice,  if  all  ye  Devices  are  regularly  & 
properly  made,  So  as  to  abide  ve  Test  of  ye  Law — Considering  our 
Intention  and  Benefit  to  ye  Publick  of  this  Province,  in  our  making 


246 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  purchase  of  your  Right  (as  you  was  determin’d  to  Sell  it  if  we 
had  not  purchas’d  it)  and  giving  a Quit  Claim  to  all  the  Lands  any 
person  in  ye  Province  could  pretend  any  legal  Right  to  (except  ye 
Grantees  of  Gilman  Town  & Kingswood)  and  have  Since  ye  Quit 
Claim,  granted  & engaged  to  grant  Several  Townships  to  ye  Inhabi- 
tants of  every  Town  in  ye  Province  that  would  apply  for  Grants, 
which  are  for  one,  two,  or  three  Grants  of  Tracts  of  Land,  for  Town- 
ships to  the  Inhabitants  of  every  Town,  which  could  expect  a Grant 
from  the  Government — and  also  to  other  Inhabitants  of  Towns  less 
Settled — upon  which  Consideration,  and  the  Difficultys  and  incon- 
veniencies  occasioned  by  the  Government — The  Expence  of  Time  &ca 
Spent  in  the  Affair  of  receiving  Applications,  & upon  Seeking  after 
information  of  ye  particular  Tracts  to  be  granted  and  preparing  and 
making  ye  Grants  &c  &c  &c  There  is  an  Expedient  whereby  we 
might  Serve  ourselves  very  much  without  Injury  and  injustice  to  any 
body — That  is, 

[Here  the  document  suddenly  ends.  The  last  leaf  bears  the  fol- 
lowing notes :] 

mem°  of  N°  Towns  granted 

N:  6 : ye  first  meetg  of  Prop18  held  May  14th  1748 

1748  Decr  3d  the  first  grant  of  a Township — to  Thos  Packer  &c 

2.  Starks  Town  3d  grant  to  Jn°  Sanborn  & others — 4 grant  to 
Palmer  &c  5 Hillsborough — reserved  only  1700  Acres  6 Peter- 
borough 7.  to  Gershom  Down  &c  8 to  Ebenr  Varney  &c  9 Jona 
Chesle  &ce  10  to  Nath11  Gookin  &ce  11  to  Icha  Roby  &ce  12  to  Ebenr 
Stevens  &c  13  to  Abra  Perry  &ce  14  to  Richd  Jennes  &ce  15  Henry 
Mellens  &c  16  to  Edmund  Brown  &ce  17  Gilman  Town  18  Jn°  Mac- 
Murphy  Esqur  &c  19  Contoocook  20  Salem  Quit  Claim  no  reserva- 
tion 21  Wolfborrow  22  Souhegan  West  Quit  claim  no  reserva  23 — 
Bedford  24  To  Marston  &ce  25.  to  Coll0  Stodderd  &c  26  N°  1 27  N° 
2 28  Peterborow  slip  29  north  Manadnock  30  Middle  manadnock 
31  Manadnock  n°  5.  32.  D°  N°  6.  33  D°  N°  7 34  new  Concord  n°  8 
35 — Dantzick  36  Dantzick  39  Heidlebourg  40  Alexandria  41  New 
Chester.  42  Lyndsborough  43  Ipswich 

[Endorsed]  Private  Papers  belonging  to  Geo.  Jaffrey  Masonia 

[The  following  names  in  the  above  document  have  the  word 
“Tax”  written  over  them:  Tho’s  Packer,  Starks  Tdwn,  Henry 
Mellens,  Contoocook,  Salem,  Souhegan  West,  Bedford,  Lynds- 
borough, Ipswich. — Ed.] 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


247 


[ Thomas  Packer's  Protest , March  7,  17Jj&-99\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  76.] 

Prove  of  l At  a meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands 

New  Hampr  j purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mayson  Esq  in  the  Prove 
of  New  Hampr  at  the  Dwelling  House  of  Sarah  Prust  widow  in 
Portsm0  in  Said  Prov6  on  wendsday  the  Second  day  of  Novembr 
anno  Domini  1748  Pursuant  to  Notification  of  the  28th  of  October 
last  past — 

To  the  Gentlemen  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  the  above 
named  John  Tufton  Mayson  Esq  I do  hereby  object  and  Protest 
against  and  discent  from  any  Grant  of  Lands  that  you  shall  make  to 
any  person  or  person  that  lyes  to  the  Eastward  of  merrimack  river 
from  the  south  west  corner  of  Canterbury  down  the  river  Southward 
and  I do  likewise  object  and  Protest  against  and  discent  from  any 
grant  you  shall  make  to  any  person  or  persons  of  the  Lands  that 
lyes  to  the  westward  of  a Place  called  New  Boston  and  to  the  west- 
ward of  a Place  called  Hales  Town  and  to  the  Northward  of  a Place 
called  Salem  Canada  and  to  the  Northward  of  a Place  called  Peter- 
borough and  to  the  southward  of  a Place  called  Number  Six  and  to 
the  southward  of  Two  other  Towns  called  Number  Seven  and  Num- 
ber Eight  number  seven  being  generally  called  Hilsborough  and  the 
Said  Lands  between  those  Towns  to  run  Westward  So  far  as 
maysons  Clame  runs  The  reason  of  this  my  Protest  and  Discent  is 
because  I am  Determined  not  to  part  with  the  Interest  I have  in 
those  Lands,  and  I desire  that  this  my  Protest  and  Discent  may  be 
Entered  on  the  Proprietors  Books — 

Tho9  Packer — 

Portsm0  march  1st  1748/9 


\Poicer  of  Attorney  to  Jackson , Livermore , and  Parker , June  lJf , 

mo.-] ' 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  83.] 

KNOW  ALL  MEN  by  these  Presents  That  I John  Tufton  Mason  of 
Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England 
Esqr  Do  by  these  Presents  Constitute  & appoint  Clement  Jackson 
Matthew  Livermore  & William  Parker  all  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid 
Esq™  & any  two  of  them  to  be  my  Attorneys  for  me  & in  my  Name 
Stead  & use  to  Suffer  Sue  forth  prosecute  finish  & perfect  a Com- 
mon Recovery  or  Recoveries  one  or  more  of  any  Lands  or  Tenements 


248 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


wherein  I am  or  shall  be  Interested  & Concerned  as  Tenant  in  Tail 
General  & Special  or  either  of  them  and  for  that  purpose  to  make 
Sign  Seal  & Execute  in  my  name  & Stead  any  Instrument  or  Instru- 
ments of  Conveyance  to  make  a Tenant  to  the  proecipe  or  otherways 
necessary  & proper  to  be  done  in  Such  Cases  and  to  bring  forward  a 
proper  Action  or  plea  .for  that  purpose  in  any  Court  having  Legal 
Jurisdiction  & Cognizance  thereof  & there  in  my  name  & behalf  to 
appear  Enter  into  the  Warranty  & Vouch  to  Warrant  any  Person  as 
Occasion  Shall  Require  & to  Sue  forth  a Writ  of  Seizin  thereof  or  to 
Enter  into  & take  full  Seizin  & possession  of  Such  Lands  and  Tene- 
ments and  Generally  to  Say  do  Act  Transact  Accomplish  and  per- 
fect one  or  more  Common  Recoveries  according  to  the  usual  method 
& Course  thereof  for  the  Assurance  of  Lands  & Tenements  and  do 
act  & perform  every  matter  & thing  whatsoever  necessary  & proper 
to  be  done  for  that  End  And  also  to  make  Sign  Seal  & Execute  any 
Deed  or  Deeds  of  Conveyance  of  any  Such  Lands  (after  perfecting 
the  Recovery  or  Recoveries  thereof  as  aforesd  for  the  Docking  & 
Cutting  off  any  Such  Estates  Tail  & Remainders  in  Tail)  to  Such 
Person  or  Persons  as  I Shall  hereafter  Direct  to  hold  to  them  & their 
Respective  Heirs  & Assigns  or  to  any  Such  Person  or  Persons  as 
they  my  Said  Attorneys  Shall  think  proper  to  hold  to  Such  Person 
or  Persons  & their  Respective  heirs  & Assigns  in  Such  Proportion  as 
they  my  Said  Attorneys  shall  Judge  proper  I Hereby  Ratifying  & 
Confirming  whatsoever  my  Said  Attorneys  Shall  Lawfully  do  or 
Cause  to  be  done  in  & about  the  premises — In  Witness  whereof  I 
have  hereunto  Set  my  hand  & Seal  the  fourteenth  Day  of  June  1749 
and  in  the  twenty  third  Year  of  his  Majesty’s  Reign — 

Jn°  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & Delivered 
In  presence  of  us  the  following 
words  being  first  Interlined 
viz  To  my  said  Attorneys , to 
Wm  Keeling 
Jos:  Newmarch 

Province  of  \ June  15th  1749  then  the  above  named  John  Tuf- 

New  Hampshr  j ton  Mason  Esqr  personally  appearing  acknowl- 
edged this  Instrument  to  be  his  free  Act  & Deed  Before  me 

Jos:  Newmarch  Js  Peace 

[Endorsed] 

Reed  11th  April  1753  D Peirce  Rd 

Prove  of  New  Hampshr 

Recorded  Lib.  40.  Fol.  364 

Exam’d — D Peirce  Red 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


249 


[. Letter  from  Joseph  Blanchard,  June  2 6,  17^#.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  85.] 

Gentlm 

Cap*  Goffe  Attends  You  on  ye  Great  & first  Grant  I Intreat  in 
the  Behalf  of  my  Neighbours  ye  Greatest  Dispatch  that  they  may 
return  to  their  Buisness  Cap1  Follensbys  Lot  as  Coupled  the  Proprs 
this  way  are  Content  with  ; Mr  Blodgetts  Affairs  I have  negotiated 
to  his  & I hope  to  Your  Acceptance;  & desire  your  Favour  on  his 
behalf  that  it  may  be  finished  According  to  his  Old  Bounds  which 
Cap1  Goffe  Projects — 

Cap1  Shepard  will  be  with  you  for  his  Grant — There  my  Honor, 
is  pawned  on  your  behalf  Doubt  not  your  Justice  to  him — Mr 
Simonds  by  Whome  I Wrote  this  day  is  the  most  Notable  Sufferer  I 
Should  be  Glad  if  your  Invention  from  ye  Com’on  or  Else  Where 
Could  Quiet  him,  Mr  B’odgett  has  Purchassed  Will111  and  Robert 
Reads  Rights  to  One  of  Which  let  his  Farm  be  put — I Shall  Soon 
Wait  on  }7ou  at  Ports0,  and  in  the  mean  time  make  needfull  En- 
quirys 

I am  Gent11  with  Great  Respect 

yr  most  Obed1 

June  26th  1749  J Blanchard 

To  the  Prop”  of  Mesons  Grant 

P.  S.  if  any  of  Cap1  Blodgets  Children,  Other  than  the  Present 
Actor,  (Seth)  Should  Clamor  & be  troublesome  Which  ^liaps  you 
may  meet  with  I know  the  Circumstances,  And  will  be  Answerable 
for  the  Justice  of  his  Covering  the  farm,  And  no  Disadvantage  to  y8 
propty 

Yrs  lit  Supra  J B — 


[Motion  for  Amendment  of  Writ.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  80.] 

Province  of  ) Be  it  Remembered  that  on  the  first  Thursday 
New  IIampr  ( next  following  the  first  Tuesday  of  September  being 
the  Seventh  day  of  the  said  Month  in  the  Twentvthird  year  of  the 
Reign  of  our  Lord  the  King  that  now  is,  Comes  into  Court  of  Com- 
mon pleas  of  our  Lord  the  King  for  said  Province,  John  Tufton 
Mason  of  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  Esqr  by  Clement  Jackson, 
Matthew  Livermore  & William  Parker  Esq”  his  Attorney’s  A Give 


250 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  Court  to  understand  and  be  informed  that  the  said  John,  Here- 
tofore viz4  on  the  first  Thursday  next  following  the  first  Tuesday  of 
June  in  the  Nineteenth  Year  of  the  Reign  of  our  said  Lord  the 
King,  Prosecuted  a Common  Recovery  in  the  said  Court  for  the 
Docking,  Barring  & Cutting  off  all  Estates  Tail  & Remainders  in 
Tail  of  and  in  all  that  Tract  of  Land  Heretofore  Called  & Known 
by  the  Name  of  the  County  of  New  Hampshire  or  New  Hampshire 
Lying  & being  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & Contain- 
ing one  hundred  Thousand  Acres  more  or  less  Bounded  & Discribed 
as  in  the  Writ  of  Entry  on  Dissiezin  in  the  Post  by  him  Sued  forth 
for  that  Purpose,  which  Recovery  at  the  said  Term  of  the  Sitting  of 
the  said  Court  was  finished  & Perfected  According  to  the  Usual 
Course  of  Prosecuting  Common  Recoveries,  for  the  Assurance  of 
Lands  & Tenements,  in  the  said  Court  and  Afterwards  Executed  by 
a Writ  of  Habere  Facias  Seisinam  duly  Served  & Returned  as  by 
the  Records  of  the  said  Court  of  the  Term  aforesaid  there  Remain- 
ing may  at  Large  Appear,  That  in  the  Writs  of  Entry  & Habere 
Facias  Seisinam  as  well  as  in  the  Deed  to  Lead  the  uses  of  the  said 
Recovery  there  was  an  Error  Committed  & Mistake  made  in  the 
Discription  & Boundary  of  the  Premises  on  one  part  thereof,  That  is 
to  say  in  the  said  Writs  & Deed  the  said  Boundary  Runs  from  the 
mouth  of  Piscataqua  River  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  the  Distance  of 
three  miles  North  of  Merrimack  River  & Runs  Parrallel  with  said 
River  at  the  Distance  of  three  Miles  to  the  head  thereof  & from 
thence  Westward  till  Sixty  miles  are  Compleated  &c  Whereas  the 
said  Boundarys  should  be  & have  Run  in  Manner  & form  Following, 
that  is  to  Say  Begining  from  or  at  the  Middle  part  of  Naumkege 
River  & from  thence  to  proceed  Eastward  along  the  sea  Coast  to 
Cape  Ann  and  Round  about  the  Same  to  Piscataqua  Harbour  & so 
forward  up  within  the  River  Newichewonnock  & to  the  farthest 
Head  thereof  and  from  thence  North  Westwards  till  Sixty  miles  are 
finished  from  the  first  Entrance  of  Piscataqua  Harbour  and  also 
from  Naumkege  Through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West 
Sixty  Miles  from  which  Period  to  Cross  over  Land  to  the  Sixty 
Miles  End  Accounted  from  Piscataqua  Harbour  as  aforesaid,  and 
the  said  Writs  & Deed  Should  also  Contain  the  same  Exemptions  as 
therein  are  made — Wherefore  the  said  John  by  his  Said  Attorney’s 
Humbly  moves  that  he  may  have  a Rule  & Order  of  this  Court  for 
Amending  & Correcting  the  Mistake  & Error  aforesaid  and  making 
the  Discription  & Boundary’s  in  the  said  Writ  of  Entry,  Writ  of 
Habere  Facias  Seisinam  & Deed  and  all  the  Process  of  the  said 
Recovery  and  Records  thereof  Agreeable  to  the  Boundaries  herein 
Last  Mentioned  and  Set  forth  as  was  Intended  & Designed  by  the 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


251 


said  John  to  have  been  done  in  the  Prosecuting,  Perfecting  and 
finishing  the  Recovery  aforesaid — 

Clement  Jackson 
Matthew  Livermore 
William  Parker 

Which  Motion  being  Read  & Precedents  Produced  in  Court  of 
Such  Amendments  as  are  therein  Mentioned  having  been  Granted 
to  be  made  and  the  Court  having  duly  Deliberated  & Advised 
thereon  It  is  considered  by  the  Court  that  the  said  Motion  be  & 
hereby  is  Granted  and  that  the  Amendment  prayed  & Moved  for,  be 
made  in  the  Original  Writ,  the  Writ  of  Habere  Facias  seisinam, 
Deed  to  Lead  the  Uses  and  all  the  Records  and  Process  of  the  said 
Recovery  in  as  Large,  full  & Ample  Manner  as  is  above  Requested — 

Att  H Wentworth  Cler 

A Copy  of  Record  Examined  by 

N Emery  Clerk — 


[. Letter  from  John  Tufton  Mason , Sept.  15 , 1749 •] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  88.] 

Gent/ 

This  to  Acquaint  You  of  My  health  hoping  You  all  are  allso 
Well,  & Diligent  in  the  Province  affair  So  far  as  Relateth  to  our 
Propriatorship  Every  Body  here  Speaks  Well  of  our  Scheeme  Last 
Weeke  My  Great  & Good  Patron  (The  Earle  of  thanett)  Came  to 
town  & Imediately  Sent  for  Me  & Recd  Me  With  the  Utmost  affec- 
tion & Kindness  Uppon  My  Relateing  the  affair  to  him  he  hyly 
aprooved  of  My  Management,  and  Wisheed  all  the  Success  Posseble 
to  those  Concerned,  With  Me  and  that  If  he  Could  be  of  any  Service 
to  the  affair  he  Would  at  any  & all  times  apear  for  Us  ading  that 
We  Were  Quite  Right  in  Distributeing  the  Land  our  Selves  With- 
out the  assembly’  assistance  as  it  Would  have  Been  a great  Charge 
to  the  Province  & an  Unequall  Divition  to  the  Poor  ; he  thinks  it 
Would  be  of  Great  Service  for  the  Propriators  to  Send  Yearly  a 
Ship  or  More  to  the  North  of  Ireland  for  People  to  Setle  our  Land 
as  they  are  Industrouss  People,  assoone  as  I heare  there  is  a Setle- 
ment  begun  I Shall  aply  to  him  for  a Minister  to  be  Mantaind  oute 
of  the  fund  for  Propagating  the  Gospell  in  foraign  Parts,  if  You 
thing  it  advizable,  he  Being  one  of  the  Chiefe  Comisioners  for  that 
End  I Pray  You11  Kepe  Me  all  ways  Well  advized,  of  Your  Proceed- 
ings, and  as  the  Letters  Will  Cost  Much  Postage  I Desire  You  Will 


252 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Incloose  them  Under  Cover  (To  the  Right  Uonoble  the  Earle  of 
tlianett)  Whitch  Will  frank  them  and  Cause  them  to  Come  Safe  My 
Lord  is  gone  Down  into  Kent  a few  Days  ago  I Shall  follow  him 
tomorow  as  he  Insists  on  My  Living  With  him  While  I am  In 
England  & tells  Me  I have  No  ocation  to  Spend  My  Money  fo 
Lodging  & Dyat  While  he  has  a house,  Whitch  I think  Kind  and 
Shall  Accept  off  he  farther  Says  I Shall  be  Provided  With  Some 
Post  before  Long  that  Shall  Make  my  Life  Ease}7  to  Me  Mr  Thomlin- 
son  Wonders  that  You  Dont  Send  the  Plan  & Proceeding  home  & 
So  Do  I my  Selfe  because  You  Know  that  I Was  So  Short  a Time 
With  You  that  I am  Ignorant  of  the  Greatest  Part  of  What  has 
been  Done,  I have  the  Pleasure  to  Inform  You  that  there  is  No 
great  Danger  of  any  Body  Mollesting  Us  in  our  Possession,  Pray 
Send  the  Copy  of  My  Case  Drawn  by  Mr  Sharp  and  the  atturney  & 
Sollicetor  Gen11  opinion  In  Casse  anything  Should  Start,  I Shall  Not 
Come  to  New  England  this  Year  I hope  & Expect  You11  Reserve  as 
Much  Land  oute  of  the  New  Deed  as  Will  Put  Me  on  a footing 
With  a fiveteenth  Part  as  I Was  obligd  In  honour  to  Part  With  a 
30th  to  Comply  with  My  Word,  and  as  there  is  So  Much  More  Left 
Yet  that  Was  Not  in  the  former  Deed,  if  You  find  an}7  thing  in  My 
absence  that  Will  Want  My  Imediate  apearance  I believe  it  will  be 
Proper  to  Send  Me  a Power  of  aturney  In  Conjunction  With  Mr 
Thomlinson,  he,  as  allso  My  Lord  thanett  Says  that  the  governour 
bad  Beter  be  Easey  than  to  Mollest  us  in  the  Least,  Mr  thomlinson 
is  allso  Much  Pleased  that  We  have  Not  forgot  him  as  a Propriator 
the  great  Noisse  of  Mr  Royall  Coming  Governour  is  all  a Gasconad 
for  the  Gentleman  Mr  Bethell  Would  Not  Stir  in  the  affair  & if  he 
had  It  Would  hav  had  no  Effect  the  affair  with  ye  governour  & ve 
assembly  being  over,  as  Supoass  they  are  Convinced  by  this  time, 
there  is  a Damd  Noyce  aboute  the  Governours  treatment  to  Cap* 
Sherburne  and  Major  Gilman  at  all  the  Boards  & Mv  Lord  Halifax 
& the  Secretary  at  War,  have  Express'1  them  Selves  Very  freely  on 
that  Subject,  in  faifour  of  them  So  has  Sr  Peter  Warren  in  So 
Mutch  that  they11  get  the  Pay  & Not  the  Governours  Sons,  I am 
Very  Sory  that  Such  an  Unguarded  Step  Was  taken  by  the  Gov- 
ernour otherwise  it  would  have  Been  Very  Easey  for  My  friends  to- 
gather  With  his,  to  have  got  him  Massachusetts  In  order  to  Make 
Way  for  Me  in  Newhampsliire,  allthough  : My  Lord  thanett  Says  it 
is  Not  Worth  his  asking  for  Me,  on  Account  of  the  Income,  but  he 
thinks  it  Will  be  of  Infinite  Service  toward  our  Carying  on  our 
Setlement  & he  has  Promissed  Me  that  I Shall  have  it,  in  Casse  any 
thing  Should  hapen  Mr  Wentworth  So  that  I think  I Shall  be  Pow- 
erful! Enough  for  Mr  Royall  & his  Interest  & Now  Gentlemen  as  We 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


25a 


are  all  as  one  Man  With  Regard  to  the  Propriaty  I think  We  ought 
to  be  as  Secreet  In  ou  Private  Confabulations  & advizes  as  though 
it  Were  in  a Well  Constituted  Lodge  of  Masons  for  Whitch  Reason 
I Desire  that  these  thing  I have  Wrote  You  May  be  a Secreet 
amoungst  You,  as  it  Can  be  Service  to  Let  others  Know  it : I Know 
You  all  to  Be  Gentelemen  of  Honour  or  Should  Not  have  Created 
You  Lords:  Nor  Laid  My  Selfe  open  to  You  I Should  be  Glad  of 
lour  Opinion  of  What  I have  hinted  assoone  as  Convenient  In  the 
Mean  time 

lam  Gen1 

Your  Hmle  Servfc 

Jn°  Tufton  Mason 

P S John  Husk  Lays  Down  With  the  Small  Pox  but  Lik  to 
Recover 

J T M 

London  Septr  ye  15th  1749 

To  the  Right  IIonoble  the  Lords  Propriators  of  New  Hampshire 
these 


[Story  of  the  Purchase  from  Mason.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  82.] 

Sr  Being  at  Boston  in  the  Winter  I tho’t  there  was  reason  to  Sus- 
pect that  design  was  attempting  against  ye  Propriety  of  Masons 
Right,  and  to  be  effected  at  Home  Soon  wherefore  I took  occasion 
on  the  1st  of  February  ^ ye  Bethel  Frigate  Cap1  Ross  to  give  you  a 
Breaf  Acco1  of  ye  Scituation  of  our  Propriety  Affairs,  and  Should 
only  Send  you  a Duplicate  ^ this  Opp°  but  not  knowing  of  your 
being  particularly  inform'd  of  the  Proceedings  upon  Mason’s  Right 
Since  your  Agreement  with  Cap1  Mason  in  Lond°  April  1730 — I now 
endeavour  to  give  you  the  State  of  ye  whole  Proceedure  since  y* 
Arival  of  that  Agreement  here  to  this  time — You  being  Sensible  of 
the  Right  Cap1  Mason  had  to  the  Lands  of  this  Province  as  far  ye 
Patent  Extends,  and  how  Expedient  it  would  be  to  the  Wellfare  of 
the  Inhabitants  to  have  that  Right  rest  within  the  Government,  and 
how  prejudical  it  might  have  been  to  be  lodg'd  elsewhere  a weighty 
Inducement  of  your  Obtaining  that  Agreement  with  him,  and  upon 
Such  easy  Terms,  that  your  good  Service  in  the  Benefits  to  be  pre- 
serv'd and  the  Damages  that  it  might  have  prevented  may  not  be 
easily  rated — The  first  publick  appear0®  that  I can  find  it  made  in 
this  Government  was  the  Governour’s  Sending  it  to  the  Assembly  on 


254 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


30th  October  1744  for  their  perusal  & Consideration  on  ye  9th  of 
December  following  the  Govr  Send’s  to  ye  house  to  desire  they 
would  come  to  Some  Resolve  about  ye  Agreement  between  you  & 
Mason 

on  ye  first  of  Jany  The  Govr  Send’s  to  ye  House  to  know  if  they 
had  Acted  upon  the  Indenture  between  you  and  Mason — 

The  next  Notice  taken  about  it,  was  a Memorial  presented  by 
Cap1  Mason  on  ye  18th  Feby  1745  to  Gov1’  Council  & Assembly  Set- 
ting forth  ye  principal  Articles  of  ye  Indenture  and  Signifying  that 
ye  term  limitted  for  performance  of  ye  Covenant  had  expired  four 
years,  & that  he  was  within  that  time  ready  to  Comply  on  his  part 
and  was  then  also  ready  and  willing  to  comply,  .and  requested  they 
would  come  to  a Determination  concerning  the  Premises — 

Feby  22d  the  memorial  was  read  in  Council  and  recommended — 

May  7th  1746  in  Council  the  memorial  was  read  and  Recommended 
again,  and  Sent  down — the  first  Effect  that  I can  Understand  these 
Recommendations  and  Cap1  Mason’s  memorial  had  in  the  House  was 
a Resolution  that  his  Right  should  not  in  any  Respect  be  mention’d 
in  ye  Journals  of  the  house,  tho’  a Com’ittee  was  appointed  to  get 
Counsell  upon  it,  wcb  was  rendered  thus  far,  that  it  was  the  Opinion 
of  ye  Counsell  that  Mason  or  ye  Heirs  of  Allen  had  a Right  but  most 
likely  to  be  in  Mason  as  no  Act  was  known  certainly  to  be  pass’d  to 
Dock  ye  Entail  of  ye  Patentee’s  Will  wch  conveyed  ye  Right  of  ye 
Premises  in  an  Estate  Tail — and  Stated  the  Affair  in  a familiar  Sim- 
ile— that  the  Government  purchasing  of  Cap1  Mason’s  Right  to 
Lands  in  this  Province  on  ye  terms  of  }rour  agreement  Seem’d  to  be 
like  ye  Case  of  a Merchant  who  should  purchase  a Vessell  and  Cargo 
at  a Small  Expence  to  Send  to  a certain  Place  where  if  ye  Vessel  ar- 
rived would  make  an  immense  Profit,  but  if  should  founder  by  ye 
Voyage  ye  Loss  would  not  be  great — notwithstanding  this  and  fre- 
quent Sollicitations  of  Persons  without  Doors,  anything  offered  to 
induce  ye  Assembly  could  not  have  any  Effect — Cap1  Mason  Waited 
upon  ye  Assembly  After  he  Return’d  from  London  in  1745  and 
offered  to  comply  on  his  part  with  ye  Agreement  but  they  took  little 
notice  of  him  ye  last  time  he  waited  upon  them  I think  a short  time 
before'  he  had  ye  Common  Recovery  pass’d  he  declared  he  should 
then  take  their  Silence  for  a Denial  of  complying  with  your  Agree- 
ment with  him  and  should  not  give  them  or  himselfe  any  further 
Trouble  about  the  affair  if  not  soon  determined  he  had  in  Return  a 
disdainfull  Slight — In  June  1746  Cap1  Mason  at  his  own  Expence 
had  a Common  Recovery  pass’d  at  ye  court  of  Common  Pleas  to  dock 
ye  Entail  of  his  Ancestor’s  Will,  and  being  determin’d  to  make  Sale 
of  his  Right  in  New  Hampshire  which  descended  to  him  by  that  will 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


255 


he  generously  offered  to  Sell  it  to  People  of  New  Hampshire  before 
any  others,  from  a just  Apprehension  of  ye  pernicious  Consequence 
the  Selling  it  to  our  friendly  Neighbors  would  be  to  all  ye  Inhabi- 
tants within  a short  time  after  ye  Process  of  ye  Common  Recovery 
was  Compleated  Cap1  Mason  offered  to  make  Sale  of  his  Said  Right 
to  Gentlemen  whom  he  knew  were  Friends  to  the  Prosperity  of  this 
Province  or  nearly  related  to  Such  & none  refused  to  purchase  of 
him,  and  of  those  Persons  I beleive  every  man  in  a political  or  pri- 
vate Capacity  Sollicited  the  members  of  >ye  Assembly  to  Comply 
with  your  Agreement  with  Mason.  Cap4  Mason  being  then  under 
Order  to  repair  to  his  Post  at  Louisbourg  in  a few  days,  hasten’d 
ye  Coming  to  a Conclusion  of  the  Sale  of  his  Right,  and  a meeting 
was  proposed  at  his  Request  to  agree  with  him  upon  the  affair,  & 
when  met  it  was  propos’d  to  defer  ye  matter,  to  See  if  ye  Assembly 
who  were  then  Sitting  would  not  comply  with  ye  Agreement  but 
Cap4  Mason  considered  ye  length  of  time  Since  it  first  lay  before 
them  and  more  than  a month  after  ye  Common  Recovery  pass’d  to 
dock  ye  entail,  and  ye  disdainfull  Usage  his  personal  Applications 
met  with  from  ye  Assembly  that  he  was  then  Resolved  to  have  no 
further  communication  with  them  upon  ye  affair  so  nothing  further 
could  be  offered  upon  that  head — there  were  twelve  of  ye  purchas- 
ers present  and  it  was  proposed  that  you  shou’d  have  a part  equal  to 
any  of  ye  purchasers  and  Cap4  Mason  reserv’d  an  equal  part  for  you 
and  an  equal  part  Designd  for  Jn°  Rindge  and  the  Sum  in  Consider- 
ation of  ye  Sale  was  by  lialfe  as  much  more  than  you  agreed  with 
Mason  for  ye  Government,  then  the  Form  of  a Deed  was  ye  Subject 
of  Consideration  Coll0  Atkinson  was  to  have  conveyed  to  him  one 
for  himselfe  & two  of  wch  intended  to  be  reconvey  to  Mason  one  of 
weh  pe  design’d  for  you  another  for  himselfe  M H W — th  -f-  his  own 
and  for  Jn°  Rindge  then  a minor — the  other  ten  parts  to  ye  Persons 
named — it  was  design’d  & propos’d  that  many  more  persons  should 
be  concern’d  but  ye  different  opinions  about  ye  form  of  a Deed  of 
Conveyance  produced  a Resolution  of  not  Admitting  any  other  per- 
sons, least  a greater  variety  of  Opinions  should  occasion  a delay 
which  Cap4  Mason  urged  against  as  ye  Vessell  he  was  to  sail  in  to 
Louisbourg  would  depart  in  a few  days  and  ye  necessary  Buisness  of 
his  Family  requiring  his  Attention, *he  desired  ye  Quickest  Dispatch 
to  have  ye  Deed  Executed,  upon  which  it  was  so  concluded,  and 
ye  Buisness  of  ye  Deed  committed  to  three  persons  to  get  prepared — 
it  was  at  this  time  also  Considered  the  Occasion  & Design  of  our 
Making  the  Purchase  of  Cap4  Mason — which  were  that  the  Govern- 
ment would  not  make  yc  Purchase  tho’  they  might  have  had  it  upon 
So  reasonable  terms  as  is  express’d  in  your  agreem4  and  Cap4  Mason 


256 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


was  resolv’d  (in  Case  of  their  Compliance  at  this  time  to  make 
ye  Purchase,  that  (as  he  could  Convey  his  Right  to  people  of  the 
Province,)  not  to  Sell  to  the  Assembly,  & that  it  was  very  unlikely 
if  they  should  now  resolve  to  purchase  that  the  whole  Legislature 
would  agree  in  ye  manner  of  ye  purchase  within  ye  short  time  he  had 
to  tarry,  when  the  affair  had  laid  so  long  under  their  Consideration — 
and  if  we  did  not  conclude  ye  Purchase  at  that  Inslant,  there  was  no 
other  oppertunity  of  Saving  Mason’s  Right  in  ye  hands  of  New 
Hampshire  Proprietors,  & Seing  within  four  or  five  Miles  in  a neigh- 
bouring Govm4  both  an  Inclination,  & a larger  Sum  than  we  gave 
was  ready  to  make  ye  purchase,  (and  by  what  I can  have  been  in- 
form’d there  was  no  Small  Disapointment  in  being  prevented  of 
ye  oppertunity)  So  that  ye  the  time  of  Securing  mason’s  Right  within 
this  Province  was  bro’t  to  that  Point  of  time  Now  or  never — there  is 
no  need  of  mentioning  of  how  great  importance  and  how  great  ye 
Consequence  must  then  be  thought  upon  by  ye  purchasers  to  improve 
that  critical  hour  of  accepting  Cap4  Mason’s  offer,  of  buying  his 
Right  to  y4  Part  of  ye  Province  within  his  claim — & It  was  well 
known  ye  Advantageous  Motive  that  occasioned  your  Agreement  as 
agent  to  this  Province  with  Cap4  Mason  to  Sell  his  claim  & Right,  to 
the  Lands  within  this  Province  to  this  Government,  was  to  quiet 
ye  People  of  the  Province  in  a quiet  & peaceable  possession  of 
their  Lands  and  Improvements — however  that  Consideration  was 
neglected  by  the  Representatives  of  the  Province  when  proposed  & 
Recomended  to  them — it  was  a principal  Design  of  ye  Purchasers, 
in  their  private  Capacity  to  give  So  much  money  to  Save  their  own 
properties  in  any  of  their  Lands  granted,  or  purchased  under 
ye  Grants  made  by  this  Government  also  of  any  persons  hold:  under 
those  grants  within  all  the  Towns  granted,  by  this  Govm4,  that  had 
any  Improvements  made  upon  them,  without  any  Reserve,  of  any 
unimproved  lands  within  ye  Bounds  limitted  of  each  Respective 
Township  that  it  was  no  Sooner  mentioned  than  unanimously  agreed 
that  immediately  after  Mason  executed  a Deed  to  us  of  his  Right  we 
we  would  Execute  a Deed  of  Quit  Claim  to  all  such  Townships  & in 
ye  manner  just  before  mentioned — and  what  improvements  we 
might  make  of  ye  waste  Lands  within  Mason’s  Claim  was  a Remote 
Consideration  at  that  time,  It  was  a few  days  after  that  we  had  a 
Deed  drawn  for  Cap4  Mason  to  Execute  to  us,  a Copy  of  wch  is  in 
ye  Case  French  v3  Follensby  lately  appealed  home  from  ye  Judgem4 
of  Court  of  Appeals  here  to  his  Majesty  in  Council — which  Deed 
being  drawn  when  there  was  not  time  to  enquire  into  ye  best  Bounds, 
within  so  short  a time,  that  another  Deed  is  executed  to  rectify  that 
Error  Extending  ye  Bounds  and  is  viz4 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


257 


You  may  See  our  Deed  of  Quit  Claim  filed  in  ye  Said  Case  and 
that  it  bears  even  Date  with  Mason’s  Deed  to  us  and  that  it  was 
entered  upon  ye  Province  Record  before  Mason’s  Deed,  which  Quit 
Claim  Comprehends  every  Township  granted  by  this  Govn,t  except 
two  viz1  Gilman  Town  (So  call’d)  and  Kingswood  it  was  debated 
whether  the  former  Should  be  included  within  ye  Quit  Claim  or  not, 
but  it  could  not  be  made  to  appear  that  any  improvement  was  made 
upon  that  Tract  Since  ye  Grant  by  ye  Govlut  so  was  look’t  upon  only 
as  waste  Lands  and  so  excluded  as  to  ve  other  Grant  of  Kingswood, 
every  Purchaser  propos’d  having  that  omitted  in  ye  Quit  Claim  upon 
two  Considerations — That  no  manner  of  Improvement  had  been 
made  upon  any  part  of  it  and  that  it  was  most  Extravagantly 
granted,  (with  Submission  to  ye  persons  who  granted  the  Same)  the 
Grant  Was  made  by  Govern1  B — r and  a Majority  of  ye  Council  at 
ye  finishing  of  ye  Session  of  Gen11  Court  when  they  Sat  a Hampton 
Falls  at  ve  Time  when  ye  Commissioners  Sot  at  Hampton  on  ye  Trial 
of  ye  Boundary  Lines  between  Massa  & New  Hampshire  and  it 
Seem’s  wras  calculated  & Contrived  to  comprehend  all  the  land 
between  merrimack  River  thro  Winipissiokee  Pond  to  yc  nothern 
boundary  line  of  New  Hampshire  joining  upon  ye  heads  of  ye  Towns 
before  granted  comprehending  all  ve  valueable  Lands  ungranted 
w^ich  ye  projectors  desired  should  fall  within  ye  bounds  of  New 
H ampshire — and  Such  a Tract,  including  all  ve  Councill,  except  one 
was  granted  to  about  fifty  or  Sixty  persons  & all  but  one  of  them 
of  this  Town  and  Some  few  Persons  out  of  ye  Province — it  was 
ge  nerally  understood  that  Gov1  B — r had  an  Instruction  prohibiting 
his  making  any  grants  of  Lands  about  that  time,  but  I think  I heard 
yc  Instruction  was  from  some  one  of  ye  boards  at  home  wch  his 
abetters  said  had  not  Authority  to  Supercede  his  Commission  or 
Instructions  from  ye  King  w<h  impower’d  him  with  yc  Council  to 
grant  lands  &<: — as  this  grant  was  made  Silently  and  a meer  party 
Buisness  and  generaly  exploded  by  ye  people  of  ve  Province  we 
determined  to  leave  that  Grant  out  of  ye  Quit  Claim,  imediatelv 
after  our  Agreement  with  Cap1  Mason  to  make  the  Purchase  &r  the 
Report  of  it  got  into  ye  House  of  Representatives,  and  then  they 
tho’t  proper  to  Act  upon  the  Affair  and  the  time  we  appointed  to 
meet  Cap1  Mason  with  a Deed  for  him  to  Execute  which  was  July 
29th  1746,  P:  M & to  pay  him  ye  money  The  Assembly  at  that 
Juncture  Resolve  that  forthwith  y.e  Agreement  made  between  you 
&c  & Mason  be  complved  with  for  ye  Benefit  of  ye  Inhabitants  of 
this  Prov:  and  that  according  to  Said  Agreem*  ye  sd  Inhabit18  be 
quieted  in  their  settlements  agreable  to  yc  grants  of  this  Covin*  and 
ye  waste  Lands  he  granted  out  by  yc  gen11  Assembly  to  ye  Inhabi- 
ts 


258 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tants  of  sd  Prov:  as  they  shall  think  proper — & Sent  up  to  ye  Coun- 
cil— & a Committee  from  ye  Assembly  yc  Speaker  being  one  came  to 
us.  before  we  could  enter  upon  Our  intended  Buisness  and 
acquainted  us  y1  their  coming  there  was  from  ye  assembl)7  to  speak 
with  us  and  accordingly  in  a Respectful  1 manner  they  were  intro- 
duced— and  Soon  declared  their  intended  Buisness  which  was  to- 
inform  Cap1  Mason  and  us  that  they  were  a Comlee  from  ye  House  as 
the}7  understood  that  we  had  made  an  agreement  about  Selling  & 
buying  his  Right  &c — and  if  we  had  not  proceeded  so  far  as  Execut- 
ing ye  Deed  and  if  we  Consented  to  release  our  Agreement  with 
Cap1  Mason  of  his  Selling  to  us  The  House  would  Comply  with  mr 
Thomlinsons  Agreement  wth  Cap1  Mason — Cap1  Mason  only  in 
Answer  rehearsed  when  & what  your  Agreement  with  him  was,  the 
Governours  Recomending  it  to  their  Complyance,  his  own  memorial 
to  them  once  and  again  to  Comply  with  it,  & Sundry  personal 
Applications  he  made  to  them  when  he  could  be  admitted  into  ye 
house — and  y®  particular  Slights  they  put  upon  all  his  Applications, 
especialy  the  Ridicule  made  of  his  last  Address  to  them  when  he 
was  in  ye  house  & ye  length  of  time  it  lay  under  their  Consideration 
and  then  upon  y®  whole  concluded  With  a Solemn  asseveration  yl 
he  would  not  execute  a Deed  to  them  of  his  Right  upon  any  Con- 
sideration whatever — which  Application  of  ye  assembly  & ye  Con- 
versation between  Cap1  Mason  & Comittee  interupted  ye  Execut- 
ing our  Deeds  and  we  found  Cap1  Mason  was  Steadfastly  Resolv’d 
to  Continue  his  Determination  of  not  Selling  to  ye  Assembly,  it  was 
two  days  after,  that  before  we  could  Accomplish  ye  Deeds  & we 
seem'd  so  dilatory  that  he  began  to  think  We  'were  falling  back  & 
tallCt  of  others  els  where — The  Assembly  on  ye  30th  of  July  A.  M 
V ote  (agreable  to  their  Resolve  of  ve  Afternoon  before — ) a Com- 
mittee to  Join  with  such  as  ye  Councill  might  appoint  to  treat  with 
Cap1.  Mason  ab1  fullfilling  his  Agreem1  made  with  mr  Thomlinson 
ab1  Conveying  the  Right  sd  mason  Claims  to  this  Province  to  y® 
Inhabitants  & to  draw  up  proper  Instruments  in  order  therefor  & 
imediately  lay  ym  before  ye  general  assembly 

at  which  time  two  of  the  members  beo-’d  leave  to  enter  their  dis- 

o 

sent  to  ye  vote  & preceeding  Resolve — July  31st  A:  M:  Three  of  ye 
Council  go  down  to  the  house,  “and  said  they  were  directed  by  ye 
Council  to  inform  ye  House  that  they  had  no  material  Objection 
against  ye  Resolve  of  }7e  house  of  ye  29th  Ins1  and  ye  Vote  of  ye  30th 
Inst1  in  Consequence  thereof  except  ye  last  Paragraph  of  ye  Resolve 
(viz1)  “and  that  ye  Waste  land  be  granted  out  by  the  gen11  Assem- 
bly to  ve  Inhabitants  of  said  Province  as  they  shall  think  proper  ’’ 
for  that  Said  paragraph  was  inconsistant  with  ye  Constitution  and 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


259 


Contrary  to  bis  majesty’s  Commission  & Instructions  to  his  Excel- 
lency ye  Gov1'  nevertheless  if  ye  House  proposes  to  purchase  of  Cap1 
Mason  & afterwards  address  his  Majesty  for  leave  to  dispose  of  said 
Lands  to  ye  people  in  that  manner  they  were  Content  ” — 

Aug:  1st  The  House  vote  a Comtee  to  join  with  yl  A Comittee  of 
Council  to  Consult  on  ye  properest  & best  method  for  ye  Province 
to  proceed  in  Concerning  Cap1  Mason’s  Claim  to  this  Province  & 
make  immediate  Report  to  ye  Gen11  Assembly,  the  Council  Concurr 
with  ye  Vote  and  join  four  of  their  members  in  ye  Comtee  to  which 
ye  Governour  Assents  and  ye  Secretary  reports  to  ye  house  that  the 
Comtee  of  Council  were  ready  to  go  upon  ye  affair  ye  Same  day  Said 
Committee  of  ye  Assembly  Report  in  ye  house  as  follows  viz1  “Pur- 
suant to  ye  aforesaid  Vote  they  had  met  and  Consulted  on  ye 
Subject  matter  thereof  & do  report  yt  for  Quieting  ye  good  people 
of  this  Prov:  & to  prevent  future  Difficulties  & Disputes  it  will  be 
best  for  this  Provce  to  purchase  ye  Said  Claim  for  ye  Use  and  benefit 
of  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  if  ye  late  purchasers  will  Sell  it 
for  ye  Same  sum  they  gave  for  it  and  Charges”  which  Report  was 
Voted  & Sent  up  for  Concurrence  and  Concurr’d  by  ye  Council — 
and  ye  next  day  assented  to  by  ye  Govr — and  then  the  house  was 
advised  of  ye  Same  ^ ye  Secry — upon  wch  ye  house  Appoint  a Com- 
mittee to  Join  a Comtee  of  Council  “to  treat  with  the  Claimers,  and 
if  they  will  Sell  on  ye  terms  mentioned  in  Said  Report,  and  conclude 
a Bargain  with  them  agreabie  to  said  Report,  and  take  advice  of 
Gentlemen  learn’d  in  ye  law  abl  proper  Instruments  to  be  drawn  & 
Executed  by  said  Claimers  and  get  them  prepared  and  ready  to  lay 
before  ye  Gen11  Assembly  at  their  next  meeting  & at  ye  same  time 
make  a Report  of  all  their  doings”  Sent  up  and  Concurr’d  and  a 
Comtee  of  Council  added — and  assented  to  by  ye  Gov'- — On  the  4th  of 
Aug3t  The  last  Mentioned  Comtee  appointed  a Conferrence  with  us 
ab*  Selling  our  Claim — and  ply  they  propos’d  to  us  if  we  would  Sell 
our  Claim  of  Mason’s  Right  in  this  Prov:  for  ye  sum  we  gave  for  it 
& Charges — the  first  who  answer’d  said  if  ye  Govnit  were  agreed 
among  themselves  about  purchasing  & Disposing  of  y*  Waste  Lands 
he  was  ready  to  Convey  his  Part  on  ye  terms  propos’d  to  wch  ye  We 
generally  consented — and  we  expected  to  hear  from  ye  Comittee 
again  very  Soon — but  Notwithstanding  we  had  Served  the  Govern- 
ment in  Purchasing  Cap1  Masons  Right  and  given  a Quit  Claim  to 
all  lands  Granted  by  ye  Govmt  and  Improved  wch  was  well  known  to 
ye  assembly  & wch  they  afterwards  pretended  to  imitate  before  they 
applyed  to  us  both  in  ye  house  & out  of  ye  house  most  of  ye  members 
cast  ye  most  Ignominious  Reflections  upon  us  for  making  of  yc  Pur- 
chase, Saying  that  we  were  enemies  to  Gov,nt  Villains  &c  and  also 


260 


C HARTER  R ECORDS . 


cast  ye  vilest  aspersions  ye  malice  of  some  conlcl  invent  very  inde- 
cent in  themselves  as  unbecomeing  ye  Authors  declaring  they  wish’d 
any  Persons  might  have  the  Lands  rather  than  we,  ye  Massachu- 
setts nay  even  ye  French  or  Indians — charging  us  withal  of  taking  a 
Bargain  out  of  ye  Government’s  hands — & industriously  spreading 
thro’  ye  Province  any  thing  they  could  invent  to  render  us  odious  in 
ye  Eves  of  ye  People — we  were  Sensible  of  what  pass'd,  and  to  con- 
vince ye  Assembly  and  ye  whole  Province  that  our  Intententions  of 
purchasing  of  Cap1  Mason  his  Claim  within  ye  Province,  was  of  a 
generous  and  benevolent  Design  of  Serving  ye  People  of  ye  Province 
& not  to  defeat  or  prevent  ye  Government  of  making  the  purchase — 
we  did  on  ye  4th  day  of  Septr  1746  put  into  ye  Council  directed  to 
ve  Committee  of  gen11  assembly  who  was  treating  with  us  a memorial 
Setting  forth  that  we  expected  they  would  pursue  that  part  of 
ye  Vote  of  Gen11  Assembly  that  related  to  their  taking  advice  of 
Counsell  learn’d  in  ye  law  about  proper  Instruments  to  be  drawn  & 
executed  by  us  to  Convey  to  ye  Province  our  Right  to  that  part  of 
ye  Province  heretofore  claimed  by  Cap1  Mason  wcL  after  So  prepared 
were  by  ye  s<l  vote,  to  be  laid  before  ve  assembly  at  their  next  meet- 
ing, which  meeting  of  ye  assembly  was  long  Since  past  and  y*  we 
had  not  seen  any  Deed  nor  could  we  learn  any  had  been  prepared — 
and  also  let  them  know  that  false  Reports  prevailed  in  man}"  parts 
of  ye  Govmfc  Respecting  our  Conduct — and  compared  their  Conduct 
about  ye  affair  with  our  own  &c — and  shew  that  our  Quit  Claim 
must  refute  every  Slander  propagated  against  us,  and  also  declared 
We  were  then  ready  to  execute  a deed  for  our  remaining  interest  in 
ye  Premises  in  ye,same  manner  we  received  it  & for  the  Same  Sum 
with  our  Cost  attending  ye  same  provided  it  be  done  within  one 
month  from  ye  date,  & ye  Deed  made  to  convey  ye  land  to  ye  Govrnt 
to  be  granted  to  such  Inhabitants,  offering  ye  reason  of  limmitting 
ye  time  to  a month — wch  memorial  was  presented  to  ye  board  by 
ye  chairman  of  ye  Comtee,  was  read  in  Council  & ordered  to  be  sent 
down  to  ve  house  Sept1'  19th — The  Assembly  with  a preamble  taking 
notice  of  our  Memorial — appoint  a Comtee  to  join  with  such  as 
ye  Council  shall  appoint  to  get  Instruments  drawn  up  accordingly, 
to  be  laid  before  ye  gen11  Assembly  for  their  Approbation  as  soon  as 
may  be,  about  this  time  ye  alarm  of  ye  French  Fleet  upon  ye  Coast 
prevented  all  Other  buisness  but  preparing  for  Defence  as  we 
expected  a Visit  of  yl  Fleet — So  nothing  occurr’d  till  ye  8th  Decr 
following  when  ye  assembly  Renew'd  ye  Vote  about  getting  prepared 
a Deed  to  lay  before  ye  Assembly — ye  Prorogation  of  ye  gen11  assem- 
bly destroying  ye  former  vote  of  ye  19th  Decr  August  20th  1747 — the 
Assembly  voted  that  ye  Committee  appointed  to  negociate  ve  affair 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


261 


with  ye  Purchasers  of  mason's  claim,  (so  called)  offer  the  Deed  (which 
has  been  read  once  and  again  in  this  house)  to  Said  Purchasers  in 
order  to  be  Executed — we  did  not  transact  anything  about  the  Affair 
of  the  Claim  or  Receive  any  further  proposal  from  ye  Govmt  about 
it  being  yet  undermin’d,  Still  expecting  Some  Application  from  ye 
Govmt  about  our  Conveying  to  them — in  August  The  last  mentioned 
Committee  Requested  a meeting  of  ye  Claimers  and  we  met  them, 
when  they  produced  a Deed  which  they  Said  the  Assembly  had  di- 
rected them  to  offer  us  in  order  to  be  Executed,  wch  form  of  a Deed 
was  Debated  in  ye  Assembly  yet  No  Alter11  would  be  admitted  which 
Instrum1  is  a true  Emblem  of  ye  Authors,  we  read  it  and  pointed  out 
several  obstacles  wch  it  contained  to  our  excuting  ye  same,  And  de- 
sired a time  to  Consider  upon  it  and  would  give  ye  Assembly  an  An- 
swer— the  Substance  of  ye  Deed  was  viz4  for  us  to  Convey  to  two* 
Gentm  G J & E.  S.  Esqrs  Feofees  in  Trust  in  behalfe  of  ye  Inhabitts 
of  ye  Prov:  of  New  Hampshire  “ all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Claim 
Property  Estate  Possession  & Demand  whatsoever  of  them  ye  said 
Grantors  by  virtue  of  any  purchase  or  purchases  by  them  made  or 
any  Deed  or  Deeds  by  them  had  of  Cap4  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  of  Ports- 
m°  aforesd  Esqur  of  in  and  unto  all  that  Tract  of  land  Situate  in  ye 
Prov:  aforesaid  containing  200000  Acres  more  or  less  bounded  as  fol- 
low’s viz4  ” bounded  with  ye  bounds  of  Masons  Deed  to  us — with  ap- 
purtenances— To  have  & to  hold  granted  &c  Premises  unto  them  ye 
Said  G J.  & E S their  Heirs  & Assigns  as  Feofees  in  Trust  for  ye  Use 
of  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  sd  Prov.  of  N.  H.  and  for  no  other  use  &c 
whatever — ye  Deed  was  dated  May  15  1747  being  then  drawn — in 
Considering  of  ye  Deed  two  material  Objections  with  many  others 
were  insurmountable — first  ye  Conveya  to  G J.  & E S Feoffees  in 
Trust  for  ye  use  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  Province  without  directing 
what  Use  to  be  made  of  ye  Premises  nor  any  time  propos'd  when  any 
thing  should  be  transacted  about  them  but  only  for  ye  Use  of  ye  In- 
habitants aforesaid,  so  that  an  Inhabitant  but  of  day  before  Execut- 
ing ye  Deed  who  never  paid  a Rate  to  Pro:  would  have  been  as  fully 
entituled  to  ye  Premises  as  any  ye  oldest  Inhabit4  who  had  paid  ever 
so  much  Taxes  — And  under  that  Convey11  in  Case  of  any  Contro- 

versy every  Inhabitant  must  join  in  any  Transaction  ab4  ye  Premises 
w,h  would  be  impracticable  with  many  other  Inconveniencies  of  ye 
like  nature  relating  to  ye  Conveyance  to  Feofees  in  Trust,  in  ye  form 
of  y4  Instrument — & ye  next  objection  If  we  executed  that  Instru- 
ment we  Conveyed  to  ye  Said  Feoffees  in  Trust  for  ye  Use  of  ye  In- 
habitants of  ve  Province  of  New  Hampsli1  all  our  Lands  houses  &‘‘ 
comprehended  within  ye  Bounds  of  Mason’s  Deed  to  us  all  of  which 
we  purchased  of  Mason,  tho"  perhaps  some  might  have  a Right  to 


264 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


This  Patent  is 
Dated  3rd 
Novr  1620 


This  Patent  is 
Dated  9th 
March  1620 
but  we  cant 
find  it  in 
New  Hamp- 
shire 
No  1 


No  2 

Dated  7 Novr 
1629 

See  these 
Charters  for 
the  bounds 
Espec i a 1 1 y 
the  next 


No  3 

this  3rd  Grant 
Dated  22d 
April  1635 


all  to  hold  to 
the  Said 
John  Mason 
his  Heirs  & 

Assigns 

There  were 
other  Lands 
Granted  to 
Mr  Mason  of 
wch  no  No- 
tice is  tak- 
en here  be- 
cause not 
within  the 
Claim  of 
these  Pro- 
prietors 


Lat.  40  and  48  Deg.  North  with  the  Seas  & Islands  within 
one  hundred  Miles  of  any  Part  of  the  Sea  Coast  of  that 
Country,  & also  all  the  Soil,  Ground  Havens,  Ports, 
Rivers  within  those  limits  to  the  Council  Establish’d  at 
Plymouth  Commonly  Call’d  the  Council  of  Plymouth 
which  is  a Patent  well  known — 

By  virtue  of  which  the  Said  Council  made  Grants  of 
many  Particular  Tracts  of  Land,  to  Companies,  & to  Par- 
ticular Persons,  Among  which  is  a Grant  To  Cap1  John 
Mason  Esqr  under  their  Common  Seal,  for  Divers  good 
Considerations,  beginning  at  the  River  Naumkege  (now 
Salem)  thence  to  proceed  Eastward  Round  Cape  Ann  to 
the  River  Merrimac  & up  the  Same  to  the  head  thereof 
with  a Great  Island  called  Isle  Mason — &c 

And  afterwards  the  said  Council  by  indenture  under 
their  Common  Seal  Granted  to  the  Said  Cap1  Mason,  all 
that  Tract  of  Land  beginning  at  Merrimack  runing  along 
the  Sea  Coast  to  Piscataqua  River,  & up  the  said  River, 
to  the  furthest  Head  thereof  and  from  thence  North  West- 
ward till  Sixty  Miles  are  Compleat  from  the  Mouth  of 
Piscataqua  River,  & in  the  Same  manner  thro’  Merrimac 
& then  to  Cross  over  Land  &c  And  in  the  Same  Manner 
the  Said  Council  Granted  to  the  s<l  Cap1  Mason  (a  third 
time)  all  the  Land  from  the  Middle  of  Naumkege  to  the 
Middle  of  Piscataqua  Harbour,  & up  the  River,  to  the 
furthest  head  thereof,  & thence  Northwestward  till  Sixtv 
Miles  are  finish’d  from  the  Mouth  of  Said  Harbour,  & 
from  Naumkege  up  thro’  the  River  into  the  Lands  West- 
wards, till  Sixty  Miles  are  finish’d,  and  then  to  Cross  over 
Land  from  the  End  of  this  Last  Line,  to  the  other  at  the 
head  of  Piscataqua  River,  with  the  South  half  of  the  lies 
of  Shoals  &c — Now  it  is  Conceived  that  with  Regard  to 
the  Extent  of  these  Grants,  the  Inland  line  must  be 
understood  & Construed  to  Run  Parallel  with  the  Sea 
Coast,  between  the  two  Side  Lines ; because  it  appears  to 
be  the  Intent  of  the  Grants,  (the  two  Latter)  to  give  a 
Tract  of  Land  the  breadth  of  wch  or  (with  respect  to  the 
Second  Grant)  the  Length  of  which  shou’d  be  Sixty  Miles 
But  if  it  shou’d  be  a Strait  Line,  the  Tract  would  not,  in 
Some  places  be  (perhaps)  thirty  Miles  into  the  Country 
from  the  Sea,  which  wou’cl  be  Contrary  to  the  known  rule 
of  Construing  the  Grant  most  for  the  Benefit  of  the 
Grantee,  as  well  as  against  the  Apparent  Intent — and  tho’ 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


the  Literal  Description  Seems  to  be  a Strait  Line  Yet  the 
Intent  Ought  to  Govern  the  Construction — 

After  the  first,  and  before  the  Second  Grant,  made  to 
Mr  Mason  as  aforesaid,  the  Said  Council  Granted  to  Sir 
Henry  Roswell  & others,  that  Territory  called  the  Col°  of 
the  Massachusets  Bay,  Extending  from  three  Miles  North- 
ward of  Merrimack  & Every  part  thereof,  to  Charles 
River  & three  Miles  to  the  Southward  of  any  & Every 
part  thereof,  and  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean  Westward  to 
the  South  Sea,  Which  it  is  necessary  to  take  Notice  of  as 
this  Grant  Interferes  with,  & cuts  off  part  of  Mason’s  & 
as  there  is  a Relation  of  One  to  the  Other — 

These  Grants  made  by  the  Council  of  Plymouth  to  Mr 
Mason  as  aforesd  were  Soon  after  the  Grant  of  the  last, 
Confirmed  by  K.  Charles  the  first,  to  the  Said  Mr  Mason 
then  Call'd  Pay  Master  & Treasurer  of  His  Army  by  the 
Name  of  New  Hampshire,  and  in  the  Patents  made  by  the 
Council  of  Plymouth  it  is  Said  that  he  the  Said  Mason 
Designed  to  Call  the  Said  Tracts  of  Land  by  the  General 
Name  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire — 

Cap1  Mason  between  the  Years  1629,  and  1635  Sent 

over  about  Seventv  Servants,  Besides  Trades  Men  with 

«/ 

necessary  Provisions,  utensils,  arms,  amunition  Artillery 
for  Forts,  Clothing  for  his  Servants,  Enterd  upon  the 
Lands  at  Piscataqua  made  Considerable  Improvemts  Sent 
over  Cattei  & other  Supplies  So  that  his  Expence,  Exclu- 
sive of  his  Improvements  was  Computed  at  about  twenty 
two  thousand  pounds  Sterling.  And  that  the  Improve- 
ments were  very  Considerable  for  the  time,  appears  by 
Several  Testimonies  made  use  of  in  Some  Actions  brot  by 
his  Grand  Son,  afterwards  against  Some  of  those  very 
Persons  who  had  been  Tenants,  or  Agents  to  His  Grand- 
father for  parcel  of  those  Lands  they  So  held  an  Extract 
of  which  is  herein  after  Inserted — 

In  the  Year  1635  Cap1  Mason  made  his  Will,  wherein 
he  Devis’d  (among  other  things)  Two  thousand  Acres  of 
Land  in  his  County  of  New  Hampshire  or  Mannor  of 
M ason  Hall  in  New  England,  which  his  Executx  & Over 
Seers  Should  think  fit,  To  the  Mayor  & Commonalty  of 
Kingslyn. — Item  to  his  Brother  in  Law  John  Wallaston 
th  ree  thousand  Acres  of  Land  in  his  County  of  New 
Hampshire  or  Mannor  of  Mason  Hall  where  his  Said 
Brother  and  Execut*  Should  think  fit,  to  hold  to  him  & 
his  Heirs — 


265 


this  is  observ- 
ed here  be- 
cause of  the 
time  & we 
have  Occasi 
to  take  No- 
tice of  it 
with  Regard 
to  Mr  Ma- 
sons Title 


No  4 

This  Charter 
of  Confirm- 
a t i o n was 
Dated  19  th 
Augt  1635  & 
C o nta i nd 
ample  Pow- 
ers of  Gov- 
ernment & 
Jurisdiction 
tho’  we  cant 
find  it  here 


See  the  In- 
ventory o f 
Stores  ’&c 
No  5 


This  Will  is 
Dated  Novr 
26  1635 
No  6 


266 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Item  To  his  Grand  Child  Ann  Tufton  he  Devises 
Masonia  to  hold  to  her  and  Her  Heirs — Item  to  his 
Grand  Child  Robert  Tufton  his  Mannor  of  Mason  Hall, 
to  hold  to  him  & his  Heirs  (Excepting  what  he  had  before 
Devised  thereof)  Provided  he  alter  his  Sir  Name  & Sir 
Name  himself  Mason  first — Item  to  John  Wallaston 
aforesaid  two  thous'1  Acres  of  Land  in  his  County  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  Trust  to  Convey  One  thousand  to  Some 
Feoffee  in  trust  towards  the  Maintainance  of  a Godly 
Minister  in  New  Hampshire,  And  the  other  thousand  to 
Some  Feoffee  towards  the  Maintenance  of  a free  Grammar 
school  In  New  Hampshire — Item  to  his  Grand  Child  John 
Tufton  all  the  Rest  of  His  Mannors  Messuages  Lands 
Tenements  & Hereditamts  in  his  County  of  New  Hamp- 
shire or  Elsewhere  in  New  England,  To  hold  to  him  and 
the  HEIRS  OF  HIS  BODY  Lawfully  begotton,  Remainder 
to  Robert  Tufton  Remainder  to  his  Cousin  Dr  Rob1  Mason 
& the  Heirs  Male  of  his  body,  and  for  want  of  Such  Issue 
to  Revert  to  the  Devisor  & his  Right  Heirs.  Provided 
his  Grand  Son  John  Tufton  Should  alter  His  Sir  Name 
& Sir  Name  himself  Mason  first.  Provided  also  that  the 
Said  John  pay  His  Sister  Mary  Tufton  out  of  the  Mannors 
Messuages  Lauds  & Tenements  afores'1  Five  hundred 
pounds  Sterling,  for  her  preferment  in  Marriage — This 
-22d  Deer  1635  Will  was  Provd  in  the  Prerogative  Court  of  Canterbury 
in  Decern br  1635 — 

N.  B.  This  Testator  had  no  Immediate  Issue  Surviving 
himself — and  had  no  Son  at  all  that  we  ever  heard  of — 
His  Only  Daughter  Ann  Married  Joseph  Tufton  Esqr 
Upon  the  Death  of  Cap1  Mason,  New  Hampshire  bv  virtue 
of  the  Devise  aforesaid,  was  the  Property  of  his  Grandson 
John  Tufton,  which  he  held  in  Tail  General,  but  he 
Dying  without  Issue,  the  Limitation  over  to  Robert  his 
Brother  took  Effect,  and  thereupon  he  became  Tenant 
in  Tail,  in  the  Same  manner — But  he  not  Arriving  to  full 
Age  before  the  year  1650,  & the  Confusion  of  the  Public 
Affairs  then  not  admitting  of  Negotiating  Private  Busi- 
ness, he  con’d  do  nothing  to  Effect  (as  he  had  Occasion  to 
Petition  the  Crown)  till  after  the  Restoration  to  which 
time  was  twenty  five  Years  from  the  Death  of  Cap1  John 
Mason,  and  During  which  his  right  & Interest  there  had 
been  neglected,  & in  the  Minority  of  his  Heir  Deserted — 
For  upon  the  Death  of  Cap1  Mason  his  Widow  Expresly 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


267 


told  his  Agents,  She  would  take  no  Care  of  the  Settle- 
ments  in  New  Hampshire,  and  that  the  Tenants  must  no  7 

Shift  for  themselves — Whereupon  they  did  So — Sold  off  eters6to  the 
his  Stock  & Effects,  & Soon  Claim’d  the  Land  in  their  ^ents^pon 
own  Right — For  by  Testimonies  taken  & used  in  Some  slon— 
Actions  prosecuted  against  Some  of  the  Said  Tenants,  in 
the  Said  Right,  in  the  Year  1685  it  is  proved,  That  Cap1  Se(Js[fionI^ep° } 
Mason  had  many  Agents,  Tenants  and  Servants,  who  had  Geo.  wai- 
built  Forts  houses  & made  Considerable  Improvements  jjoVter3  & 
here.  Particularly  they  mention  a very  large  house  & man  Francis 
near  a thousand  Acres  of  Land  Cleared  & Improved,  at  small  Henry 
the  Place  now  called  Portsmouth  That  One  of  his  Agents  Robt  Pike  & 
viz  Francis  Norton  who  lived  in  the  Said  House,  Drove  othNoS8 
away  from  this  Plantation  about  an  hundred  head  of  great  about1644 
Cattle  & Sold  them  in  & about  Boston,  at  <£25  Sterl 
apiece,  which  was  then  the  Current  Price  for  Such  Cattle, 
they  being  of  a Large  kind  & Said  to  have  Come  from 
Denmark — that  this  Norton  Settled  at  Charlestown,  & 

Intirely  Deserted  Mr  Masons  Plantation,  & thereupon  the 
other  Agents  & Servants  Embezzled  the  Rest  of  his  Stock 
& Effects,  Carried  away  the  Guns  out  of  his  Forts,  many 
of  which  were  Brass — That  Mr  Mason  had  another  Plan- 
tation at  Newichewannock,  Large  Buildings  for  habitation 
& Defence,  two  Mills,  the  first  in  New  England,  Built  by 
Danes  whom  he  had  Imported  with  a Large  Stock  of 
Cattle — That  one  of  his  Agents  viz  Thomas  Wannerton 
("or  his  Servant  as  he  is  called  in  the  Testimony)  about 
the  Year  1644  Carried  Quantites  of  Mr  Masons  goods  & 

Arms  from  his  Plantation  & Sold  them,  to  the  French  at 
Port  Royal,  or  near  that  which  was  afterwards  So  Called — 

That  Mr  Mason’s  Improved  Lands  were  parceled  out, 
among  his  Servants,  by  the  Select  Men  chosen  & Quali- 
fied by  Authority  Derived  from  the  Massaclmsets  Govern- 
ment.— For  the  People  brot  here  by  Mr  Mason  Setting  up 
for  themselves,  were  Soon  Necessitated  to  apply  to  the 
Said  Government  for  Protection  (there  being  no  other  see  No  9 
then  on  the  Spot  or  near  them)  which  they  Granted  about ?64ia& 
them,  and  Accordingly  that  Governm1  Exercised  a Juris*  to^i^ ?9U  or 
diction  over  New  Hampshire  for  the  Term  of  (nearly)  thereabouts 
thirty  Seven  Years  and  Claimed  a Right  So  to  do — 

Soon  after  the  Restoration  Mr  Robert  Mason  (for  that  About  the 
was  now  his  Name  he  having  Chang'd  it  agreeable  to  his 
Grandfather’s  Will)  Petition’d  K.  C.  the  2'1  Setting  forth 


268 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  unjust  & Illegal  Incroachments  & usurpation,  of  the 
Governm*  of  the  Massachusetts  over  his  Property,  & Pray- 
ing his  Majesty  woud  by  his  Authority  cause  Justice  to  be 
done  to  the  Petitioner — Whereupon  his  Title  was  Referr’d 
to  Sr  Geofrey  Palmer,  then  Attorney  General,  who  De- 
clared that  Robert  Mason  Grandson  & Heir  of  Cap4  John 
Seof  his  Opin-  Mason,  had  a good  & Legal  Right  & title  to  the  Lands 
Dated  °Novr  Conveyed  as  aforesaid  by  the  Name  of  New  Hampshire — 
1660  But  as  nothing  Decisive  was  done  upon  this  Petition,  Mr 

i675  in  this  Mason  about  14  Years  afterwards  Presented  a New  Peti- 
who  had  the  tion,  Complaining  of  the  Usurpation  aforesd  which  Still 
pfaTnt  eithr  Continued,  & that  all  attempts  to  Remove  it  had  hitherto 
before  °it Pr°vd  fruitless,  for  Notwithstanding  any  Remonstrances, 
was  over  the  Said  Government  Still  persisted — and  Praving  as 

^ Oil  • •'  ' 

aforesaid — Hereupon  Mr  Mason’s  Title  was  again  Referrd, 
now  to  the  Attorney  & Solicitor  General  Sir  William 
Mtheir  Report  1° n es  & Sir  Francis  Winnington  who  after  Reciting  the 
no  12  Several  Grants  made  as  aforesaid.  Declare  their  Opinion 
to  be  That  the  Petition1  Robert  Mason  Grandson  & Heir 
to  Cap*  John  Mason,  had  a Good  & Legal  Title  to  the 
Lands  aforesd  conveyed  by  the  Name  of  New  Hampshire 
— upon  this  the  Government  of  the  Massachusets  was 
Notified  to  Answer  this  Complaint,  who  accordingly  Sent 
over  Agents,  after  whose  Arrival  the  Matter  was  Referrd 
to  the  Lords  Chief  Justices  before  whom  the  Said  Agents 
Disclaimed  any  Right  to  Soil  or  Government  of  Lands 
Claimed  by  the  Petitioner  farther  than  three  Miles  North- 
ward of  Merrimack  River,  and  thereupon  their  Lordships 
Report  to  liis  Majesty  in  Council  that  the  Patent  of  the 
Said  Government  having  the  Advantage  in  time  must 
first  take  place  but  that  it  Extended  no  farther  on  the 
SepLrth&Sjudg'_  Petitioners  Claim  than  three  Miles  Northward  of  said 
ment  there-  River  following  the  Course  of  the  River  So  far  as  it  Runs 
jui^i677  20  — which  Report  His  Majesty  in  Council  Confirmed  & 
Judment  was  Enterd  Agreeable  thereto — And  thereupon 
a Commission  was  Issued,  under  the  Great  Seal,  Erecting 
a Government  over  New  Hampshire  Immediately  under 
this  commis-the  Crown,  in  the  Same  form  it  Still  Continues — In  which 
is  septr  1679  Commission  there  are  these  Remarkable  Words  in  favour 
ToN°j3ohn°f  Mr  Masons  Claim,  viz — uIt  Appearing  unto  us  that  the 
by^he  Title  “ Ancestors  of  Robert  Mason  Esqr  Obtained  Grants  from 
of  president u our  Great  Council  of  Plymouth,  for  the  Tract  of  Land 
“aforesaid,  (meaning  New  Hampshire)  and  were  at  very 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


269 


“ Great  Expence  upon  the  Same  until  Molested  f finally 
“ driven  Out , which  hath  Occasion’d  a Lasting  Complaint 
“ for  Justice  by  the  Said  Robert  Mason,  ever  Since  Our 
“ Restoration — However  to  Prevent  in  this  Case  any 
u unreasonable  Demands  which  might  be  made  by  the 
“ Said  Robert  Mason,  for  the  Right  he  Claimeth  in  the  to  the  same 
“Said  Soil,  We  have  Obliged  the  Said  Robert  Mason  the words o? 
u under  his  hand  & Seal  to  Declare,  That  he  will  Demand 
“nothing  for  the  time  past,  until  the  four  & twentieth 
“Day  of  June  last  past,  nor  Molest  any  in  their  posses- 
sion for  the  time  to  Come,  but  will  make  Titles  to  them 
“ <f  their  Heirs  forever,  Provided  they  will  pay  unto  him 
“upon  a Fair  Agreement,  in  Lieu  of  all  other  Rents,  Six 
“pence  in  the  Pound  According  to  the  Just  & true 
“ Yearly  value  of  all  houses  built  by  them,  & of  all  Lands 
“ whether  Gardens,  Orchards,  Arrable  or  Pasture,  which 
“have  been  Improved  by  them,  which  he  Will  agree 
“Shall  be  bounded  out  unto  every  of  the  parties  Con- 
“ cernd,  and  that  the  Residue  may  Remain  unto  himself^ idenpscom" 
“ to  be  Disposed  of  for  his  best  Advantage  ” &c — Here  is  mission 
a most  Explicit  acknowledgment  of  the  Crown,  Several  Page  7~ 
times  Repeated,  that  the  property  of  the  Soil  here,  was  in 
Mr  Mason  And  hereupon  he  Comes  over  & takes  Personal  Inl68fhybro^ 
Possession,  but  met  with  many  turbulent  People  on  the  Ejectmt  agt 
Spot  who  bid  him  Defiance,  & drove  him  to  the  Necessity  anmEsqrgh& 
of  Commencing  Suits  at  Law  against  them,  in  many  of  ?UdgmteMr 
which  he  Recoverd  Judgment,  which  Induc’d  many  Vaughan 
others  to  Agree  with  him — He  Transported  his  family,  the  King  in 
brot  with  him  a Mandatory  Letter  from  King  Charles  the  where0  the 
2<l  to  admit  him  into  the  Council  here,  wherein  his  Title  oFsnifsd was 
is  also  Expresly  acknowledg’d — he  lived,  at  New  Casle  in 
New  Hampshire — he  left  two  Sons  John  & Robert,  Who  brei68o  ° ° 
having  bargaind  with  Samuel  Allen  of  London  Merctfi,  to 
Sell  him  their  whole  Right,  Sue  out  a Fine  & Recovery  in  see  No.  i6 
Westmi’ster  Hall,  to  Dock  the  Intail  of  Lands  in  New 
England  fifty  Years  after  their  had  been  Courts  of  Jus- 
tice upon  the  Spot,  under  the  Government  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts from  1641  by  which  every  mans  property  & 

Inheritance  was  bound,  & ten  or  twelve  Years  After  a 
Government  had  been  Erected  over  New  Hampshire,  & 

Courts  of  Justice  Establishd  under  that  Government, 
ami  in  these  Courts  many  Actions  had  been  Maintain’d 
by  their  father,  for  parcel  of  these  Lands,  ’t is  therefore 


JLieut  Gov- 
ernor Cran- 
fields  Com- 
mission Is- 
sued Some 
few  years 
after 
No  14 


270 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


0 


April  27  1691 


Strange  they  coud  not  as  well  prosecute  a Common  Re- 
covery in  a Court  here  for  Lands  here,  as  well  as  So 
many  Adversary  Suits  for  the  Same  Land — but  be  that  as 
it  will,  after  this,  they  Convey  their  Right  to  the  Said 
Mr  Allen  for  the  Consideration  of  £2700  Sterling  tho’ 
£1250  Remains  unpaid  as  we  are  told  to  this  Hour — 
About  this  time  the  Agents  for  the  Massachusets  were 
Soliciting  for  a New  Charter,  (That  Government  having 
lost  their  Charter,  at  a time  Remarkable  for  the  Dissolu- 
tion and  Destruction  of  Such  kind  of  Instruments) — And 
Succeeded  in  their  Attempts.  Accordingly  a New  Charter 
past  the  Seals,  Erecting  & Incorporating  the  Province  of 
Mayn  with  the  Massachusets,  & Colony  of  Plymouth, 
into  One  Real  Province  by  a New  Description  & Name, 
but  by  a Particular  Clause  the  Right  of  Samuel  Allen, 
(who  now  had  purchased  Masons  Right)  is  Reserved,  in 
these  Words  viz  Provided  also  that  Nothing  herein  Con- 
tained, Shall  Extend  or  be  understood,  or  taken,  to  Im- 
peach, or  prejudice,  any  Right,  Title,  Interest,  or  De- 
“ mand,  which  Samuel  Allen  of  London  Merchant,  Claim- 
ing from  & under  John  Mason  Esqr  Deceased,  or  any 
“other  Person  or  Persons,  hath  or  have,  or  Claimeth  to 
“ have  hold  or  Enjoy,  of*  into,  or  out  of  any  part,  or  parts 
“ of  the  Premises,  Situate  within  the  Limits  above  men- 
“ tiond ; But  that  the  Said  Samuel  Allen,  & all  & every 
“Such  Person  & Persons,  may  & Shall  have  hold  & 
“Enjoy,  the  Same,  in  Such  Manner  (and  no  other  than) 
“as  if  these  Presents  had  not  been  had  or  made.”  Here 
this  Title  is  again  taken  notice  of  in  Particular,  by  the 
Crown — After  this  Purchase  made  by  Mr  Allen  he  Came 
Over,  Settled  here,  made  Search  after  the  Judgments 
Recoverd  by  Robfc  Mason  agl  the  Ter  Tenants,  and  tis 
Said  found  four  or  five  and  twenty  Leaves  of  the  Records 
Cut  or  torn  out — However  he  Set  on  foot  Several  new 
Suits  against  Such  as  Oppos’d  his  Title,  among  others 
one  against  Mr  Waldron,  but  at  this  time  the  Popular 
Prejudice  ran  So  Stong,  against  this  title  here,  that  ’twas 
Impossible  to  have  a fair  Trial,  the  Judges  and  Jurors 
being  Parties,  or  at  least  Affected  by  the  Event,  & there- 
fore Judgment  of  the  Court  was  against  him,  from  the 
last  of  which  he  Appealed  home,  But  while  this  was  in 
Agitation  Mr  Allen  Exhibited  a Petition  to  Queen  Ann, 
Setting  forth  his  Title,  the  Difficulty  he  Labourd  under,' 


/ 


MASON  IAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


271 


with  Regard  to  the  trial  of  his  Title  here,  the  Long  time 
this  had  been  in  Suspence,  &c  And  finally  praying  that 
her  Majesty  would  put  him  into  Possession  of  the  Waste 
Lands,  Whereupon  the  Title  of  Mr  Allen  was  Referrd  to 
the  Board  for  Trade  A Plantations,  & that  Board  took 
the  Opinion  of  Sir  Edwd  Northy  then  Attorney  General, 
(which  was  the  third  time  this  Title  had  past  Examina- 
tion in  this  manner)  and  he  Reported,  That  Samuel  Allen 
Esq1’  by  virtue  of  the  afores'1  Grants  to  Mason  had  a good 
A Legal  Title  to  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
that  her  Majesty  might  Safely  put  him  the  Proprietor  in 
Possession,  of  the  Waste  A unimproved  Lands,  but  in 
Regard  to  the  Lands  the  Inhabitants  had  in  Possession, 
he  thot  it  not  Convenient  for  her  Majesty  to  Interpose 
therein,  but  that  the  Proprietor  might  bring  his  Writ  of 
Ejectment,  & the  Board  Acquiescing,  Reported  to  the 
Queen  Agreeable  thereto,  and  thereupon  the  Queen  Sent 
an  Order  to  the  Governor  of  the  Province,  viz  Joseph 
Dudley  Esqr,  to  put  him  into  Possession  accordingly,  A in 
any  future  Trial  to  Demand  a Special  Verdict,  & So 
Refer  the  Point  to  her  Majesty  for  a final  Determination 
of  the  matter  in  Law — Governor  Dudley  Soon  after  the 
Reception  of  this  Letter,  Communicated  her  Majesty’s 
Pleasure  to  the  Assembly  of  New  Hampshire,  who 
answer,  that  the  Inhabitants  Claimed  no  more  Lands, 
than  was  within  the  bounds  of  their  Towns,  which  “ they 
“Say  was  Less  than  a third  part  of  the  Province,  of 
“ which  they  had  been  in  possession  more  than  Sixty 
“ Years,  but  had  nothing  to  Offer  as  a Grievance,  if  the 
“other  two  thirds  Should  be  Adjudg’d  to  Mr  Allen,  & 
“ Should  be  glad  to  See  the  Same  Planted  A Settled  for 
“the  better  Security  of  the  whole."’  with  more  to  t lie 
Same  purpose — 

After  this  there  was  a Judgment  before  the  Queen  in 
Council,  upon  Mr  Allens  Appeal  in  favour  of  Mr  Waldron, 
in  Consideration  of  the  I)efts  Long  possession,  A the 
Want  of  the  proper  Evidence  of  the  Piat8  possession.  But 
this  Very  Judgment  by  the  Special  Wording  of  it,  was  In 
favour  of  Allen’s  title,  as  to  Kecent  possessions  A the 
Waste  Lands — 

After  this  Mr  Allen  Died  Intestate,  leaving  a Son  A 
four  Daughters — Thomas  Allen  ye  Son  Enters,  A brings 
his  Action  of  Ejectment  de  novo  against  Mr  Waldron,  (we 


See  this  order 
20th  April 
1703 


See  this  An- 
swer Febry 
11,  1703  No 
This  was  true 

0 n 1 3*  with 
Regard  to  4 
Towns  for 
the  5th 
(which  made 
up  the  whole 
there  was 

1 lien)  li  a d 
not  been 
Granted 
more  t h a n 
12  Tears  A 
at  this  time 
had 
m a n y 
habts 

the  Dav 
1707 
No 


not 
I n - 

of 


272 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


He  died  about 
the  Year 
1715 


1719  to  1727 


This  was  Evi- 
dently  a 
great  Injury 
to  those  who 
had  Mr  Ma- 
sons right, 
as  it  had 
been  So  Of- 
ten & with 
So  much  So- 
lemnity Ex- 
amd  and  as 
often  in  the 
Same  man- 
ner declared 
to  be  good, 
& finally  the 
possesion 
ordered  by 
the  Crown— 
to  be  Deliv- 
erd,  & those 
in  posses- 
sion had 
Disclaimd 
& Surren- 
der’d. 


Suppose  for  Some  other  Tract  of  the  Said  Land,  but  this 
Came  to  Nothing  as  he  Died  pending  the  Suit. — 

About  four  or  five  Years  after  his  Decease,  there  being 
no  Stir  made,  Allens  Daughters  being  under  Coverture, 
& Masons  Heir  in  Minority,  the  Governor  & Council 
begin  to  make  Grants  of  Townships,  close  upon  & joining 
to  the  Towns  Settled  as  aforesrt,  & Continued  that  Prac- 
tice for  ten  or  twelve  Years  within  thirty  Miles  of  the 
Sea,  tho  many  of  the  Townships  So  Granted,  are  Still  a 
Wilderness,  & nothing  of  Improvements,  made  in  the 
Course  of  twenty  five  or  thirty  Year. — This  proceeding 
carries  a bad  face,  as  the  Queens  Letter  & the  Assembly’s 
Disclaimer  were  matters  of  Public  Record  in  the  Council 
Books  ; and  to  make  Grants  of  these  Lands  As  the  Right 
of  the  Crown,  was  (as  we  take  it)  Somewhat  Extraordi- 
nary, Since  every  Crown’d  head  from  K.  Charles  the  first, 
to  Q.  Ann  Inclusively  had  Recognized  this  Title  in  & 
under  Mason — having  found  upon  Reiterated  Consulta- 
tion, & Advisement,  that  the  Crown  had  Effectually  Di- 
vested it  Self  of  the  Right  & Title,  to  the  Lands  within 
M1  Masons  Patents — That  the  Right  had  been  Well  Con- 
vey’d to  Mr  Mason,  that  by  the  Expence  he  was  at  to 
Settle  it  in  his  time,  he  had  paid  a Valuable  Consideration 
for  it,  & Considering  the  after  Charge  his  Descendants 
were  at,  in  Contesting  the  Right  with  the  Colony  of  the 
Massachts,  and  with  their  own  Servants,  or  the  Servts  of 
their  Ancestors,  and  how  Small  a part  they  have  ever  Yet 
Enjoy’d  ; to  this  if  we  add  Mr  Allens  Expence  to  Recover 
Possession  (which  is  Still  in  the  Same  Right)  it  may  with 
truth  be  Said,  that  the  Grantee  & those  who  hold  under 
him,  have  had  a Dear  Bargain,  which  will  Still  be  Aug- 
mented to  a verv  Considerable  Degree,  if  we  add  our  own 
Expence  the  purchase  Sum,  the  Daily  Charge  of  making 
Grants  & attending  Settlers — with  the  Small  part  Re- 
served to  our  own  use,  the  Quit  Claims  given  to  the 
Towns,  even  those  which  are  far  from  having  done  any 
thing  worthy  of  Notice  in  Settling,  & which  have  been 
Granted  Since  Queen  Ann’s  Mandate — We  Say  bring 
all  this  into  a Capital  Sum,  it  will  appear  the  Land  Re- 
maining to  those  who  hold  under  Mason,  at  this  Day,  is 
the  Dearest  Purchase  of  any  in  America,  were  they  to 
hold  in  Peace  hereafter.  But  that  is  not  the  Case  they 
are  like  to  be  Involved  in  much  Controversv  Still,  & 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


273 


Consequently  farther  Expence — tho’  they  Doubt  not  of  a 
Succesful  Event — which  leads  us  to  Observe,  that  bv  the 
Late  Settlement  of  the  Boundary  between  this  Province 
& the  Massachusets,  it  Appears  that,  that  Government, 
had  a great  part  of  the  Land  in  their  possession,  which 
was  Mr  Masons  Right,  for  that  Settlement  Reduces  their 
Charter  to  its  True  Limits  & then  Mr  Mason's  Patent  of 
1635  takes  in  all  the  Land  within  Sixty  Miles  from  Naum- 
kege  Westward  which  the  Massachusetts  Charter  does  not 
Comprehend — But  before  this  Settlement  that  Govern- 
ment, had  made  many  Grants  of  Lands  really  without 
their  Patent,  & yet  the  Grantees,  Pretend  to  hold,  not- 
withstanding they  have  no  Pretence  of  title  nor  Posses- 
sion, and  with  Some  of  whom  we  Expect  we  must  Con- 
tend or  give  up  our  Right — But  We  have  Still  another 
Dispute  to  Encounter,  there  are  those  who  rise  up  now  in 
the  Right  of  Allen,  & pretend  the  title  is  in  them  which 
gives  rise  to  two  Questions  first  Whether  Robert  the 
Grandson  of  Cap1  Mason  the  Grantee,  held  this  Estate  as 
Tenant  in  Tail.  21y  if  he  did  whether  this  Intail  was 
Legally  Dockt,  by  his  Sons,  So  as  that  they  Could  Con- 
vey the  Fee  Simple  of  this  Estate  to  Mr  Allen — as  to  the 
first  of  these,  tho’  it  is  a Question  which  has  been  Stirrd 
here,  Yet  we  think  it  will  hardty  bear  a Serious  Debate — 
the  words  of  the  Will  are  Explicit,  & So  it  has  always 
been  taken,  why  else  did  they  Endeavour  to  Cut  off  the 
Entail,  if  there  was  none — 

The  other  is  a Question  Material,  the  Objection  to 
what  was  done  for  the  docking  the  Entail  is,  that  it 
Should  have  been  done  in  the  County,  at  leat  the  Prov- 
ince where  the  Land  lies,  it  being  a Local  Action  cannot 
Legally  be  prosecuted  elsewhere,  while  there  are  Courts 
there  as  there  was  in  this  Province  at  that  time  & had 
been  as  is  above  hinted  for  fifty  Years  before  and  there- 
fore the  Process  Referrd  to,  was  a Nullity,  or  void  ab' 
initio — and  in  that  Case  upon  the  Death  of  Tenant  in 
Tail  who  Sold  to  Allen,  the  Next  Heir  in  Tail  of  Mr 
Mason,  was  let  in:  We  have  good  proof  that  Cap1  John 
Tufton  Mason  of  whom  we  Purchased,  is  that  Heir,  who 
has  Executed  Sufficient  Conveyances  of  the  Estate  to  us — 
who  before  he  did  it  Sued  out  a Common  Recovery  here 
to  the  use  of  himself  his  Heirs  & Assigns.  So  that  he 
coud  as  we  take  Lawfully  Convey  the  Fee  but  as  to  this 
18 


specially 
considerin  g 
the  Reser- 
vation in  the 
Massa  Char- 
t e r . Its 
plain  the 
Crown  had 
no  land  Re- 
served be- 
tween these 
Patents  & 
wherever 
one  Termi- 
nates  the 
other  joins. 


274 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Nothing'  but 
Envy  can 
make  us  En- 
emies in  this 
Scheme, 
which  has 
been  & Still 
is  a Great  & 
Growing1 
Expence,  & 
the  Lands 
are  much 
better  Set- 
tled, the 
People  more 
Gene  rally 
Served,  & 
Husband  ry 
likely  to  be 
more  Im- 
proved than 
if  the  Gov- 
ernment had 
G r a n t e d 
them  as  the 
Lands  of  the 
Crown. 


Point  tis  Sufficient  (while  we  are  in  possession)  to  Say 
He  is  Still  Living,  and  if  he  is  Tenant  & Tail,  of  which 
We  think  there  is  no  Doubt,  tis  time  Enough  to  move 
any  Question  Relating  to  the  Operation  & Effect  of  his 
Conveyance  when  the  next  Heir  in  Tail  Inquires — 

Upon  the  whole  we  have  granted,  & are  Granting  the 
Lands  to  the  Inhabitants,  & Such  as  We  think  are  like lyr 
to  Settle  them  ; on  Such  Easy  terms  & under  Such  Limi- 
tations, as  will  most  Effectually  promote  & Advance  that 
End.  So  that  if  we  meet  with  no  Discouragements  Re- 
specting Allen’s  Claim  & have  not  too  many  Adversaries 
besides,  we  doubt  not  in  the  run  of  a few  Years  most  of 
these  Lands  will  be  under  Considerable  Improvements  in 
this  right,  At  least  we  would  Venture  to  forfeit  all,  if  any 
of  our  Townships  Remain  as  Long  unsettled,  as  Some  of 
those  made  by  the  Government  as  aforesd  have,  if  we 
have  Opportunities  Equally  or  but  half  so  Favourable  for 
Subduing  the  Lands,  and  the  Principal  Reason  why 
there  will  be  Such  a Difference  (as  we  See  already  is  like 
to  be)  is  the  Different  & more  Vigorous  manner  of  Prose- 
cuting the  Design  which  must  be  attended  with  a Propor- 
tionable Expence — We  therefore  hope  to  hold  our  pur- 
chase & think  it  will  be  a hard  Case,  if  they  who  hold 
in  Masons  Right,  a Right  So  well  Convey’d,  So  often  Con- 
firmed, & So  Dearly  Purchased,  after  One  hundred  and 
twenty  Years  Pursuit,  Should  not  be  permitted  to  Enjoy 
that  Pittance  of  this  Estate  now  Remains  in  their  hands. — 


[Deed,  Mason  to  Proprietors , Sept.  30 , 1740 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  89.] 

TO  ALL  PEOPLE  To  whom  these  Presents  shall  Come  John  Tuff- 
ton  Mason  of  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Esqr  By 
Clement  Jackson  Matthew  Livermore  and  William  Parker  all  of  Said 
Portsm0  Esqrs  Sendeth  GREETING — WHEREAS  the  said  John 
Tuffton  Mason  by  his  Certain  Writing  or  Letter  of  Attorney  under 
his  hand  & Seal  Duly  Executed  Dated  the  fourteenth  Day  of  June 
1749  and  in  the  twenty  third  year  of  his  Majesty’s  Reign  Amongst 
Other  things  therein  Contained  Did  Authorize  & Impower  us  or  any 
two  of  us  to  make  Sign  Seal  and  Execute  any  Deed  or  Deeds  of 
Conveyance  of  Certain  Lands  therein  Refer’d  to  unto  Such  Person 


/ 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL.  275 

or  Persons  as  lie  should  afterwards  Direct  or  to  any  Such  Person  or 
Persons  as  we  should  think  proper  to  hold  to  them  Respectively  and 
their  Respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  as  may  at  Large  Appear  by  Said 
Instrument  Reference  thereto  being  Had — NOW  KNOW  YE  that 
the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  in  Consideration  Of  the  Sum  of  twenty 
Shillings  to  him  in  hand  paid  before  the  Ensealing  and  Delivery 
hereof  By  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  Samuel  Solly  John 
Moffatt  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Jotham  Odiorne  Joshua  Peirce 
Thomas  Packer  Nathaniel  Messerv'e  George  Jaffrey  Esqrs  John 
Wentworth  junr  Daniel  Peirce  Paul  March  Gent11  Mary  Moore 
Widow  all  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  John  Thomlinson  of  London 
Esq1'  Thomas  Wallingford  of  Somers  worth  in  Said  Province  Esq1 
Joseph  Blanchard  of  Dunstable  in  Said  Province  Esqr  Clement 
March  of  Greenland  in  Said  Province  Esq1  and  Joseph  Green  of 
Boston  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  in  the  Province  of  the  Massa  Bay 
Merch1  the  Receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged  HATH  by  us 
his  said  Attorneys  given  granted  Bargained  and  Sold  and  by  these 
Presents  DOTH  give  grant  Bargain  Sell  Alien  Enfeoff  Convey  and 
Confirm  unto  the  said  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  Samuel 
Solly  John  Moffatt  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Jotham  Odiorne 
Joshua  Peirce  Thomas  Packer  Nathaniel  Messerve  George  Jaffrey 
John  Wentworth  junr  Daniel  Peirce  Paul  March  Mary  Moore  John 
Thomlinson  Thomas  Wallingsford  Joseph  Blanchard  Clement  March 
and  Joseph  Green  by  us  his  Attorneys  in  the  Several  parts  and  Pro- 
portions herein  after  Declared  twenty-Nine  thirtieth  Parts  of  all  the 
Right  Title  Interest  Estate  Inheritance  Claim  Challenge  Property 
and  Demand  of  him  the  said  John  Tuff  ton  Mason  which  He  now 
hath  or  Ought  to  have  by  any  ways  or  means  whatsoever  of  in  and 
unto  any  & all  the  Lands  Tenements  and  Hereditaments  whatsoever 
Contained  Lying  and  being  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
Bounded  as  Follows  Viz  Beginning  at  the  Sea  three  Miles  North 
from  Merrimack  River  thence  running  Parallel  with  Said  River  at 
the  Distance  of  three  Miles  to  the  head  thereof  from  thence  West- 
ward till  Sixty  Miles  are  Compleated  thence  a Cross  the  Land  to  the 
Inland  or  Northerly  End  of  a Line  running  from  the  Mouth  Of 
Piscataqua  River  up  the  Same  to  the  farthest  head  thereof  and 
thence  North  Westwards  till  Sixty  Miles  are  Compleated  from  the 
Mouth  of  Said  River  then  Beginning  again  at  the  Place  three  Miles 
Northward  of  Merrimack  where  it  first  began  runs  along  the  Sea 
Coast  to  Cape  Ann  & Round  about  the  Same  to  the  Middle  of 
Naumkeek  through  The  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West  till 
Sixty  Miles  are  Compleated  thence  a Cross  the  Land  to  the  Inland 
or  Northerly  end  of  the  Line  running  from  the  Mouth  of  Piscataqua 


276 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


River  as  aforesaid — TO  HAVE  AND  TO  HOLD  the  said  granted 
and  Bargained  Premises  with  all  the  Privileges  and  Appurtenances 
thereto  belonging  Or  in  an}7  wise  Appertaining  to  the  said  Grantees 
and  their  Respective  Heirs  & Assigns  in  the  following  parts  and 
Proportions  that  is  to  Say  to  the  said  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard 
Wibird  John  Moffatt  Jotham  Odiorne  Joshua  Peirce  Thomas  Packer 
George  Jaffrey  Thomas  Wallingford  John  Wentworth  junr  Each 
One  fifteenth  Part  to  the  Said  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  two 
fifteenth  parts  thereof  to  the  Said  Samuel  Solly  Nathaniel  Meserve 
John  Thomlinson  Daniel  Peirce  Clement  March  and  Mary  Moore 
each  One  thirtieth  Part  thereof  To  the  Said  Joseph  Blanchard  One 
Sixtieth  part  and  to  the  Said  Paul  March  & Joseph  Green  Each  One 
hundredth  & twentieth  Part  thereof  to  them  and  their  Respective 
Heirs  and  Assigns  as  aforesaid — IN  TESTIMONY  whereof  the  said 
John  Tufton  Mason  by  us  his  Said  Attorneys  hath  hereunto  Set  his 
hand  and  Seal  And  We  also  have  hereunto  Set  Our  hands  & Seals 
as  his  Attornies  the  thirtieth  Day  of  September  Anno  Domini 
1749  and  in  the  twenty  third  Year  of  His  Majesty’s  Reign — 

John  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Clem1  Jackson  [seal] 

Matthew  Livermore 
William  Parker  [seal] 

SIGNED  SEALED  and  Deliverd 
In  Presence  of  us  the  words  £ the 
being  first  Interlind 
Esther  Harvey 
Ann  Harvev 

mJ 

Province  of  ) January  the  17th  1749  then  the  above  named 
New  Hampshire  \ Clement  Jackson  Matthew  Livermore  & William 
Parker  Personally  appearing  acknowledged  this  Instrument  in  their 
Said  Capacity  as  their  free  Act  & Deed  Before  me 

Robert  Boyes  Justice  of  the  Peace 

Know  all  Men  Bv  these  Presents  that  I Anna  Elizabeth  Tufton 

%s 

Mason  wife  of  the  above  named  John  Tufton  Mason  do  hereby  give 
Grant  And  & Surrender  unto  the  above  & within  named  Grantees 
all  my  Right  of  Dower  & power  of  thirds  of  in  & unto  the  Premises 
Granted  & Conveyed  in  & by  this  Deed  for  & in  Consideration  of 
the  Sum  therein  Mentioned  to  hold  to  them  their  Heirs  & Assigns 
In  Witness  whereof  I have  hereunto  Set  my  hand  & Seal  the  first 
Day  of  May  1750 — 

Anna  Elisabeth  tofton  Mason  [seal] 

Tesfc  Ruth  Gains 
Samuel  Metlin 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


277 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  the  first  1750  then  the  within 
New  Hampsh1’  \ Named  Anna  Elizabeth  Tufton  Mason  Personally 
appeared  & being  Privately  examined  Owned  her  hand  and  Seal  to 
this  Instrument  Set  And  affixed  that  her  Renouncing  Granting  & 
Surrendering  her  Right  of  Dower  as  therein  Declared  was  her  free 
Act  & Deed  without  any  Coercion  Constraint  or  any  undue  Influ- 
ence whatsoever  Before  me 

Thos  Wibird  Jusce  Peace 

KNOW  ALL  MEN  by  these  Presents  That  I John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqr  Named  and  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  Deed  having  Read  & 
Duly  Considered  the  Contents  and  Tenor  thereof  do  hereby  approve 
of  the  Same  & in  Consideration  of  five  Pounds  to  me  in  hand  paid 
by  the  Grantees  in  the  said  Deed  Named  Have  given  granted  Sold 
Ratified  and  Confirmed  & by  these  Presents  DO  give  grant  Bargain 
Sell  Convey  Ratify  and  Confirm  unto  the  Said  Grantees  in  the  Pro- 
portion therein  Declared  all  & Singular  the  Premises  Contained 
Mentioned  & Named  in  the  Said  Deed  according  to  the  true  Intent 
& meaning  thereof — In  Witness  thereof  I Do  hereunto  Set  my  hand 
and  Seal  the  Eleventh  Day  of  December  1750  and  in  the  twenty 
fourth  Year  of  His  Majesty’s  Reign 

Jn°  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & Deliverd 
In  presence  of  us 
James  Kielle 
Noah  Emery 

Province  of  ) December  ye  12th  1750  then  the  above  Named 
New  Hampshire  \ John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  Personally  appearing 
acknowledged  this  Instrument  to  be  his  free  Act  & Deed  Before  me 

Thos  Wibird  Jusce  Peace 

[Endorsed] 

Rec’d  11th  April  1758  D Peirce  Reed 

Prove  of  New  Hampsh1' 

Recorded  Lib.  40.  Fol.  805 

Exam’d  I)  Peirce  Reed1 


[ Benjamin  Pratt  Asks  for  Information , Jan.  5,  1749-50.] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  82.] 

Janv  5 1749 
Sr 

As  I have  now  Ingaged  for  the  Gentleman  who  lately  Purchased 
Mr  Masons  Right  One  material  Thing*  there  is  I want  Information 


278 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in  & that  is  whether  any  Part  of  New  Hampshire  antiently  went  by 
the  Name  of  Mason  Hall  or  Mannour  of  Mason  Hall  or  whether 
these  Terms  of  Mason  Hall  & New  Hampshire  meant  the  same  In- 
formation in  this  Point  will  be  a Satisfaction  to  yrs 

Benj.  Prat 

To  Mr  Jeffrey 


[. Report  of  Committee  on  Importing  Settlers , July  2,  1750 .] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  93.] 

Pursuant  To  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands  within  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  Purchased  of  Captain  John  Tufton 
Mason  Authorizing  us  to  Treat  with  Henry  Wallis  Gentleman  Re- 
lating to  the  Importing  Husbandmen  & Labourers  from  Europe  to 
Settle  & Cultivate  Part  of  Said  Lands — We  have  Conferred  With 
him  & also  William  Smith  Esqr  & Wm  Jones  Gent  all  Late  of  Great 
Britain  Now  Residing  at  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  &have  Agreed 
with  Them  & Each  of  them  Respectively  That  for  every  Such  family 
or  Single  Free  Man  Which  They  or  either  of  Them  Shall  So  Import 
or  Cause  to  be  Imported  & Transported  & Landed  here  or  Else 
Where  Within  this  Province  at  their  Joint  or  Several  Expence  or  at 
The  Expence  of  the  Persons  Respectively  to  be  So  Transported  Who 
Will  Engage  to  Settle  on  said  Lands  the  Said  Proprietors  Shall 
Grant  & Convey  to  the  Master  of  Each  Family  & to  Each  Single 
Man  as  aforesd  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  & Demand  of  said  Pro- 
prietors to  one  hundred  acres  of  Land  Within  their  Claim  to  be  Laid 
out  in  Some  Place  Which  may  Give  them  Encouragement  to  Settle 
thereon  And  the  sd  Wallis  Smith  & Jones  or  either  of  them  to  have 
a Grant  & Conveyance  as  aforesd  of  Fifty  acres  of  sd  land  for  every 
Family  or  Single  man  as  afores'1  Which  they  or  Either  of  them  Re- 
spectively Shall  so  Transport  or  Cause  to  be  Transported  between 
this  & The  first  of  June  1752 — not  exceeding  one  hundred  Families 
or  free  men 

Portsmouth  2d  July  1750  J Odiorne 

D Peirce 
Nath  Meserve 

Province  of  \ At  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  at  Portsmouth 
New  Hampshr  \ the  ninth  Day  of  August:  1750  by  Adjournment 
The  Report  above  Written  was  Read  & Consider’d  & thereupon 
Voted  that  the  Same  be  Receivd  Accepted  & Confirmed  and  that 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


279 


Grants  Shall  be  made  Agreeable  to  the  Tenor  Intent  and  meaning 
thereof — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprrs  Clerk — 


[Mason’s  Power  of  Attorney  to  Proprietors , Pec.  12,  1?501\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  95.] 

KNOW  ALL  MEN  by  these  Presents  That  I John  Tufton  Mason 
of  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England 
Esqr  have  constituted  ordain’d  & made  & in  my  stead  & Place  put  & 
by  these  Presents  do  constitute  ordain  & make  & in  my  Stead  & 
Place  put  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  Samuel  Solly  John 
Moffatt  Mark  Hunkg  Wentworth  Jotham  Odiorne  Joshua  Peirce 
Thomas  Packer  Nathaniel  Meserve  George  Jaffrey  John  Wentworth 
junr  Daniel  Peirce,  all  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  Esqrs  Thomas  Wal- 
lingford of  Somersworth  in  said  Province  Esqr  Joseph  Blanchard  of 
Dunstable  in  Said  Province  Esq1'  & Clement  March  of  Greenland  in 
Said  Province  Esqr  jointly  & severally  or  any  Number  of  them  to  be 
my  true  sufficient  & lawfull  Attorney  or  Attorneys  in  all  Causes 
moved  or  to  be  moved  for  me  or  against  me  Touching  & concerning 
or  any  Ways  relating  to  my  Right  Title  Estate  Inheritance  Interest 
Property  Possession  & Demand  whatsoever  in  & to  any  Lands  Tene- 
ments & Hereditaments  in  the  Province  aforesaid  derived  to  me  from 
Cap1  John  Mason  formerly  of  London  Esq1'  Deceased  in  my  Name  to 
appear  plead  & pursue  to  final  Judgment  & Execution  with  full 
Power  of  Substitution  as  they  or  either  of  my  Sd  Constituents  shall 
think  proper  & the  same  again  at  Pleasure  to  revoke  And  generally 
to  say  do  Act  transact  & accomplish  all  matters  & Things  whatsoever 
relating  to  the  Premises  as  fully  amply  & effectfully  to  all  Intents  & 
Purposes  as  I ought  or  might  personally  altho’  the  matter  should  re- 
quire more  special  Authority  than  is  herein  comprised  I ratifying  & 
holding  valid  all  & whatsoever  my  said  Attorney  or  Attorneys  or  his 
or  their  Substitutes  shall  lawfully  do  or  cause  to  be  done  in  & about 
ye  Premises  by  Virtue  of  these  Presents  In  Witness  whereof  I do 
hereunto  Set  my  Hand  & Seal  this  twelfth  Day  of  December  Anno 
Domini  1750 

Jn°  Tufton  Mason  [seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & Delivered 
in  Presence  of  us  the  word 
Esqr  being  interlined 
Tho9  Wibird 
Rob1  Traill 


280 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  ) John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  appeared 
Portsm0  Decr  ye  12th  1750 — j before  me  and  acknowledged  the  with- 
in instrument  to  be  his  voluntary  accfc  and  deed 


[Endorsed] 

Rec’d  13th  Octo1'  1752 


Thos  Wibird  Jnsce  Peace 
D Peirce  Recdr 


[Letter  to  John  Thomlinson , Marclt  7,  1750-1. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  V ol.  1,  p.  96.] 

Portsm0  March  7th  1750 — 

John  Thomlinson  Esqr 
Sir — 

This  accompanies  the  State  of  ye  Case  & sundry  Papers  as  ^ 
the  following  Mem°  relating  to  our  right  in  Mason's  Claim,  We  have 
been  constantly  at  the  Business  & have  made  some  Considerable 
Progress  both  in  granting  new  Lands  fa  making  agreements  with 
those  Towns  that  are  settled  & settling  wch  were  formerly  granted 
by  the  Massachusetts,  & were  taken  in  by  running  the  Province 
Line,  & all  them  Towns  except  one  have  deliverd  fa  agreed  to  deliver 
up  to  us  abfc  i some  £ Except  a Town  farr  up  called  Rowley  Can- 
ada who  still  keep  of  we  think  this  is  the  only  town  or  at  most  but 
one  more  that  we  have  any  Dispute  with  & as  to  the  Wastes  We 
have  granted  almost  all  the  land  within  the  Claim  savg  to  the  Society 
in  some  ■§  & in  some  J & almost  all  the  Inhabitants  here  are 
pleas’d  with  fa  Engag’d  in  ye  thing,  it.  has  cost  us  much  Time  fa  con- 
siderable Money,  but  if  that  will  make  ye  People  easy  & we  can  ex- 
tend the  Settlements,  we  shall  think  we  have  served  our  King  fa 
Country,  fa  wch  we  trust  will  be  lookt  on  in  that  light  at  home,  & 
considering  the  Pains  we  have  been  at  & the  Progress  made,  wou’d 
it  be  unlikely  that  the  Crown  wou’d  make  (if  Petitiond  for)  us  a 
Grant  at  the  head  of  this  Claim  from  the  West  Line  to  ye  North  that 
is  a Curve  Line  Parallel  to  our  Former  of  Twenty  miles  deep  or  of 
Thirty  or  fourty  Miles  so  as  to  meet  Connecticut  & so  to  go  half 
Way  over  to  our  north  Line  as  we  find  there  is  some  fine  Land  in 
this  last  Description,  of  this  you’ll  please  to  let  us  know  your  Judg- 
ml  as  to  the  Title  of  Mason’s  Claim  you’ll  be  better  able  to  Judge  in 
London,  than  our  selves  on  the  Spot,  the  chief  things  in  Dispute  we 
presume  are  whether  the  Estate  was  entail’d  or  not,  & if  entail’d 
whether  it  con’d  be  dockt  in  any  Part  of  England  or  any  where  else, 
except  in  this  Province  where  the  Land  lies,  we  have  been  sometimes 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


281 


alarm’d  with  the 'Title  of  the  million  acre  Grant  so  Call’d,  & some- 
times with  Allen’s  Claim,  but  as  yet  no  Action  Brought — The  Heirs 
of  Allen  have  frequently  offer’d  us  Terms  of  Accommodation  to 
which  we  have  given  no  Positive  Answer  But  on  the  whole  judge 
they  have  no  Right — We  are  in  the  Behalf  of  the  Society — 

your  most  H Servts  at  Command 


Letter  from  Governor  Wentworth  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  March 
23,  1750-1,  State  Papers,  Yol.  18,  p.  390. 


[ Letter , Thomlinson  to  Peirce , July  7757.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  98.] 

London  ye  24th  of  July  1751 

Mr  Daniel  Peirce 
Sir 

I have  Your  favr  of  ye  20th  of  May  now  Before  me,  Incloseing 
me  Sundry  papers  respecting  Mr  Mason’s  right  &c,  I have  but  just 
had  time  to  look  them  over  but  there  are  not  Amongst  them  the 
papers  which  I mentioned  to  You,  And  which  were  Among  these 
papers  When  I Sent  them  to  Your  Province,  The  first  Was  a Case 
drawn  by  Mr  Sharpe,  fully  Setting  forth  John  Tuffton  Masons  Claim, 
and  had  been  Laid  before  the  Then  Sollr  General  for  his  Opinion,  As 
to  Masons  right  only,  And  the  Sol lr  Generals  Opinion  at  the  foot  in 
favr  of  Mason,  the  other  was  a Bond  Given  by  Mr  Allen  to  Mr  Mason 
for  a Large  part  of  llis  purchase  Money,  And  which  had  not  been 
paid  And  discharge.  And  their  are  Some  other  Material  papers  not 
here,  And  One  particularly,  that  proves  the  present  John  Tuffton 
Mason  to  be  the  decendant  And  Heir  of  Mason  the  Original  propri- 
etor. 

You  Say  in  Your  Said  Letter,  that  You  are  Come  to  this  resolu- 
tion (if  I Think  it  Feazible)  to  piti’on  the  King,  I am  So  far  from 
thinking  Any  Attempt  of  that  Sort  right,  that  I think  it  would  be 
the  wrongest  Step  that  Could  be  taken.  And  could  only  tend  to  im- 
barass  and  Confound  the  affair,  and  at  Monstrous  Expence  of  time. 
Trouble,  & Money,  And  after  all,  the  grand  question  will  remain 
Just  where  it  is;  That  is.  Whether  the  right  is  with  You,  or  the 
Heirs  of  Allen,  Who  Are  So  far  from  Being  a Sleep,  that  they  are 
at  this  very  time  in  treaty  wth  Some  Gentlemen  here  for  the  Sale  of 


282 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


their  Said  right,  beside,  how  would  an  Application  of  this  Sort  be 
lookd  upon  By  his  Majesty  in  Council,  in  Oposition  to  Allen’s  right, 
which  has  niver  regularly  been  impeached  or  Call’d  in  question,  but 
Stands  reserve’d  in  Express  terms,  in  the  Charter  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  and  has  allways  been  reserved  in  the  proceeding  on  the 
Settlement  of  the  Boundarys,  and  all  other  proceedings,  No  Sir,  Your 
first  & principal  point  must  be,  to  Make  good  & Establish  Your  right 
and  Title  beyond  Contriversy,  And  then  I make  no  doubt,  but  You 
will  Easily  Obtain  Every  Encoragement  the  Crown  can  give  You, 
in  preportion  to  your  proceeding  in  the  Settling  the  province, — 
Since  I Set  down  to  write  this  Letter,  I have  been  with  a Friend 
of  mine,  who  is  also  a particular  Friend  to  the  Heirs  of  Mr  Allen, 
And  has  desired  him  to  Endeavour  to  get  them  to  pospone  the  fin- 
ishing of  the  Treaty  they  are  upon,  for  the  Sale  of  their  right  in  this 
affair,  untill  I can  hear  from  Your  Self  and  Company,  And  I have 
Learn’d  from  him  that  John  Hobby  of  Barbados  has  a right  to  one 
Half  of  Mr  Allen’s  Claime,  And  that  Mr  John  Adams  of  Barbados 
(who  is  now  in  Boston)  is  Attorney  to  the  Said  Mr  John  Hobby, 
Therefore,  if  I might  Advise,  it  Should  be  That  You  E mediately 
Apply  to  the  Said  Mr  John  Adams,  and  let  him  know  properly,  how 
the  thing  Stands  as  to  the  precariousness  of  Allen’s  Title,  as  You 
have  Set  forth  in  Your  Case,  and  also,  that  the  purchase  Money  was 
niver  paid  by  Allen  to  Mason,  as  will  appear  by  the  Bond  I have 
mention’d,  if  You  can  find  it,  and  Endeavour  (for  the  Sake  of  Avoid- 
ing a Long  & Troublesome  and  Expensive  Littigation)  to  Buy  of 
him  Mr  Hobbys  right  to  his  one  half  of  Allen’s  right,  and  then  give 
me  directions  to  purchase  of  Mrs  Allen  here  the  Other  half.  This  is  in 
My  opinion  the  only  way  You  Can  Succeed  in,  And  Suppose  it 
Should  Cost  You  Two  Thousand  pounds  (or  More)  Sterling  Yet  I 
think  it  would  be  the  very  Best  Method  You  could  take  to  Obtain 
an  Absolute  quietous,  and  Such  a perfect  Title,  So  that  You  might 
Apply  to  the  Crown  for  Any  Indulgence  You  may  want,  and  this 
will  not  only  be  the  Best  method  You  Can  take,  but  in  the  Long  run 
the  Cheapest  as  well  as  the  Safest,  for -by  the  Method  You  propose, 
You  mav  Spend  some  Years,  and  As  Much  money  as  I have  Men- 
tion’d, and  be  glad  to  Sett  down  where  You  now  are,  for  I cannot  So 
far  flatter  You,  as  to  Say  that  Any  thing  that  comes  from  Your  prov- 
ince, or  its  inhabitants,  can  hope  for  much  indulgence,  I cannot  Say 
that  I meet  with  any  disrespect  in  my  private  Capasity,  But  as 
Agent  for  Your  province,  I frequently  meet  with  reproach,  and  altho 
I am  Satisfied  as  well  as  You  Can  be,  that  You  are  not  all  rebells, 
Yet  I am  often  told  So,  and  by  Some  of  the  first  in  the  Administera- 
tion,  Nay  and  even  worse  than  this,  And  it  is  not  in  my  power  to 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


283 


help,  or  to  avoid  it,  or  Can  I intermedle  in  this  affair  farther  than  to 
Endeavour  to  Excuse  the  Bulk  of  the  Inhabitants  from  Such  hard 
names,  I have  long  Expected  that  Something  would  have  been  done 
to  have  Set  you  right,  and  I Still  expect  it  will  Soon  be  done,  but  in 
what  manner  I cannot  Say — And  now  I have  only  to  hope,  that  upon 
the  receipt  of  this,  that  You  will  purchase  Mr  Hobby’s  right  of  Mr 
Adams,  and  give  me  directions  to  treat  with  Mrs  Allen,  and  Limitt 
the  Sum  I am  to  give  her  for  her  half,  and  let  me  have  Your  order's 
as  Soon  as  may  be,  for  the  person’s  in  treaty  with  her,  are  Such  as  I 
or  You,  would  not  Care  to  have  any  dispute  with,  and  Such  as  the 
Inhabetants  of  the  Province  would  not  care  to  have  Lords  over 
them — 

Sir  Your  most  hum1  Ser1 

John  Thomlinson 

To  Mr  Daniel  Peirce 


Letter  about  Masonian  title,  Oct.  16,  1751,  State  Papers,  Yol.  6, 
p.  893. 


[ Letter , Atkinson  to  Thomlinson , Oct.  19 , 17511] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  100.] 

Sr 

Upon  Daniel  Peirces  Com’unicating  your  Letter  (to  him)  of  the 
24th  of  July  Last  to  the  Purchassers  of  Masons  Right  We  were  by 
them  Appointed  to  give  you  their  thanks  for  the  Trouble  you  had 
taken  in  that  affair  and  to  Acquaint  you  that  we  Can't  but  Hatter 
our  Selves  we  have  an  undoubted  right  to  all  the  Land  mentioned  in 
Cap1  Mason’s  Deed  to  us  which  Includes  all  the  Land  his  Predices- 
sor  Cap1  John  Mason  had  in  this  Province  Excepting  Some  Trifle  he 
had  before  Convey’d  to  the  Government  of  the  Massa  & what  we  by 
Vertue  of  our  Purchass  have  by  Quit  claine  & Grant  Divested  our 
Selves  of.  By  our  Quit  claim  we  have  Quieted  all  the  old  towns  & 
by  our  Grants  a great  Part  of  the  residue  We  have  now  Engaged 
Some  of  the  best  Council  in  New  England  & Soon  Expect  A more 
compleat  & minute  State  of  the  Case  than  has  ever  yet  appear’d 
which  we  Shall  Soon  forward  you  & Doubt  not  but  you  with  the  rest 
of  mankind  will  be  thereby  Convinced  that  We  & we  only  have  the 
right  to  the  Premisses  as  to  the  heirs  of  Samuel  Allen  Esq  We  Sup- 
pose they  & we  Shall  Agree  in  this  Viz.  John  Mason  Esq  was  Seized 
in  fee  of  the  Premisses  & that  by  his  will  they  were  Intaild  upon  his 
Grandson  John  Tufton  (lie  Changing  his  name  & taking  the  name 


284 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  Mason)  & the  heirs  of  his  Body  Lawfully  begotten  remainder  to 
Robert  Tufton,  younger  Brother  to  John — Remaindr  to  &ca  &ca  &c — 
these  Two  John  & Robert  when  their  Grandfather  Died  being  very 
young  Remain’d  in  England  till  they  both  came  of  Age  (During 
this  Time  their  Grandfather’s  Tenants  rose  up  with  every  thing) 
when  they  came  over  here  met  with  a Cold  & bad  reception  Could 
get  nothing  unless  the  wast  & unimproved  Lands  So  that  nothing 
material  was  done  by  him,  he  Dies  here  & without  Issue,  Robert  his 
Brother  & next  Heir  intail,  also  Dies  here  (without  Doing  any  Mem- 
orable thing)  & Leaves  Issue  John  & Robert  his  Sons — So  far  Allen 
& we  Agree  & here  we  part  these  Last  John  & Robert  both  Joyn  In 
Docking  the  Intail  (as  they  call  it)  by  Sueing  out  a Com’on  recov- 
ery or  fine  & recovery  or  both  at  Westminster  in  England  this  done 
they  Sell  the  whole  to  Samuel  Allen  of  London  Merch1  the  Pur- 
chass  Consideration  or  far  the  greatest  part  Still  Unpaid  & now 
due  by  bond  & in  our  Hands  Now  this  we  Say  is  illegal  those 
recoveries  by  Law  being  local  & must  be  Sued  out  in  the 
County  where  the  Land  Lyes,  and  at  that  time  & near  Twenty 
years  before  we  in  this  Province  had  a Civil  Government 
Established  & Courts  of  Com’on  Pleas  & Judicature  regularly 
Appointed  & in  full  Exercise  So  that  John  & Robert  (the  Intail  in 
John  Mason’s  Will  being  unaffected)  could  Sell  only  their  right 
which  was  only  for  Life — Pause  here — for  here  we  stand  & Say  that 
Maugre  all  that  was  done  by  John  & Robert  the  Estate  by  the  Will 
aforesd  Decends  to  John  Tufton  Mason  Who  regularly  Sues  out  a 
Com ’on  recovery  in  the  Court  of  Com’on  Please  here  takes  Posses- 
sion in  form  & Sells  to  us  the  whole,  we  Imediatly  Quit  claim  to  all 
the  Inhabitants  then  regularly  in  Possession  by  Grants  from  this 
Province — then  take  actual  Possession  of  the  residue  & Grant  it  in 
Townships  reserving  Each  of  us  a Single  right  in  Each  Town  in 

two  three 

Com’on  with  the  Grantees  & 2 or  8 Publick  Lotts  for  Ministrv  &ca 

%) 

&ca  thus  we  have  Settled  all  those  Lands  on  the  West  side  of  Merri- 
mack river  heretofore  granted  & in  Some  measure  Settled  by  the 
Massachusetts  Governuk  before  the  runing  the  Divideing  Line  of  ye 
Governments  & We  think  ye  People  here  in  general  are  tollerably 
Quiet  we  have  now  Several  thousand  People  Settled  on  these  Lands 
by  Virtue  of  our  Grants  & yt  wee  have  quit  claimd  & we  have  not  a 
great  deal  of  Land  Left  for  our  Selves  Considering  the  Quantity  we 
have  Generously  Quit  claim’d  to  & given  away  without  ever  have- 
ing  receiv’d  one  farthing  Consideration  from  the  Settlers  we  have 
Spent  great  Part  of  our  Time  for  Three  years  past  in  granting  & 
Setling  those  Towns  haveing  Seldom  Misst  one  Week  meeting  to 
transact  those  affairs  & when  we  ever  paid  the  whole  Expence  never 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


285 


Suffering  Any  Petitioner  to  pay  A Penny  we  have  now  at  Least  Ten 
Towns  under  Actual  Improvements  & Settlers  upon  them  Some  have 
50  or  60  families  on  them  these  togeather  with  our  Surveys  & Plotts 
Plans  &ca  you  must  be  Convinced  have  Cost  us  a very  great  Deal  of 
Pains  & money  by  which  we  a Compleat  Actual  Possession  & in  few 
Years  Shall  have  (baring  an  Indian  Warr)  Ten  thousand  Inhabi- 
tants on  this  Wilderness  land  thus  you  have  A General  View  of  our 
Title  & Transactions — now  to  recurr  to  Allens  Pretentions — Sam11 
Allen  Esq1'  mentioned  above  was  by  King  Will111  & Queen  Mary 
about  the  year  1690  appointed  Governour  of  this  Province  Accord- 
ingly he  come  over  & Commenced  Several  Law  suits  but  failed  here  & 
in  England  & never  recovered  any  thing  he  Died  at  New  Castle 
while  Governour  he  Left  one  Son  & four  Daughters  Three  of  his 
Daughters  now  Liveing  here  Viz  the  Widow  of  ye  Late  Leuf  Gov- 
ern1- Usher  Mrs  Walton  wife  to  George  Walton  Esq1-  & a maiden  the 
other  is  Dead  but  has  Left  a Numerous  Issue  She  was  Marryed  to 
Cap1  Steel  of  Boston  who  is  also  Dead  Now  all  these  by  the  Law  of 
our  Province  are  heirs  to  Samuel  Allen  Esq1-  Deceased  Intestate  & 
all  Lands  So  left  in  this  Province  by  Law  are  Subject  to  the  pay- 
ment of  Debts  & are  Divisible  to  & amongst  All  the  Children  of  the 
Deceased  the  Eldest  Son  only  having  a Double  Portion  this  is  our 
Law  by  which  every  Estate  has  been  ever  Settled  tis  remarkable 
that  the  first  & only  Law  for  this  Division  was  Enacted  here  when 
Governour  Allen  was  Governour  of  this  Province  & therefore  is  in 
a very  Perticular  manner  his  will  as  well  as  his  Act  if  this  be  So  & 
So  it  is  you  ’1  Easily  See  that  Thomas  Allen  the  Son  of  Sam11  could 
have  but  J of  the  Estate  the  Other  Is  must  go  to  the  four  Sisters  & 
their  representatives  now  tis  Plain  by  Deeds  upon  our  records  that 
this  Thomas  Allen  Sold  by  2 different  Deeds  one  half  of  the  whole 
by  Meets  & Bounds  (that  is  Bounds  out  the  whole  Tract)  to  Carle- 
ton  Vandbrough  agent  for  Sr  Charles  Hobby  one  \ part  of  the  Whole 
& by  one  other  Deed  Directly  to  Sr  Charles  he  Sells  one  1 part  more 
& mentions  in  this  Last  Deed  the  Deed  to  Vandbrough  & Compleats 
the  Sale  of  one  £ So  that  if  the  Allen  you  mention  is  the  Son  of 
Thomas  & Granson  of  Sam11  his  father  under  Whom  he  Claims  has 
Sold  A greater  Shear  than  he  had  in  the  Premises  & therefore  his 
Son  can  have  no  right  As  to  the  4 Daughters  of  Sam"  now  here  or 
three  of  them  & the  representatives  of  the  fourth  we  Expect  no 
Trouble  from  them  for  we  must  tell  you  further  that  Samuel  Allen 
Esqr  Did  in  his  Life  Time  by  Deed  Mortgage  the  whole  by  Meets  & 
Bounds  from  Naumkeeg  to  Piscataqua  to  his  Son  in  Law  John  Usher 
Esqr  for  <£1500  every  farthing  now  Due  this  Deed  regularly  upon 
record  here  near  fifty  Years  ago  & in  Consiquence  hereof  Possession 


286 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& Seizen  taken  of  all  the  Wast  Lands  before  Wittness  in  the  most 
regular  manner  & the  wittneses  Sworne  & all  this  recorded  with  the 
Deed  of  Mortgage  & by  our  Law  the  Equity  of  redemption  has  been 
Lost  about  forty  Seven  years  now  after  this  what  Pretentions  can 
any  of  the  heirs  of  Allen  have  & all  this  is  really  fact  & may  be 
P rov’d  from  the  records  here;  as  to  Mr  Adams  who  Appeared  for 
Mr  Hobby  the  Grandson  of  Sr  Charles  he  is  now  gone  to  the  West 
Indias  Again  & we  believe  he  never  will  make  Any  Attempt  we 
have  offerd  to  Shew  him  a Defend1  & a Piece  of  Land  to  Comence  a 
Suit  against  where  we  will  Pinn  the  Issue  upon  one  Single  Point 
whether  the  Tittle  is  Still  in  Mason  & So  in  us  or  in  Allen’s  family 
but  he,  we  think  is  Convinced  & will  give  us  no  Trouble — Sr  Charles 
Died  Intestate  & Left  one  Son  & Two  Daughters  all  three  now 
Dead  but  Left  Issue  Each  of  them  So  that  they  would  be  greatly 
Perplexed  to  finde  their  Perticular  Intrests  if  they  could  hold  what 
Sr  Charles  bo1  of  Thomas  Allen — We  have  now  got  Possession  of 
Every  Inch  of  the  Premises  & make  no  Doubt  of  holding  of  it 
Against  any  Claimer  We  Should  be  Sorry  if  we  Should  meet  any 
new  start  in  our  title  but  fear  Little  from  the  old — If  these  hints 
which  you  may  rely  on  as  matters  of  fact  are  worth  your  takeing 
notice  of  So  as  to  get  the  Oppinion  of  Abler  Council  than  we  here 
can  Pretend  to,  it  answers  our  End  if  not  we  Shall  have  as  men- 
tioned above  a State  of  the  Case  Soon  to  forward  to  you  Pray  Let  us 
hear  from  you  on  Each  of  the  heads  above  mentioned  in  the  mean 
Time  we  cannot  See  our  way  Clear  in  makeing  Any  Proposalls 
Either  to  Allen  or  Hobby  how  ever  we  may  be  Induced  to  Alter  our 
Oppinions  upon  Any  New  or  further  Information 

Our  Attorneys  recommend  it  to  us  to  beg  ye  Favour  of  you,  to  stay 
mrs  Allen’s  Proceedings  if  you  can  ’til  you  & She  sees  ye  above 
mention’d  State  which  is  now  preparing  & will  We  hope  be  ready  to 
go  by  the  Wilmington  when  you  shall  also  have  a Plann  of  ye  Prov- 
ince with  all  ye  Towns  laid  down  which  were  granted  either  by 
Ve  Governments  or  our  Selves  bv  which  you  & others  will  See  how 
much  we  are  possessd  off — Our  Attorneys  also  recommend  that  you 
would  not  mention  ye  Council  you  design  to  advise  with — D.  Peirce 
sent  you  last  Spring  by  ye  Wilmington  in  a Seperate  Letter  a State 
of  Mason’s  Claim  underwrote  (we  think)  by  M1  Sharpe  & if  that  is 
not  ye  Paper  you  mean  we  despair  of  finding  of  it — Govr  Allen’s 
Bond  or  a Copy  of  it  & ye  Proof  of  ye  present  Cap1  Masons  being 
Linially  and  lawfully  descended  from  Cap1  Mason  ye  original  Pat- 
entee you  may  depend  upon  by  ye  above  mentiond  Ship  — 

We  are  Yours  &ca  T A:  DP:  — 

Sent  Via  Boston  in  Cap1  Phillips — r 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


287 


Sr  the  above  is  Copy  of  what  we  wrote  ^ Philips  we  have  not  as 
Yet  been  able  to  get  the  Sate  of  the  Case  we  mentioned  in  our  Last 
our  Council  at  Boston  not  haveing  finished  it  but  hope  Soon  to  for- 
ward it  to  you — as  to  Mr  Allens  Bond  to  Robert  Mason  that  Did  not 
belong  to  us  if  worth  Any  thing  So  tis  now  in  Cap1  Masons  Custody 
we  have  Some  Agreements  now  by  us  between  those  Parties  wherein 
Allen  was  to  Pay  Mason  Sundry  Sums  of  Money  &ca  &ca  but  as  they 
(we  think)  cannot  Effect  the  Title  do  not  Copy  them  for  your  Perusal 
We  have  now  Selected  Some  of  the  many  Testimonies  we  have  to 
Prove  the  regular  Decent  of  the  family  of  the  Tufton  Masons  Down 
to  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  of  whom  we  Purchased  & have  it 
unquestionably  Proved  by  many  more  & with  many  more  Perticu- 
lars  than  in  those  we  now  Send  & if  necessary  can  now  have  fifty 
Liveing  Evidences  to  the  Same  how  ever  we  think  that  matter  will 
never  be  Disputed — we  Now  to  make  the  matter  at  first  View  more 
Explicit  Send  you  A Copy  of  ye  Detail  of  Cap1  Masons  Pedigree 
which  we  found  iVmoungst  his  Papers  with  the  other  evidences — we 
also  now  send  you  a Plan  of  the  Province  in  which  youl  Easily  See 
what  Towns  & Tracts  we  have  Quieted  our  right  to  being  a long 
time  Settled  before  we  Purchassed  also  those  Tracts  or  Towns 
granted  by  the  Massa  before  the  runing  the  Province  Line  with 
whom  we  have  also  Comprimized  Matters  & they  now  hold  under 
us — you  will  also  observe  by  the  S<1  Plan  what  New  Tracts  we  have 
granted  to  new  grantees  the  greatest  parte  of  those  Towns  are 
Actualy  Settled  & have  many  Inhabitants  on  Each  of  them  which 
will  be  greatly  Incresed  this  winter  & every  one  of  the  Others 
Entred  upon  &ca — we  Shall  Soon  do  our  Selves  the  Pleasure  of 
writing  you  again  & hope  to  forward  the  State  of  the  Case  & 

Are  vour  Verv  Humble  SeP 

T A— 

Copy  ^ ye  Wilmington 
Cap1  Penny — 

Mem0  with  this  Letter  Sent 
N°  1 Copy  of  Coll  Waltons  Evidence 

2 I)°  Henry  & Sarah  Sliervurne  ) 

& Susanna  Johnson  ( 

3 D°  Cap1  Jos:  Sherburnes  D° 

4 Copy  of  the  Pedigree  in  Links 

5 A Plan  of  ye  whole  Prove 


288 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Letter  from  John  Thomlinson , March  6 , 1752.] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  1.] 


London  ye  6th  of  March  1752 — 


Sir’s 

Your  Favours  of  ye  19th  of  Oct1'  & 29th  of  Nov1',  are  now  both  be- 
fore me,  and  I Should  be  very  glad  to  See  the  case  You  have  long 
promised  to  Send  me,  and  Then  I could  Soon  have  Such  opinions 
upon  it  That  would  Satisfie  me,  with  respect  to  the  Right  of  Mason, 
or  Allen,  for  all  the  long  Accounts  of  What  You  have  done,  or  are 
about  to  do,  will  not  Avail  you  a Rush,  without  first  Establishing 
Your  just  & Legal  right,  and  the  Single  point  is,  Whither,  or  no,  the 
Fine  & Recover}^  Sued  out  in  Westminster  hall  was  legall,  or  not,  if 
it  was  legal,  You  have  no  right,  if  (as  You  Say)  it  was  illegall,  Then 
for  Any  thing  I at  present  know  off,  You  have  a right — 

You  Say  You  have  in  Your  hands  a Bond  unpaid,  for  the  purchase 
money,  or  for  the  Greatest  part  of  it,  If  your  right  is  defective  on  the 
other  point,  I cannot  Say  how  far  that  May  avail  You,  But  I believe 
that  Bond  is  not  for  the  Whole,  or  the  greatest  part  of  ye  Purchase 
Money,  besides,  it  has  been  Su jested  here  that,  they  (I  mean  the 
Heirs  of  Allen)  will  be  able  to  prove  the  payment  of  ye  Whole,  not- 
withstanding this  Bond,  But  I cannot  Say  any  thing  to  that  Matter, 
But  at  present  I cannot  help  Expressing  My  Fears,  That  Your  grand 
point  will  fail  You,  That  is,  the  Fine  Sue’d  out  in  Westminster  hall 
will  be  deem’d  legal,  or  how  Should  Allens  right,  And  not  Masons, 
be  reserved  in  the  Charter  granted  afterward  to  the  Massechusetts 
Bay,  as  Certainly  the  Ablest  Lawyers  in  the  Kingdom,  were  Con- 
sulted & Employ’d  in  Settling  that  Charter,  And  undoubtedly  Allen 
Must  than  have  been  Calld  upon,  to  Make  good  & prove  his  right, 
before  Such  reservation  could  be  introduced,  However,  I Shall  be 
glad  to  have  Your  Case  And  one  or  two  good  Opinions  upon  it,  And 
let  it  be  as  it  majq  I am  Still  of  Opinion,  that  m}^  advice  to  You  to 
purchase  of  the  Allens  & others  Claimers  Under  Allen,  if  they  can 
be  Come  at,  and  it  could  be  perfectly  done  for  <£1500  or  £2000  Ster- 
ling, would  be  the  Best  Method  You  could  Take,  for  I think  if  this 
affair  comes  to  be  Litigated,  it  may  Cost  Each  party  (at  Least)  that 
Sum  and  one  Side  must  at  last  Set  down  with  the  Loss,  and  this 
Must  be  the  Case,  And  I Suppose  Soon,  for  I find  By  Mr  Samford  & 
Mr  Adams,  that  Gibson  has  Now  Actually  purchased  of  Mrs  Allen, 
be  half  for  £750  Sterling,  And  to  Make  the  payment,  and  finish  at 
Lady  day  Next,  and  I am  told  that  Some  person’s  of  Consequence 
are  Concern’d  with  him,  This  I hinted  to  You  Some  time  since, 


MAS0N1AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


289 


would  be  the  Case,  and  that  I Endeavourd  to  keep  it  oft*  as  Long  as 
I could,  This  is  the  Best  account  of  this  Matter,  as  well  as  the  Best 
opinion  I can  have  of  it  at  present,  And  am  with  great  Truth 

Gentlemen  Your  Most  hum1  Ser4 

John  Thomlinson 

To  Messrs  Theo:  Atkinson  Daniel  Peirce 


[Receipt  for  Papers , Sept.  1753.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  3.] 


Portsm0  Septr  4th  1753 
Blanchard  Esqur  viz1 

N°  1. 

2. 

Peterborough  slip 
Middle  manadnack  ( 
or  N°  2 — \ 

North  manadnack  \ 
or  N°  3 — j 

Manadnack  N°  5 — 
Manadnack  N°  6 — 
Manadnack  N°  7 — 

New  Concord  or  N°  8 
Dantzick — 

Hiedlebourg — 
Alexandria — 


Reced  ye  under  written  Papers  of  Joseph 


The  Charter — the  Plan-&  Schedule 
The  Charter — the  Plan-Schedule 
The  Charter — the  Plan-Schedule 

The  Charter  the  Plan -schedule 

The  Charter  the  Plan-schedule 

The  Charter — the  Plan 

The  Charter — the  Plan 

The  Charter — the  Plan-Schedule 

The  Charter  the  Plan 

The  Charter  the  Plan 

The  Charter — the  Plan 

The  Charter — the  Plan 


Cap4  David  Baldwins  Counterpart  for  his  farm 
for  which  gave  Sd  Blanchd  Rece4 


and  Vote 
& Vote 

& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 

& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 
& Vote 


^ G J Pr  Cl 


[Lords  of  Trade  to  King , 1753 .] 

[From  “ Lords  of  Trade,  1753.”  etc.,  in  office  of  secretary  of  state.] 

Copy  of  a Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  King  George  II 
respecting  New  Hampshire,  1753 — 

TO  THE  KINGS  most  EXCELLENT  MAJESTY 
May  it  please  Your  Majesty, 

Having  in  Our  Representation  to  their  Excellencies  the  Lords 
Justices  dated  the  9th  of  July  1752  laid  before  their  Excellences  the 
disordered  State  of  Affairs  in  Your  Majestys  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
19 


290 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


shire  in  America,  And  also  a State  of  the  difficultys  and  Obstructions 
Your  Majestys  Governor  of  the  said  Province  have  Met  with  in  the 
Administration  of  Government  and  in  carrying  into  execution  Your 
Majesty's  Orders  and  Instructions  for  the  better  Ordering  and  Rul- 
ing the  same,  Arising  from  the  Assemblys,  having  refused  to  pay  a 
due  Obedience  to  Your  Majestys  Additional  Instruction  Dated  the 
9th  of  June  1749,  relative  to  the  Right  of  certain  New  Towns  and 
districts  to  send  Representatives  to  the  said  Assembly;  We  shall 
now  humbly  beg  leave  to  lay  before  Your  Majesty  a State  of  several 
Other  difficulties  and  disputes,  which  have  lately  Arisen  within  the 
said  Province  with  respect  to  the  property  of  Lands,  by  which  the 
Peace  and  good  Government  of  it,  have  been  Affected,  And  its  fur- 
ther Improvement  and  Cultivation  greatly  retarded  and  Obstructed. 

The  Points  which  have  principally  given  rise  to  these  difficultys 
and  disputes  are 

1st  A Claim  lately  set  Up  to  the  waste  and  Unimproved  Lands  in 
the  said  Province  by  John  Tufton  Mason,  One  of  the  Surviving 
Grandsons  of  Robert  Mason  to  whom  the  said  Province  devolved 
Upon  the  Death  of  his  Grandfather  John  Mason,  who  held  the  same 
Under  a Grant  from  the  Council  of  Plymouth  in  the  Year  1629. 

2d  Grants  made  by  the  Provinces  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  and  Con- 
necticut of  certain  large  Townships  or  Tracts  of  Land,  which  Town- 
ships or  Tracts  of  Land,  by  the  Boundary  Line  drawn  between  that 
Province  and  the  Province  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  in  the  Year 
1738,  Appear  to  have  been,  At  the  very  time  of  making  the  Grants 
by  the  Massachusets  and  Connecticut  Colonies,  a part  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire 

3d  The  Uncertainty  of  the  Western  Limits  of  the  Said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire,  Arising  from  the  Boundary  Line  or  Line  of  Di- 
vision between  the  said  Province  and  the  Province  of  New  York  not 
having  been  as  Yet  Settled  or  ascertained 

As  several  Questions  have  Occurred  to  LTs  Upon  a Consideration 
of  the  Two  former  of  these  Points,  relative  to  the  Property  of  Lands, 
Upon  which  it  was  Necessary  to  take  the  Opinion  of  Your  Majesty’s 
Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  before  we  could  make  Our  report ; 
We  lost  no  time  in  preparing  proper  States  to  be  laid  before  them  ; 
And  having  lately  received  their  Answer,  We  shall  humbly  beg 
leave  to  Lay  before  Your  Majesty  a full  State  of  every  Circumstance 
which  has  come  to  Our  knowledge  with  respect  to  the  Several  Afore 
Mentioned  Points,  together  with  Our  Opinion  of  what  may  be  proper 
to  be  done  to  remedy  this  evils  Complain'd  of — 

King  James  the  first  by  Letters  Patent  dated  the  3d  of  June  1620 
granted  all  that  Tract  of  Country  since  called  New  England  lying 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


291 


between  the  Latitudes  of  40  and  48  Degrees  of  Northerly  Latitude, 
to  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges  and  Thirty  Nine  Other  Adventurers  Under 
the  Name  of  the  Council  established  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of 
Devon  for  the  planting,  ruling  and  Governing  New  England  in 
America. 

By  Virtue  of  this  Grant  and  Under  the  Powers  and  Authorities 
therein  contained  the  Council  of  Plymouth  did  by  Letters  Patents  at 
different  times  parcel  out  their  Territory  to  Associated!  Companies 
and  private  Adventurers  from  which  Patents  the  several  Provinces 
and  Colonies,  of  which  New  England  is  Now  composed,  have 
Arison — 

The  Limits  and  Boundary  Lines  described  in  these  Patents  which 
are  either  Merely  imaginary  or  which  depend  Upon  the  Courses  of 
Rivers  at  that  time  very  little,  if  at  all  known,  are  so  exceedingly 
Vague  and  Uncertain,  and  the  Limits  of  the  Province  interfere  so 
much  with  those  of  another  that  it  is  not  to  be  wondred  that  very 
Vexatious  and  expensive  Controversies  anpl  disputes,  with  respect  as 
well  to  property  as  Juridiction,  soon  Arose,  and  all  tho’  the  Limits  of 
each  Colony  were  Ascertained  and  the  different  Claims  of  the  Pro- 
prietors Adjusted  in  the  Year  1665  by  Commissioners  Appointed  for 
that  purpose,  Yet,  as  the  judgments  and  Decrees  of  those  Commis- 
sioners were  not  finally  Confermed  here,  such  determinations  had  lit- 
tle or  no  Effect  to  putting  an  end  to  these  Disputes. 

It  is  partly  Owing  to  the  Contro verses  and  disputes,  which  are 
still  subsisting  in  some  of  these  Colonies,  and  in  perticular  in  New 
Hampshire  And  partly  to  the  incapacity  of  the  proprietors  and  their 
Neglect  to  Comply  with  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  those  Grants, 
that  this  part  of  America,  where  there  is  an  inexhaustable  Fund  of 
Naval  Stores  of  all  sorts  and  Many  Other  Valuable  Productions,  has 
not  been  Improved  to  that  extent  it  is  capable  of;  and  the  largest 
and  most  fertile  part  of  New  Hampshire  lies  at  this  Day  an  Useless 
waste,  and  rather  a Burthen  than  Any  Advantage  to  the  Publick. 

The  Council  of  Plymouth,  by  Indenture  Under  their  Common  Seal 
dated  7th  Novr  1629  granted  Unto  Captain  John  Mason,  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  all  that  part  of  the  Main  Land  in  New  England 
lying  Upon  the  Sea  Coasts,  begining  from  the  Middle  part  of  Merri- 
mack River,  and  from  thence  to  proceed  Northwards  along  the  Sea 
Coast  to  Piscataway  River,  and  so  forwards  Up  within  the  Said 
River  and  to  the  farthest  Head  thereof,  and  from  thence  Northwards 
Untill  Threescore  Miles  be  finished  from  the  first  entrance  of  Piscata- 
way River,  and  also  from  Merrimack  thro’  the  said  River  and  to  the 
farthist  Head  thereof,  and  so  forwards  Up  into  the  Land  Westward 
Until  Threescore  Miles  be  finished,  and  from  thence  to  cross  Over 


292 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Land  to  the  Threescore  Miles  End  Accounted  from  Piscataway 
River. 

This  Tract  of  Country  was  in  Consequence  and  by  express  Direc- 
tion of  the  Patent  called  New  Hampshire,  and  the  Grantee  Obliged 
himself  to  establish  such  Government  therein  As  should  be  Agreeable, 
As  Near  as  might  be  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  the  Realm  of  Eng- 
land, with  Liberty  of  any  Person  Aggrieved  to  Appeal  to  the  said 
Council  of  Plymouth. 

In  consequence  of  this  Grant  Captain  Mason  was  (as  is  Alledged  by 
him)  At  considerable  expence  in  sending  Over  Persons  to  plant  and 
Settle  in  this  Country,  And  in  erecting  Forts  and  Other  Buildings  and 
Habitations ; And  it  does  Appear  from  several  Testimonies  Made 
Use  of  in  some  Actions  brought  by  his  Grandson  Against  the  very 
Persons  he  had  sent  Over,  that  Considerable  Improvements  were 
Made. 

In  1685  the  Council  of  Plymouth  by  Letters  Patents  dated  the 
22d  of  April  Confirmed  their  former  Grant  of  New  Hampshire  to 
Captain  Mason  with  an  Extension  of  Limits,  which  in  the  Said  Let- 
ters Patents  are  discribed  in  the  following  words  “All  that  part  Pur- 
“ part  and  Portion  of  the  Main  Land  of  New  England  begining  from 
“ the  Middle  part  of  Naumbeck  River,  and  from  thence  to  proceed 
“ Eastward  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Anne,  and  round  about  the 
“ same  to  Piscataway  Harbour,  And  so  forwards  Up  within  the  River 
“ of  Newwickwannock  and  to  the  furthest  Head  of  the  said  River, 
“ And  from  thence  Northward  till  Sixty  Miles  be  finished  from  the 
“ first  entrance  of  Piscataway  Harbour ; And  Also  from  Naumkeak 
“ thro’  the  River  thereof  Up  into  the  Land  West  Sixty  Miles,  from 
“ which  Period  to  Cross  Over  Land  to  the  Sixty  Miles  end  Accounted 
“ from  PiscataWay  thro’  Newickwanock  River  to  the  Land  North- 
“ westward  as  aforesaid. 

The  eastern  Limits  of  the  Second  Grant  Appear  to  be  the  same  As 
those  discribed  in  the  first,  but  are  extended  to  the  South  west  as  far 
as  the  River  Naumkeak,  which  is  about  Twenty  Miles  to  the  West- 
ward of  Merrimack,  the  Western  Limit  of  the  former  Grant;  yhich 
Tract  of  Country  lying  between  the  said  two  Rivers  and  extending 
to  Three  Miles  North  east  of  Merrimack,  had  been  Granted  by  the 
Council  of  Plymouth  to  the  Massachusets  Colony  in  the  Year  1628 
prior  to  the  first  Grant  to  Mr  Mason  and  is  Now  part  of  that  Colony. 

It  is  alledged  that  this  last  Grant  to  Mr  Mason  was  ratified  and 
Confirmed  by  the  Crown  by  Charter  dated  the  19th  of  August  1635 
with  full  power  of  Civil  Jurisdiction  and  Government ; but  No  Such 
Charter  as  this  Appears  Upon  Record. 

In  the  year  1635  Captain  Mason  having  No  immediate  Issue  then 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


293 


Living  (his  Daughter  who  had  Married  Joseph  Tufton  Esqr  being 
Dead)  by  his  Will  dated  the  26th  of  November  devised  amongst 
Other  things  to  his  Grand  Child  John  Tufton  and  his  Heirs  all  his 
Mannor,  Messuages,  Lands,  Tenements  and  Hereditaments  in  New 
Hampshire,  except  some  inconsiderable  Legacies  Upon  Condition  of 
his  Changing  his  Name  to  Mason  ; the  remainder  to  Robert  Tufton, 
the  Brother  of  John  Tufton  and  Other  persons  mentioned  in  the 
Will. 

Upon  the  Death  of  Captain  Mason  in  the  same  Year  or  soon  after, 
New  Hampshire  by  Virtue  of  the  Afore  mentioned  Devise  came  to 
his  Grandson  John  Tufton,  but  he  Dying  without  Issue,  the  Limita- 
tion Over  to  Robert  Tufton  took  Effect ; but  he  being  at  that  time  a 
Minor,  and  not  coming  of  Age  till  1650  the  Servants  and  Agents 
which  his  Grandfather  had  sent  Over  to  New  Hampshire  taking 
Advantage  thereof,  And  of  the  Confusion  of  Affairs  of  England  At 
that  time,  when  No  redress  could  be  had,  embezzled  and  sold  his 
Stock  and  Effects,  and  put  themselves  Under  the  Government  of  the 
Massachusets  Colony,  who  then  exercised  Jurisdiction  in  New 
Hampshire. 

Soon  after  the  Restoration  Mr  Robert  Mason  (for  Robert  Tufton 
the  Younger  Brother  had  now  taken  Upon  him  that  Name  In  Com- 
pliance with  his  Grandfathers  Will)  presented  a Petition  to  King 
Charles  the  Second,  Setting  forth  the  unjust  and  illegal  Encroach- 
ments of  the  Massachusets  Colony  Over  his  property  and  praying 
that  Justice  Might  be  done  him  ; which  Petition  was  referred  to  Sir 
Geoffry  Palmer,  then  Attorney  General,  to  Consider  of  his  Title  to 
the  Country  who  reported  that  his  Title  was  good : And  Neverthe- 
less in  1675  We  find  Mr  Mason  presenting  a second  Petition  to  the 
same  Effect  as  the  former;  Upon  which  his  Title  was  again  referred 
to  the  Consideration  of  Sir  William  Jones  and  Sir  Francis  Winning- 
ton,  the  then  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General,  who  Upon  considera- 
tion of  the  Several  Patents  Under  which  Mason  Claimed,  reported 
that  he  had  a good  and  legal  title  to  the  Lands  conveyed  by  them. 

In  1679  the  Crown  took  the  Government  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  into  its  Own  Hands;  and  a Commission  passed  the 
Great  Seal  Appointing  a President  and  Council  to  Govern  the  Prov- 
ince in  which  Commission  Mr  Masons  Title  is  Mentioned  in  the  fol- 
lowing words, 

“And  whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Country  have  long  been  in 
“possession  and  are  said  to  have  Made  Considerable  Improvements 
“on  the  Lands  they  hold,  but  without  any  Other  Title  than  what 
“ have  been  derived  by  the  Government  of  Boston  in  Virtue  of  their 
“ Imaginary  Line,  which  Title  as  it  has  by  the  Opinion  of  the  Judges 


294 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


“ here  been  alltogether  set  a side,  so  the  Agents  of  Boston  have  con- 
“ sequently  disowned  any  right  either  in  the  Soil  or  Governm1  from 
“ the  three  Miles  line  aforesaid : And  as  it  Appeared  that  the  Ances- 
“ terS  of  Mr  Mason  Obtained  Grants  from  the  great  Council  of  Ply- 
“ mouth  for  this  Tract,  and  were  at  very  great  Expences  Upon  the 
“same  till  Molested  and  finally  driven  Out  which  hath  Occasioned  a 
“lasting  Complaint  for  Justice  by  the  said  Mr  Mason  ever  since  the 
“ Restoration  : However  to  prevent  in  this  case  any  Unresonable 
“Demands  which  may  be  made  by  Mr  Mason  for  the  Right  he 
“alledged  to  the  Soil,  we  have  Obliged  Mr  Mason  Under  Hand  and 
“ Seal  to  declare,  that  he  will  demand  Nothing  for  the  Time  past 
“Until  the  24th  of  June  1679,  nor  Molest  Any  in  their  possessions 
“ for  the  Time  to  come  but  Make  out  Titles  to  them  and  their  Heirs 
“ for  ever ; provided  they  will  pay  Unto  him  by  fair  Agreement  in 
“ lieu  of  all  their  Rents  Sixpence  in  the  Pound  According  to  the 
“just  and  true  Yearly  value  of  all  Houses  Built  by  them,  and  of  all 
“ Lands  whether  Gardens  or  Orchards  Arable  or  pasture,  which  have 
“ been  improved  by  them  which  he  will  agree  should  be  Bounded 
“ Out  unto  every  of  the  said  Parties  Concerned  And  that  the  Resi- 
“ due  might  remain  to  himself  to  be  disposed  of  for  his  best  Advan- 
“ tage  : But  if  Notwithstanding  this  Overture  from  Mr  Mason  which 
“seems  so  fair  Unto  Us  Any  of  the  Inhabitants  there  should  refuse 
“ to  agree  with  his  Agents  Upon  these  Terms,  You  are  impowered  to 
“ interpose  and  reconcile  all  differences  if  You  can ; but  if  Not,  You 
“are  to  send  home  such  cases  fairly  and  impartially  Stated  together 
“with  Your  Opinions  that  we  may  at  Our  Council  Board,  with 
“regard  to  Mr  Masons  Antient  Right  and  the  long  possession, 
“Improvements  or  any  Other  Title  of  the  inhabitants,  determine 
“ therein  according  to  Equity.” 

In  1680  Mr  Mason  went  Over  to  the  Province  to  orosecute  his 

JL 

Title,  and  altho’  many  of  the  Inhabitants  at  first  Appeared  willing 
to  Submit  to  it,  Yet  as  the  Members  of  the  Council  were  proprietors 
of  the  greatest  part  of  the  cultivated  Lands,  they  Made  Use  of  all 
their  Interest  and  the  Influence  which  their  Situation  and  Charac- 
ter gave  them  to  prevent  his  getting  possession  And  they  so  far 
prevailed  that  he  was  at  length  Obliged  to  commence  Suits  in  the 
Courts  there  against  some  of  the  principal  Proprietors;  while  these 
Suits  were  depending,  Mr  Mason  in  Order  to  Strengthen  his  Interest 
at  home  made  a Surrender  to  the  Crown  of  all  Fines  and  forfeitures 
in  New  Hampshire,  and  of  One  fifth  of  the  Rents  and  Revenues  for 
the  Support  of  Government. 

In  1681  a Commission  passed  the  Great  Seal  Appointing  Edward 
Cranfield,  Esqr  Lieutenant  Governor  of  New  Hampshire,  in  which 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


295 


Robert  Mason  Stiled  therein  Proprietor  And  Eight  Others  are  Ap- 
pointed Councillors  ; and  there  is  a Clause  inserted  in  it  recognizing 
Mr  Masons  Title  in  the  same  words  as  that  inserted  in  the  former 
Commission 

It  does  not  Appear  that  the  Authority  or  Influence,  which  it 
might  be  Supposed  would  be  derived  to  Mr  Mason  from  this  Com- 
mission had  any  Effect  to  reinstate  him  in  the  possession  of  his 
property,  the  Inhabitants  still  continue  to  contest  his  Title,  tho’  Sev- 
eral Judgments  were  given  in  his  favour  in  the  Courts  there,  One  of 
which  was  Upon  an  Appeal  Confirmed  by  his  Majesty  in  Council. 

In  about  the  Year  1685  Mr  Mason  returned  to  England,  where  he 
Died,*  leaving  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  his  two  Sons 
John  and  Robert  Mason  who  in  1690f  Sold  it  to  Samuel  Allen  of 
London  for  Two  Thousand  Seven  hundred  pounds,  having  first  Sued 
Out  a Fine  and  Recovery  in  Westminster  Hall  in  Order  to  bar 
the  Entail. 

The  first  Mention  Made  of  Mr  Allens  Title  after  this  purchase  is 
in  the  Charter  granted  by  King  William  to  the  Massachusets  Bay 
in  1691,  where  his  Right  is  reserved  in  the  following  words,  viz*. 
“ Provided  also  that  Nothing  herein  contain’d  shall  extend  or  be 
“ Understood  or  taken  to  impeach  or  prejudice  any  Right,  Title, 
“ Interest  or  demand,  which  Samuel  Allen  of  London  Merchant 
“ Claiming  from  and  under  John  Mason  Esqr  deceased,  or  any  Other 
“ person  or  persons  hath  or  have,  or  Claimeth  to  have,  hold  or  enjoy 
“ of  into  or  out  of  any  part  or  parts  of,  the  premises  Situated  within 
u the  Limits  Above  Mentioned,  but  that  the  said  Samuel  Allen  and 
“ all  and  every  such  person  and  Persons  may  and  shall  have  hold 
“ and  enjoy  the  Same  in  such  Manner  (and  no  Other  than)  as  if  these 
“ presents  had  not  been  made. 

In  1691  Mr  Allen  was  Appointed  Lieutenant  Governor  of  this 
province  who  brought  Many  Actions  in  the  Courts  of  Justice  there 
against  the  Inhabitants  in  the  possession  of  the  Lands  he  Claimed, 
but  a Verdict  was  given  against  him  by  the  Jur}7  in  every  Action. 

In  1697  Lord  Bellomont  was  Appointed  Governor  of  all  New 
England,  by  which  Mr  Allen’s  Commission  as  Governor  of  New 
Hampshire  was  Superseded. 

In  1702  Col0  Allen  brought  an  Appeal  to  her  Majesty  in  Council 
from  a Verdict  and  Judgment  given  against  him  in  the  Superior 
Court  of  Judicature  in  New  Hampshire  the  13th  of  August  1700  in 
favour  of  Richard  Waldron  who  at  that  time  possessed  the  largest 
Quantity  of  Land  in  New  Hampshire;  which  said  Judgment  was 
Upon  an  Hearing  of  all  Parties  Affirmed.  But  in  regard  the  Judg- 

*In  margin,  This  is  a mistake,  He  died  at  Esopus  in  New  York  1688. 

tin  margin,  “ 1691.” 


296 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ment  was  Not  final  in  its  nature,  the  Order  directed  that  the  defend- 
ants should  be  left  at  Liberty  to  bring  a New  Action  in  Ejectment 
in  the  Courts  in  New  Hampshire  in  Order  to  try  his  Title  to  the 
Propriety  of  the  Lands  in  question  or  certain  quit  Rents  Payable 
Out  of  the  same  and  that  in  case  Upon  such  Trial  any  Doubt  in  Law 
should  Arise,  the  Jury  be  directed  to  find  the  Matter  Specially,  that 
is,  what  Title  the  Appellant  And  Defendant  do  severally  Make  Out 
to  the  said  Lands  in  question  and  that  the  Points  in  Law  should  be  re- 
served to  the  Court  before  which  the  Same  should  be  tried,  or  if  Upon 
Such  Trial  any  Doubt  Should  Arise  concerning  the  Evidence  given 
at  such  Trial  such  Doubts  Should  be  specially  Stated  and  taken  in 
Writing  to  the  end  that  in  case  either  party  Should  think  to  Appeal 
to  her  Majesty  in  Council  from  the  Judgment  of  the  Court  therein 
Her  Majesty  might  be  more  fully  informed  in  Order  to  a final  deter- 
mination of  the  Said  Case. 

While  this  Appeal  was  depending  before  her  Majesty  in  Council, 
Mr  Allen  presented  a Petition  praying  to  be  put  in  possession  of  the 
waste  and  Unimproved  Lands  in  the  said  Province;  And  on  the  28th 
of  January  1702/3  his  Petition  was  referred  to  the  Attorney  General 
for  his  Opinion  1st  whether  Mr  Mason  had  a Right  to  the  Waste 
Lands  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  2dly  What  Lands  in  that 
Province  were  to  be  reputed  waste  Lands,  and  3<lly  By  what  Methods 
her  Majesty  might  put  him  in  possession.  Upon  the  5th  of  April 
1703  the  Attorney  General  reported  his  Opinion  “that  Samuel 
“Allen  had  a good  Title  to  the  Waste  Lands  of  the  Province  of  New 
“Hampshire;  that  all  Lands  lying  Uninclosed  and  Unoccupied  were 
“to  be  reputed  waste  ; And  that  Mr  Allen  Might  enter  into  and  take 
“possession  of  the  same;  and  that  if  he  should  be  disturbed  in  the 
“ possession  thereof,  it  would  be  proper  to  him  (her  Majesty  having 
“Courts  of  Justice  within  the  Said  Province)  to  assert  his  Right  and 
“punish  the  Trespassers  by  Legal  Proceedings  in  these  Courts  ; and 
“that  it  woud  not  be  proper  for  her  Majesty  to  interpose  in  this 
“ Matter,  Unless  the  question  conserning  the  Right  Should  come 
“before  her  Majesty  by  Appeal  from  the  Judgements  that  Should 
“be  given  in  the  Courts  in  the  said  Province,  save  it  might  be 
“ resonable  as  he  conceived  to  direct,  that  (if  Mr  Allen  insisted  on 
“ it)  on  the  Trials  that  might  be  had  for  Settling  his  Right  to  the 
“said  Province  that  the  Matters  of  Fact  relating  to  his  and  the 
“ Titles  of  Others  Claiming  the  same  Lands  might  be  specially 
“found  by  the  Juries  that  Should  be  impannelled  in  the  same  Trials, 
“ that  the  Matters  of  Fact  might  Appear  before  her  Majesty,  if 
“Appeals  should  be  made  from  the  Judgments  that  should  be  given 
“in  the  said  Province 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


297 


In  consequence  of  this  Opinion  of  the  Attorney  General  Col0 
Dudley,  then  Governor  of  New  England  was  directed  by  a Letter 
from  the  Queen,  that,  in  case  Mr  Allen  should  be  Opposed  by  the 
Inhabitants  and  hindred  from  entring  quietly  into  possession  of 
the  waste  Lands,  or  should  be  disturbed  in  the  possession  thereof 
where  upon  any  Trial  or  Trials  should  be  brought  before  her 
Majesty’s  Courts  there  for  Settling  the  Title  to  the  Waste  Lands, 
and  that  on  such  Trial  or  Trials  the  said  Allen  did  insist  that  the 
matters  of  Fact  Should  be  specially  found  by  the  Juries;  that  he 
should  do  all  which  in  him  Lay  that  the  Matters  of  Fact  should  be 
Specially  found  Accordingly. 

On  the  20th*  of  Feby  1708/4  Col0  Dudley  Acquainted  the  Assem- 
bly of  New  Hampshire  with  the  Orders  he  had  received  relative  to  Mr 
Allens  Title.  Upon  which  the  Assembly  Addressed  him  to  represent 
to  her  Majesty,  that  they  were  sensible  of  her  regard  to  Justice  in 
the  late  Trial,  between  Mr  Allen  and  Mr  Waldron  which  had  for  ever 
Obliged  them  to  a Sense  and  resolution  in  their  Duty  and  Obedience 
to  her  Majesty,  that  they  only  Claimed  the  property  of  such  Land 
as  was  Contained  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Towns,  which  was  less 
than  one  Third  part  of  the  Province,  and  had  been  possessed  by 
them  and  their  Ancestors  for  more  than  Sixty  Years,  and  that  they 
had  No  Objection  to  the  Other  Two  Thirds  being  Adjudged  to  Mr 
Allen 

On  the  3d  of  May  1705  the  Inhabitants  and  Terre-Tenants  of  the 
Province  at  a general  meeting  held  at  Portsmouth  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  with  respect  to  Mr  Allens  Title  ; 

[This  resolution  is  printed  on  pp.  165-167  ante.] 

These  Propositions  having  been  finally  Settled  and  agreed  to, 
were  ordered  to  be  presented  to  Mr  Allen  for  his  Acceptance ; but 
his  Death,  which  happened  on  the  Next  Day  prevented  it. 

Upon  the  Death  of  Col0  Allen,  his  Son  Thomas  Allen  petitioned 
the  Crown  that  an  Appeal  brought  by  his  Father  to  the  Governor 
and  Council  against  a Judgment  given  in  the  inferior  Courts  in 
favour  of  Waldron  Might  be  received  ; which  Petition  having  been 
referred  to  the  Attorney  General  for  his  Opinion  whether  it  might 
be  proper  for  her  Majesty  to  grant  the  Prayer  thereof,  the  Attorney 
General  on  the  23d  of  March  1705/6  reported  his  Opinion  that  by 
the  Plantffs  Death  the  writ  of  Error  was  Abated  and  could  not  be 
revived. 

Upon  Mr  Allens  suing  for  writs  of  Ejectment  in  his  Own  Name  he 
was  cast  with  Costs,  whereupon  he  Appealed  to  her  Majesty  in 


*In  margin,  “ 10th.” 


298 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Council,  but  died  before  the  Appeal  was  determined,  having  first  by 
Deed  of  Sale  dated  the  23(1  of  August  1706  Conveyed  one  half  of  his 
Lands  to  Sr  Charles  Hobby  of  Boston  in  New  England. 

Upon  the  Death  of  Mr  Allen  the  half  of  New  Hampshire,  which 
remained  unsold  devolved  to  two  infant  Sons,  but  it  does  not  appear 
that  any  Application  was  ever  made  since  that  time,  by  them  or  any 
one  in  their  behalf  or  any  Claiming  Under  them  to  be  put  in  pos- 
sessions, and  in  the  year  1716  Colonel  Shute  was  Appointed  Gov- 
ernor of  New  England  with  a Power  in  his  Commission  of  Granting 
Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  in  consequence  whereof  several  Town- 
ships ware  laid  Out;  nor  does  it  Appear  that  any  Claim  of  propity 
was  set  up  until  the  Year  1746  when  John  Tufton,  who  had  taken 
Upon  him  the  Name  of  John  Mason  and  who  is  one  of  the  serviving 
Grandsons  of  Robert  Mason,  pretending  that  the  Fine  & recovery 
Sued  out  in  Westminster  Hall  by  John  and  Robert  Mason  1699  pre- 
vious to  the  Conveyance  of  them  to  Samuel  Allen  was  illegal,  as  it 
Ought  to  have  been  done  in  the  Courts  there,  himself  Sued  Out  a 
Common  Recovery  in  the  Courts  of  New  Hampshire  in  consequence 
whereof  the  Sheriff  put  him  in  possession  and  he  sells  his  Right  by 
Deeds  to  sundry  Persons  in  the  Province  who  have  taken  Upon 
them  to  Grant  Lands  and  lay  Out  Townships. 

The  question  arising  Upon  a consideration  L^pon  this  state  of  the 
Cause  was  whether  the  uniform  Silence  and  Discontinuation  of  all 
sorts  of  Claim  to  the  waste  and  LTnimproved  Lands  within  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  for  more  then  forty  Years  Successively, 
during  the  greater  part  of  which  time  the  Crown  has  Occasionally 
made  Several  Grants  of  the  Unimproved  Lands  of  the  said  Province 
without  Exception  or  Complaint  from  any  Person  or  Family,  does 
not  prescriptively  Vest  the  waste  Lands  of  the  said  Province  in 
Your  Majesty?  how  far  any  private  Claim  to  these  Lands  so  long 
deserted  can  now  be  revived  against  such  an  Exercise  of  Power  Over 
them  in  the  Crown?  If  these  waste  Lands  Are  not  in  Your  Majesty, 
to  whom  do  they  belong  ? and  what  will  be  the  regular  and  best 
Method  of  bringing  this  matter  to  a final  and  Legal  determination  ? 

Upon  this  question  Your  Majestys  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General 
have  reported  to  LTs  “That  it  is  Impossible  to  give  an  Answer  to  it 
“ without  knowing  Many  Circumstances  which  do  not  Appear  Upon 
“the  State  of  the  Case,  1st  That  it  is  Asked  to  whom  the  Lands 
“belong  That  they  were  Originally  granted  to  Mason  and  after- 
“ wards  Conveyed  to  Allen  That  whether  that  Conveyance  be  good 
“depends  Upon  the  Will  of  John  Mason  and  Upon  the  Fine  and 
“ Recoverv  said  to  have  been  levied  and  Suffered  which  were  not 
“ perticularl}r  Stated  in  the  case,  Upon  the  Usage  or  Laws  in  New 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


299 


“ hampshire  in  relation  to  barring  Estates  Tail  not  Stated  to  all, 
“ and  Upon  the  Infancy  or  Other  Disability  of  the  Issue  in  tail,  his 
“ Aquiescence  and  the  Acts  of  Limitation  in  New  hampshire  None  of 
“ which  Matters  were  before  them  ” 

“ 2dly  That  it  is  Asked  whether  these  Lands  belong  to  the  Crown, 
u Upon  this  ground  as  they  Suppose  that  Neither  the  Masons  nor 
“Allens  for  40  Years  past  have  done  anything  till  1746  that  this 
“depends  Upon  a Variety  of  Circumstances  Such  as  the  Nature  and 
“ causes  of  the  Acquiescence  the  Acts  done  by  the  Crown  in  the 
“Mean  time  the  kind  of  possession  taken  in  1746  and  what  has  been 
“done  since;  That  they  can  Only  say  that  where  Persons  Under 
“ Grants  from  the  Crown  have  quietly  possessed  and  Improved  so 
“great  a regard  is  always  had  to  Persons  who  have  Settled  Lands  in 
“America,  that  it  is  hardly  possible  for  a State  Title  to  be  so  cir- 
cumstanced as  to  prevail  against  them  ; but  that  in  such  Cases  the 
“length  of  time  during  which  they  have  been  permitted  to  improve 
“ is  extreamly  Material  That  Upon  the  whole  they  cannot  Advise 
“anything  so  proper,  as  that  the  Parties  if  any  Suits  should  be  com- 
“menced  in  New  hampshire,  Should  take  Care  to  have  the  Evidence 
“so  laid  before  the  Court  as  to  be  transmitted  to  England  in  case  of 
“an  Appeal  to  Your  Majesty  in  council.” 

Whereupon  we  beg  leave  to  represent  to  Your  Majesty  that  as 
Your  Majestys  Attorney  & Soliciter  General  have  not  been  Able  to 
give  a Satisfactory  Answer  or  Opinion  on  this  matter,  for  want  of 
fuller  Information  in  Several  particulars  which  is  not  in  Our  power 
to  State  to  them  with  that  Precision  which  is  Necessary  in  so  Com- 
plicate a Cause,  we  did  Immediately  on  the  Receipt  of  the  Said 
Report,  write  to  Your  Majestys  Governor  of  the  said  Province  of 
New  hampshire,  directing  him  to  transmit  to  us  as  soon  as  possible 
the  fullest  information  he  can  Obtain  Upon  the  Several  points 
therein  Mentioned  together  with  what  ever  else  may  have  any  rela- 
tion to  or  may  Serve  to  explain  the  question  in  dispute,  and  also  to 
take  care  in  the  Meantime  that,  if  any  Suits  are  Commenced  in  the 
said  Province  the  Parties  have  their  Evidence  so  laid  before  the 
Court  as  to  be  transmitted  hither  in  case  of  an  Appeal  to  Your 
Majesty  in  Council  Confirmable  to  the  Opinion  of  Your  Majesty's 
Attorney  and  Solicitor  General — 
all  which  is  humbly  submitted 

Whitehall  Feby  2nd  1753  signed  Dunk  Halifax 

Charles  Townshend 
James  Oswald 
Fran8  Fane 

Lords  Comm8  of  trade  & Plantations 
indorsed  7th  Feby  1753  refer’d  to  a Commee 


800 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Opinions  of  Nicholas  Fazakerley , May  21, 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  6.] 

Qu’  Whether  a Fine  Sur  Cognizance  &c  levied  at  Westmr  of 
Lands  lying  in  New  England,  by  Fiction  suppos’d  to  be  in  England, 
will  bar  the  Heir  in  Tail  by  Comon  or  Statute  Law  ? 

I am  of  opinion  that  the  Heir  in  Tail  will  not  be  barr’d  or  affected 
thereby.  > 

Qu’  Whether  a Com’on  Recovery  suffer’d  of  such  Lands  will  be  a 
Bar  to  the  Heir  in  Tail  ? 

N B:  there  was  a proper  Court  in  the  plantation  where  a Fine 
might  have  been  levied  & a Recovery  suffer’d  and  the  Service  of  the 
Writ  in  the  Comon  Recovery  was  upon  the  Heir  in  Tail  then  in 
England 

I think  the  Heir  in  Tail  will  not  be  barr’d  or  affected  thereby. 

Qu’  Whether  such  a Fine  & Recovery  will  bar  the  Heir  in  Tail  in 
a plantation  where  such  Heir  has  a Right  to  the  Jurisdiction  and 
Prerogatives  us’d  by  the  Bishop  of  Durham  in  the  County  Palatine  of 
Durham,  tho’  he  did  not  exercise  his  Right  at  that  Time  and  there 
were  Courts  there  under  the  AppointnT  of  the  Crown  ? 

If  the  facts  relating  to  this  Question  had  been  stated  I might 
liave  been  able  to  have  given  a direct  answer' to  this  Question  How- 
ever this  General  Answer  may  probably  answer  the  Intent  of  the 
? , for  I am  of  opinion  that  a ffine  or  Recovery  cannot  operate  upon 
any  real  Estate  or  Interest  lying  out  of  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  Court 
of  Common  Pleas  and  consequently  cannot  bar  or  affect  any  Estate 
Tail  in  any  foreign  Colony  or  Plantation.  And  In  my  opinion 
such  a Law  would  be  of  most  dangerous  Consequence  to  Estates  in 
those  Countries  and  introduce  great  Incertainty  & confusion,  if  the 
Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  were  to  be  affected  by  Records  privately 
made  up  in  this  Country,  which  may  be  laid  in  one  Country  as  well 
as  another. 

Qu’  Whether  any  Judgmts  have  been  given  at  Westmr  upon  the 
Validity  & Force  of  Such  Fines  & Recoveries  & what  are  they  ? 

I know  not  that  there  has  been  any  such  Judgem1  but  a few  years 
ago,  when  the  present  Lord  Chancellor  was  Chief  Justice  of  the 
King’s  Bench,  there  was  a writ  of  Error  brought  to  reverse  a ffine 
levied  in  the  Common  Pleas  and  the  Error  assign’d  was  that  it 
appear’d  upon  the  face  of  the  Record  that  the  lands  lay  in  partibus 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


301 


transmarinis  and  the  Deft,  in  Error  was  so  sensible  of  the  objection 
that  he  mov’d  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  to  amend  by  striking  out 
the  words  in  partibus  transmarinis,  which  put  an  End  to  the  Cause. 
And  I don’t  know  of  any  other  Judgem1,  But  as  to  Recoveries  How 
can  a writ  of  seisin  be  awarded  or  return’d  for  the  sheriff  cannot 
give  seisin  of  lands  out  of  his  Bailiwick. 

N:  Fazakerley* 

21 : May.  1754. 


[Judgment,  Buswell  v.  Ordway , June  5 , 1754>\ 

[Masouian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  9.] 

Province  of  ) At  his  Majestys  Superior  Court  of  Judicature 
New  Hampshire  J held  at  Portsmouth  within  and  for  his  Majesty’s 
Province  of  Newhampshire  on  the  second  tuesday  in  March  by 
adjournment  from  & next  ensuing  the  first  tuesday  in  February 
immediately  preceeding,  in  twenty  seventh  year  of  the  reign  of  his 
Majesty  King  George  the  second  Annoque  Domini  1754 

Present 

The  honorable  Meshecli  Weare  } 

George  Mitchel  > Esq18  Justices 
Joseph  Simpson  ) 

William  Buswell  the  third  of  Kingstown  within  the  Province  of 
Newhampshire  husbandman  Appellant  against  James  Ordway  of 
Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex  in  the  Province  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  Yeoman  Appellee  From  the  judgment  of  the  Inferior 
court  of  common  pleas  held  at  Portsmouth  in  & for  the  province  of 
Newhampshire  on  the  first  thursday  next  following  the  first  tuesday 
in  June  1751  In  an  action  of  trespass  commenced  and  prosecuted  by 
the  said  William  Buswell  against  the  said  James  Ordway  at  said 
Inferior  court  of  common  pleas  In  the  following  words  namely  In  an 
action  of  trespass  for  that  the  defendant  on  or  about  the  twenty 
ninth  day  of  March  last  with  force  & arms  entered  into  & upon  a 
certain  close  of  the  Plaintiff  in  his  possession  containing  by  estima- 
tion four  acres  of  land  situate  within  the  bounds  of  a certain  tract  of 
land  equal  to  six  miles  square  lying  & being  within  our  said  Province 
of  Newhampshire  but  not  within  any  town  parish  or  vill  granted  by 
the  proprietors  of  the  right  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  to  Ebenezer 

♦Nicholas  Fazakerley  was  a noted  lawyer  of  London,  a specialist  in  conveyancing  and 
the  transfer  of  real  property,  also  in  constitutional  law.  He  was  elected  a member  of  par- 
liament for  Preston  in  January,  1732,  and  retained  his  seat  as  long  as  he  lived.  He  died  at 
his  house  in  Qrosvenor  Street,  London,  in  February,  1767. 


802 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Stevens  Esqr  decd  & others  said  close  being  the  lot  numbered  twenty 
one  bounded  easterly  by  Merrimack  River  southerly  by  a lot  of  land 
of  Joseph  Clifford  westerly  by  land  left  for  an  high  way  and  North- 
erly by  a lot  of  land  of  Samuel  Bean  as  may  at  large  appear  by  the 
records  of  the  said  Proprietors  and  then  & there  in  manner  aforesaid 
did  cut  down  & destroy  six  trees  of  the  Plaintiffs  then  and  there 
standing  and  growing  of  the  value  of  ten  shillings  each  tree  and 
other  enormities  the  defendant  then  & there  did  against  our  peace 
and  to  the  damage  of  the  said  William  as  he  says  the  sum  of  five 
pounds — At  which  said  Inferior  court  of  common  pleas  Judgment 
was  rendered  that  the  defendant  recover  against  the  Plaintiff  cost  of 
court — From  which  judgment  of  said  Inferior  Court  of  Common 
pleas  the  said  William  Buswell  appealed  to  the  then  next  Superior 
Court  of  Judicature  when  & where  the  appeal  was  entered  but  con- 
tinued from  term  to  term  to  this  term  when  the  parties  being  fully 
heard  by  their  Counsel  learned  in  the  law  the  case  was  committed 
to  the  jury  sworn  according  to  law  to  try  the  issue  who  made  return 
of  their  verdict  thereon  upon  oath  & say  The  Jury  find  for  the 
Appellant  five  shillings  damage  and  costs  of  courts — It  is  therefore 
considered  that  the  former  judgment  be  and  hereby  is  reversed  and 
that  the  said  William  Buswell  recover  against  the  said  James 
Ordway  five  shillings  new  tenor  bills  of  credit  damage  and  costs 
of  courts  taxed  at  the  sum  of  twenty  three  pounds  eleven  shillings 
six  pence  like  bills  of  credit. — 

Execution  issued  June  5th  1754 — August  1754  Retd  not  satisfied 
Alias  issued  May  1st  1755 — Returned  not  satisfied  August  1755 

Copy  of  Record  examined  by 

Nath1  Adams  Clerk 


Letter,  Theodore  Atkinson  to  John  Thomlinson,  Jan.  27,  1758, 
State  Papers,  Yol.  18,  p.  469. 


[Mortgage,  Clements  to  Me  Hard,  Sept.  22,  1758.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  14.] 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents,  That  I Timothy  Clements  of 
Haverhill  in  the  County  of  Essex  in  ye  Prove  of  the  Massachusets 
Bay  in  New  England  Yeoman  For  and  in  Consideration  of  the  Sum 
of  three  Hundred  Pounds  New  Tenr  Bills  of  the  Prove  of  New 
Hampslfi  To  me  in  Hand  before  the  Delivery  hereof  well  and  truly 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


303 


paid  by  James  McHard  of  Haverhill  aforesd  Esq1’ — the  Receipt 
whereof  I do  hereby  acknowledge.  HAVE  given  granted  bargained 
and  sold,  and  by  these  Presents  DO  give  grant  bargain  sell  alien 
enfeoff  convey  and  confirm  unto  the  said  James  McHard  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  forever  all  that  my  moiety  or  one  half  Part  of  that 
Tract  of  Land  Lying  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampr  aforesd  contain- 
ing twenty  five  Hundred  & Seventy  Six  Acres  more  or  less  which 
we  the  Sd  James  McHard  & Timothy  Clements  purchasd  of  John 
Moffatt  Daniel  Peirce  & George  Jaffrey  EsqIS  a Committee  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Mason’s  Patent  by  Deed  bearing  equal  Date  with 
these  Presents  & fild  on  record  on  this  22d  of  Sepr  1758. — To  Have 
and  to  Hold , the  said  Granted  Premises  with  all  the  Privileges  and 
Appurtenances  to  the  same  appertaining  to  him  the  said  James 
McHard  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  his  & their  only  proper  Use  and 
Benefit  forever.  And  I the  said  Timothy  Clements  For  my  Self 
my  Heirs  Executors  and  Administrators  do  hereby  Covenant  Grant 
and  Agree  to  and  with  the  said  James  McHard  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns,  that  until  the  Delivery  hereof  I am  the  lawful  Owner  of 
the  said  Premises  & am  lawfully  seized  and  possessed  thereof  in  my 
own  Right  in  Fee  Simple,  and  have  full  Power  and  lawful  Authority 
to  grant  and  convey  the  same  in  Manner  aforesaid : That  the  said 
Premises  are  free  and  Clear  of  all  and  every  Incumbrance  whatso- 
ever. And  that  I my  Heirs  Executors  and  Administrators  shall 
and  will  Warrant  the  same  to  him  the  Said  James  McHard  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  against  the  lawful  Claims  and  Demands  of  any  Person 
or  Persons  whomsoever.  Provided  Nevertheless  & these  Presents 
are  upon  this  Condition  any  Thing  herein  containd  to  ye  contrary 
thereof  Notwithstanding  That  whereas  the  Sd  James  McHard  & my 
Self  are  this  Day  become  jointly  & Severally  bound  unto  George 
Jaffrey  of  Portsm0  in  ye  Prov®  of  New  Hampr  aforesd  Esqr  for  ye 
Payment  of  the  Sum  of  two  Hundred  & Eighty  Seven  Pounds  ten 
Shills  New  Tenor  Money  of  the  Prov®  of  New  HarapslP  aforesd  for  y® 
use  of  the  Sd  Proprs  of  Mason’s  Patent  which  is  the  Proper  Debt  of 
me  the  Sd  Timothy  Now  if  I my  Heirs  Execrs  or  Admstrs  or  any  of 
us  shall  well  & truly  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  unto  y®  Sd  George 
Jaffrey  the  aforementioned  Sum  of  two  Hundred  & Eighty  Seven 
Pounds  ten  Shills  New  Tenr  according  to  y®  Tenor  true  Intent  & 
Meaning  of  Said  Bond  or  otherwise  entirely  indemnify  & Save 
Harmless  the  sd  James  McHard  from  all  Costs  & Damage  that  may 
ensue  in  Consequence  of  his  being  bound  with  & for  me  in  Manner 
afores'1  then  ye  foregoing  Deed  of  Mortgage  & every  Clause  thereof, 
to  be  utterly  void  & of  none  Effect  but  if  otherwise  then  to  remain 
in  full  Force  & Virtue  In  Witness  whereof  I hereunto  Set  my  Hand 


304 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& Seal  this  twenty  Second  Day  of  September  Seventeen  Hundred  & 
fifty  Eight 

Timothy  Clements  [seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & Deliver’d 
in  Presence  of 

Thomas  Peirce  Junr 

D Peirce 

Prove  of  New  Hampsli1  22d  Sepr  1758 

Then  Timothy  Clements  Acknowledged  this  Instrument  by  him 
Subscribed  to  be  his  free  Act  & Deed — 

Corm  D.  Peirce  Jus  Peace 

[Endorsed]  Re’d  Novr  13th  1766  D Peirce  Redr 

Prove  of  New  Hampr 

Recorded  lib.  84  fol.  204 

Examd  D Peirce  Record1- 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents  That  I the  within  named 
James  Mcherd  do  for  & in  Consideration  of  five  Shillings  to  me  in 
hand  paid  by  John  Moffatt  Daniel  Peirce  & George  Jaffrey  all  of 
Portsm0  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Esqr  the  Receipt 
whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged  Do  give  grant  Assign  Set  over 
Transfer  & Convey  by  these  Presents  unto  them  the  said  John 
Daniel  & George  in  trust  for  the  use  of  the  Proprietors  of  Masons 
Patent  all  my  right  Title  Interest  Claim  property  and  Demand  in  & 
unto  the  within  Mortgaged  Lands  and  all  right  & Demand  which  I 
have  or  Ought  to  have  by  any  ways  & means  whatsoever  to  the 
within  written  Mortgage  and  all  advantages  that  does  or  may  arise 
thereby  To  have  and  to  hold  to  them  the  said  John  Daniel  & 
George  in  trust  & for  the  use  aforesaid  their  heirs  Execrs  Admin13  & 
assign  forever  In  Witness  whereof  I have  hereunto  Set  my  hand  & 
Seal  the  13th  Day  of  Novr  1766 — 

James  M°Hard  [seal] 

Witnesses  Wm  Parker 

George  Libbey 

Province  of  ) Novr  13th  1766  then  James  Mcherd  Esqr  person- 
New  Hampshire  j ally  appearing  acknowledged  the  above  written 
Assignment  to  be  his  free  Act  & Deed  before  me — 

William  Parker  Just.  Pacis 


Letter,  Theodore  Atkinson  to  John  Thomlinson,  May  13,  1763, 
State  Papers,  Yol.  18,  p.  550. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


305 


Letter,  Theodore  Atkinson  to  John  Thomlinson,  1763,  State 
Papers,  Vol.  18,  p.  551. 


[Deed,  McHard  to  Proprietors , Aug.  IS , 1766 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  25.] 

KNOW  all  Men  by  these  Presents  Thatl  James  Mchard  of  Haver- 
hill in  the  County  of  Essex  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
Esqr  for  a Certain  Tract  of  Land  granted  to  me  and  For  and  in 
Consideration  of  the  Sum  of  five  Shillings  Lawful  Money  to  me  in 
Hand  paid  before  the  Delivery  hereof,  by  John  Moffatt  Daniel 
Peirce  and  George  Jaffrey  all  of  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  Esqr  a Comtee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  Pur- 
chased of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  the  Receipt  whereof  I do  hereby 
acknowledge,  have  given  granted  bargained  and  Sold,  and  by  these 
Presents  do  give,  grant,  bargain  sell,  aliene,  convey  and  confirm  to 
them  the  said  John  Daniel  & George  their  Heirs  and  Assigns,  in 
trust  & for  the  use  of  Said  Proprietors  all  my  right  Title  Interest 
Claim  & Demand  which  I have  or  Ought  to  have  of  in  & unto  all 
that  Tract  of  Land  which  the  said  Committee  by  their  Deed  Dated 
the  twenty-Second  day  of  Septemb1  Anno  Domini  One  thousand 
Seven  hundred  & fifty  Eight  granted  & Conveyd  unto  me  and  One 
Timothy  Clements  duly  Executed  & Recorded  as  may  at  large 
appear  by  Reference  thereto  To  have  and  to  Hold , the  said  granted 
Premises,  with  the  Appurtenances  thereof,  to  them  the  Said  John 
Moffatt  Daniel  Peirce  & George  Jaffrey  their  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to 
the  proper  Use,  Benefit  and  Behoof  for  ever ; of  the  Said  Proprie- 
tors their  Successors  & Assigns  forever — 

In  Witness  whereof  I have  hereunto  set  my  Hand  and  Seal  this  13th 
Day  of  August  in  the  Sixth  Year  of  His  Majesty's  Deign.  Anno  Dom- 
ini 1766 — 

James  McHard  [seal] 

Signed  Sealed  & Delivered 
In  presence  of  us 
Wy  Langdon 
John  Storer 

Province  of — ) August  13th  1766  then  the  above  named  James 
New  Hampshire  j Mchard  Personally  appealing  acknowledged  this 
Instrument  to  be  his  free  Act  & Deed  before  me 

William  Parker  Just  Pacis 

20 


306 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Reed  12th  Novr  1766  D Peirce  R 

Provce  of  New  Hampr 
Recorded  lib.  84.  folio  249 

Exam’d  D Peirce  Rcdr 


[< John  Quigley's  Certificate , Sept.  17 1767. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  26.] 

This  is  to  Certify  that  I attended  7.  days  at  Sepr  Court  in  the  Year 
1766.  & I attended  three  days  at  Decr  Court  following  & six  days  in 
March  1767.  & three  days  in  June  1767.  & Seven  days  in  Septr  1767. 
— it  being  on  the  following  it  being  in  the  Cause  of  John  Thomlin- 
son  Esqr  of  Great  Britain  and  George  Oughterson  & William  Aiken 
Likewise  three  days  in  June  1767.  in  a Cause  between  James 
Aiken  & George  Jaffrey  Esq1' — 

and  three  days  in  June  1767,  in  a Cause  between  George  Oughter- 
son & Clem1  March  Esqr  & others. 

& seven  days  in  Sepr  1767.  in  a Cause  between  George  Jaffrey 
Esqr  & Willm  Smith  & James  Aiken — 

& seven  days  in  Septr  1767.  in  a Cause  between  George  Oughter- 
son & Clem1  March  Esqr — 

As  Witness  my  hand  &c.  this  17th  day  of  Sepr  1767. — 

John  Quigely 


[James  Richey' s Request.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  26.] 

Sir  as  I was  sumenesed  by  John  Quigely  in  the  actans  aganst 
perey  and  Aiken  I pray  you  would  be  so  Good  as  to  send  the  money 
with  the  berer  for  my  travel  and  atendance  in  two  Actions  on  the 
said  kase  Living  Savin  tv  five  Milds  from  Portsmouth  & in  so  Doing 
you  will  very  much  obledg  your  frand  and  very  hombel  Sarvent 
and  this  Shall  be  your  descherg 

James  Richey 

To  Geo  Jaffry  Esq. 
two  travels  X2-10.  0 

[Endorsed]  James  Richey  Demand  for  Service  in  Trial  Jaffrey  v9 
Smith  &c 


Province  of  New  ? This  Plan  describes  the  Courses  & Distances 
Hampshire — £ from  Fort  Point  at  the  Entrance  of  Piscatequa 

Harbour  to  the  Head  Pond  of  Salmon  Falls  River  & from  thence  to 
Great  Ossapee  River  which  makes  in  a direct  Course  N y°  E by 
the  Compass  on  Bryants  old  Marks  from  thence  N 8°  E until  60 
Miles  be  compleated  from  the  Mouth  of  the  Harbour  aforesaid : 
From  thence  Westward  on  the  Curve  until  it  meets  with  Pemigi- 
wasset  River  in  the  Town  of  Campton,  taken  at  the  request  of  the 
Proprietors  Purchasers  of  the  Right  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in 
the  Province  aforesaid,  in  pursuance  of  the  verbal  Orders  & Instruc- 
tions given  to  me  by  Isaac  Rindge  Esqr  Surveyor  General  of  all  his 
Majesty’s  Lands  in  the  Province  aforesaid  from  the  thirteenth  Day 
of  August  1768,  to  the  twenty-ninth  of  the  same  Month,  truelyand 
faithfully  protracted  by  a Scale  of  two  Miles  to  one  Inch — 
Portsmouth  Decr  14th  1768 — Robert  Fletcher 

Deputy  Survr 


Province  of  New  ) Portsmouth  14th  December  1768 

Hampshire  $ Then  the  before  named  Robert  Fletcher  per- 
sonally appeared  before  The  Hon’ble  Daniel  Warner  Esqr  and 
Wyseman  Clagett  Esqr  two  of  His  Majesty’s  Justices  of  the  Peace 
for  the  said  Province  & being  duly  sworn  made  solemn  Oath  that 
this  Plan  is  accurate  just  and  true  in  all  respects  according  to  the 
best  of  his  the  Deponent’s  Skill  and  Judgement. 

D1  Warner 
Wyseman  Clagett 


. 


- 


! 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL.  307 

[ Desposition  of  Jonathan  Farwell  and  John  Kendall , Oct . 13,  1767 '.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol  2,  p.  27.] 

Messrs  John  Kendall  & Jonathan  Farwell  Testify  & Say  that  in 
the  Fall  of  the  Year  1751  they  Together  with  Joseph  Blanchard 
Josiah  Brown  Oliver  Blodget  & John  Steam’s  and  Jonathan  Snow 
Samuel  Butterfield  Isaac  Patch  f James  Whitney  Who  are  Since 
Dead  went  to  Run  the  Curve  Line  of  Mason’s  Patent  So  Called  that 
Six  of  their  Company  with  Joseph  Blanchard  the  Surveyor  went 
from  Dunstable  to  Wonomanack  ponds  so  Called  in  Bellows’s  Town 
(the  Other  hands  went  to  Meet  them  with  a supply  of  Provisions 
near  the  Apper  Ashuelot)  where  they  found  the  Dividing  Line 
Between  the  Province  of  New  Hampr  & Province  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  and  Pursu’d  that  Line  till  they  found  the  South  West 
Corner  of  Bellows’s  Town  then  they  Run  & Measurd  about  Six 
Miles  further  Westward  & made  a Corner  from  thence  they  Run 
North,  & Measurd  five  Miles  Marked  the  Line  thick  & Well  & made 
a Corner  for  a five  mile  Mark  & Cut  into  the  Trees  a large  K.  on 
the  Westerly  Side  & M.  on  the  Easterly  Side,  then  the  Surveyor 
Turned  & they  Run  Some  Degrees  to  the  East  of  North  five  Miles 
more  on  that  point  Marked  the  Line  thick  & Well  & made  a Corner 
& put  on  the  Letters  K.  & M.  as  aforesaid  and  So  they  Continued 
Runing  & Marking  & at  the  Period  of  Every  five  Mile  Made  a 
Particular  five  Mile  Mark  & altering  their  Course  more  to  the  East 
till  they  Got  to  Newfound  or  Bakers  pond  So  Called  about  Sixty 
five  Miles  from  the  Province  Line  aforesaid,  they  Shou’d  ave  Gone 
further  but  some  of  the  hands  were  Worried  & the  Provisions  faild, 
that  they  were  Obligd  to  Return,  they  Were  all  Men  that  were 
well  Acquainted  with  the  woods  & Said  Service  & had  Daily 
Caution  from  the  Surveyor  who  was  as  Exact  & as  Careful  as  Possi- 
ble, all  the  hands  Labourd  Very  hard  & Were  Diligent  & Exact  as 
far  as  they  the  Deponts  Cou’d  Perceive  and  two  men  Were  Con- 
stantly appointed  to  Mark  & Letter  & upon  the  hands  Returning 
home  said  Farwell  Says  that  Whitney  & himself  made  Oath  Before 
Col0  Blanchard  to  their  Fidelity  in  Said  Service — and  the  Deponants 
further  Add  that  they  have  not  the  Least  Doubt  but  that  was  they 
now  at  the  Corner  they  made  on  the  Province  Line  they  Coud  fol- 
low the  Line  by  them  Run  & Marked  to  the  pond  aforesaid  about 
Sixty  five  Miles  Without  a Compass  unless  Extraordinary  Hurri- 
canes or  fires  have  been  there,  they  further  Declare  that  any  Repre- 
sentation or  Insinuation  that  the  Line  aforesaid  is  not  well  Run  & 


308 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Mark’d  to  all  Intents  & Purposes  is  false  Scandalous  & without  the 
Least  foundation — 

October  ye  13,  1767  Jonathan  Farwell 

John  Kendall 

Province  of  ) October  the  13th  1767  then  the  above  Named 
New  Hampr  j Jonathan  Farwell  & John  Kindall  both  personally 
appeard  (&  after  Due  Caution  & Careful  Examination)  made  Sol- 
emn Oath  to  the  Truth  of  the  Deposition  Before  Written 

Before  me  Ezek1  Chase  Js  Pacis 


[. Instructions  to  Robert  Fletcher , June  1 , 1769.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  30.] 

Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  19th  1769 
New  Hampshr  $ At  a Convention  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  land 
purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  New-Hampshire — 

It  was  determined  and  Concluded  by  Said  Proprietors  That  ye 
Comittee  who  employed  Rob1  Fletcher  to  run  ye  60  mile  Line 
from  ye  mouth  of  Piscata  River  and  part  of  ye  Curve  line  from  ye 
end  of  ye  60  mile  line  be  and  are  requested  and  desired  to  employ 
Said  Fletcher  to  continue  ye  Said  Curve  line  to  ye  westerly  corner  of 
the  Southern  boundary  line  of  Mason’s  Patent  to  make  Such  marks 
and  monuments  on  Said  Curve  line  as  may  be  proper  and  Suitable 
to  make  it  known  and  evident  and  as  soon  as  may  be — and  make  a 
Plan  thereof  to  be  returned  and  filed — and  to  give  such  other  direc- 
tions to  Said  Fletcher  as  may  be  of  Service  to  ye  Interest  of  Said 
Proprietors — to  be  done  at  ye  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors 

Mr  Robert  Fletcher 

Your  Letter  by  Cap1  Jona  Lund  of  ye  28th  may  is  come  to  hand 
advising  you  intend  next  monday  to  Set  out  on  your  Journey  to 
Compleat  ye  Curve  line  of  Mason’s  Patent — and  requesting  to  be 
Sent  to  you  ^ Cap*  Lund  forty  or  fifty  dollars  to  pay  ye  men  and  for 
Stores  for  ye  Service — We  desire  you  would  Set  out  on  ye  Service  at 
ye  time  you  propose  and  compleat  ye  curve  line  as  exactly  as  you 
can  as  you  are  to  render  it  upon  oath — in  pursuing  thereof  you  are 
desired  to  have  ye  line  well  marked  and  to  mark  on  your  Plan  ye 
most  remarkable  monuments  you  meet  with  on  ye  line,  and  of  every 
Township  granted  by  ye  Government,  any  part  that  comes  within  ye 
Curve,  and  extend  on  ye  line,  as  also  those  granted  by  ye  Proprietors 
of  masons  Patent — and  also  to  note  any  peices  or  Tracts  of  land 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  July  28th 
1769,  This  Plan  Describes  the  Courses  & Distances 
from  Fort  Point  at  the  Mouth  of  Piscataqua  Harbour  to 
the  Head  Pond  of  Salmon-Falls  River,  & Thence  to  the 
Great  Ossapee  River,  which  Makes  in  a Direct  Course  N. 
7.  Degrees  East  by  the  Compass,  Thence  North  8Ds  East 
on  Bryants  Old  Marks  Untill  Sixty  Miles  Are  Compleated 
from  the  Mouth  of  the  Harbour  Aforesaid  at  .B.  And 
from  thence  Westwardly  & Southwardly  On  the  Curve 
Untill  it  Meets  with  The  Northwardly  Boundrey  Line  of 
the  Province  of  the  Massacuusetts  at  .C.  109.^  Miles  as 
the  Curve  Runs  from  B. 

Taken  at  The  Request  of  The  Proprietors  Purchasers 
of  The  Right  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esq.  in  the  Province 
Aforesaid — In  Pursuance  of  the  Verbal  Orders  Given  to 
Me  by  Isaac  Rindge  Esq.  Surveyer  General  of  All  His 
Majesties  Lands  in  the  Province  Aforesaid — from  the  13th 
Day  of  August  1768.  to  the  29th  day  of  the  same  Month 
— Truly  & Faithfully  Protracted  & Laid  Down  By  A 
Scale  of  Four  Miles  to  an  Inch  by  Robert  Fletcher 
Deputy  Surveyor 

for  Perticulars  see  ye  Journals 

Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July,  29th  1769 
New  Hampr  £ Then  the  before  Named  Robert  Fletcher 
Personally  Appeared  Before  The  Hon1116  Daniel  Warner 
Esq.  One  of  His  Majesties  Justices  of  Peace  for  Said 
Province  and  being  Duly  Sworn  Made  Sollemn  Oath  that 
this  Plan  is  Accurate  Just  & True  in  All  Respects 
According  to  the  best  of  his  the  Deponants  Skill  and 
Judgement 

Cor.  D1  Warner.  J.  Peace 


$ 


k: 

s 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


809 


between  any  of  our  Granted  Townships,  and  ye  line,  or  between  the 
Towns  we  granted,  and  also  to  get  certain  Information  of  what 
number  of  Settlers  are  on  our  granted  Towns — which  we  desire  you 
will  not  omitt — agreable  to  your  Request  we  Send  you  forty  Dollars 
^ Cap4  Lund  for  ye  purpose  you  mention — and  wish  you  a prosper- 
ous Journey  and  Speedy  Return  and  are 

your  Hum1  Servts 

Com- 

Portsm0  June  1st  1769 
Copy 


[House  Journal,  March  21,  1771.] 

The  House  took  under  Consideration  the  Petition  of  Comtees  of 
Masons  Proprietors,  Barnstead  And  Chichester.  And  the  Parties 
being  Partly  heard  thereon  The  further  Consideration  of  the  Petition 
was  put  off  till  to  Morrow. 


[House  Journal,  March  22,  1771.] 

The  House  Resumed  the  Consideration  of  the  Petition  of  the 
Comtees  of  Masons  Proprietors  &c:  And  the  Parties  being  fully 

heard  thereon  & their  Pleas  fully  Considered 

Voted  That  the  Petion  be  Dismissd  * 


[Letter  f rom  John  Quigley , March  £6,  1771 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  38.] 

Gentlemen 

I have  this  day  Drawn  an  order  upon  you  as  a Committee  for  the 
Purchasers  ri  the  Claim  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  payable  to  Mr 
Nehemiah  Wheeler  for  £10. — I shall  Esteem  it  as  a Singular  favor 
if  you  would  be  so  good  as  to  see  it  Paid,  as  it  will  save  me  a 
Journey  to  Portsmouth. — Also  hope  you  will  settle  my  Acco1  I last 
Exhibited  ; I have  found  out  that  I tended  Seven  Different  Courts, 
tis  75  Miles  from  New  Boston  to  Portsmouth,  and  tis  attended  with 
a Prodigious  Expence  upon  the  Road  to  go  to  Portsmouth  so  often 
besides  the  Difficulty  of  Travelling  & Expence  of  Horse  hire — I 


310 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


think  you  can  have  no  reasonable  objection  to  my  Acco1  tis  Certainly 
worth  507  Lawful  Money  to  Travel  75  Miles  from  home. — However 
Gentlemen  I Rely  upon  your  known  Goodness  & Unblemished 
Honour  to  do  me  Justice,  I have  done  you  the  best  service  in 
my  power  & Expect  reasonable  Satisfaction,  & remain  Your  Very 
Humble 

Serv*  too  Command 

John  Quigly 

New  Boston  March  26th  1771 

To  Peter  Pearce  & ) 

Penhallow  Esq1’ — \ 


[ Minutes  of  Meeting , May  1 , 1771.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  34.] 

May  1st  1771 — at  the  Proprietors  Meeting 

Resolved  that  ye  Comtee  appointed  Jufte  13th  1770  to  transact  any 
matter  relative  to  ye  boundary  lines  of  ye  Gore  so  called  between 
Barnstead  Gilman  Town  &c  be  desired  to  prosecute  any  Infringe- 
ment on  ye  Gore 

Resolved  That  Sam11  Livermore  Esqur  Jn°  Sullivan  & Jn°  Pickerin 
be  retained  in  behalf  of  this  Propriete  in  all  Cases — 

Resolved  That  Some  Person  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  be 
appointed  to  reassume  theire  Right  of  ye  Tract  of  land  called  Here- 
ford as  it  lay’s  forfeited 

Mr  Packer  made  a motion  to  ye  Proprietors  respecting  a Law  Suit 
he  has  had  with  ye  Grantees  of  Weare  and  to  know  if  the  Proprie- 
tors will  be  at  ye  Expence  of  ye  Same  as  they  had  been  at  in  Respect 
to  other  Lawsuits  of  ye  Proprietors — resolved  that  they  would  be  at 
ye  Expence 


[. Report  from  John  Shepard , Jr.,  Aug.  *2 If.  1773.'] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  38.] 

Sir  / 

I have  Measured  the  Land  mentioned  in  yours  to  me  of  the  25th 
of  June  last  past  according  to  your  desire  imploy’d  indifferent  men 
to  Carry  the  Chain,  found  the  old  lines  well  marked,  renewed  them, 
& have  sent  a True  plan  of  the  whole — 


tly  JDs  East  Ti<fht~  77lilc  To 


TmJtr 


To  Isaac  Rindge  Esqr  Surveyor  Gen1  of  Lands  in  the  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire  New  England  — 

A Plan  of  a Tract  of  Land  containing  sixty-five  Thousand  & six  Hun- 
dred Acres  of  Land,  lying  upon  the  East  side  of  Connecticut  River  & 
bounded  as  follows  — 

Begining  at  an  Elm  Tree  mark’d  with  the  Letters  J W,  B W,  S S, 
S Q 1770  & at  the  Mouth  of  Stony  Brook,  the  bearing  & Distance 
thereof  from  the  North  West  Corner  of  Woodbury  being  N.43£°  E.  2 
Miles  & 200  Rods,  thence  by  Connecticut  River  Northerly  to  a White 
Maple  Tree  mark’d  with  the  Letters  J.WENTH  ES. 

1770 

SQ 

B W 

s s 


& stands  four  Rods  to  the  Northward  of  a Brook  call’d  Bishop’s  Brook  & 
opposite  a large  Island  in  Connecticut  River,  thence  S 70°  E 8 Miles  to 
a Fir  Tree  mark'd  with  the  Letters  J W 
B W 
SQ 

Thence  S.  20°  W.  1 1 Miles  & 100  Rods  to  a Fir  Tree  mark’d  J W 

B W 
Q 

Thence  N 70°  W.  6 Miles  to  a Maple  Tree,  & from  thence  in  a direct 

Line  to  the  place  began  at. 

Survey’d  June  1770 

Benja  Whiting  : D:  Surveyor  — 


vtnu  v U V'W  "S  ,cr  V 


%caZe.  of  Thnt  Title 


irr*,“rw? 


• _ - 

g 


■ 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


811 


I believe  there  are  Seventeen  or  Eighteen  Acres  under  Actual 
improvements  of  the  Land  Discribed  in  said  Plan  ; which  Land  is 
claim’d  by  one  mr  Caleb  Jones — I have  extracted  from  certain  Deeds 
said  Jones  has  as  follows  viz  by  a Deed  Signed  by  the  late  Col0 
Joseph  Blanchard  dated  1757  mentioning  a tract  of  Land  Bounded 
as  follows  viz  begining  at  a heap  of  Stones  the  Northwest  Corner  of 
Charlstown  School  Farm  and  the  Northwest  Corner  of  the  Antient 
Town  of  Dunstable,  by  Souhegan  river  and  runing  from  thence 
South  by  the  Needle  in  Dunstable  old  line  one  hundred  rods,  then 
turns  and  runs  West  by  the  Needle  twenty  four  rods  from  thence 
North  by  the  Needle  about  one  hundred  rods  to  said  river,  then 
Easterly  by  said  river  to  the  first  bounds  mentioned — 

In  and  by  a Deed  Signed  by  mrs  Blanchard  (Widow  of  the 
deceased)  Express’d  as  follows  that  is  to  Say  all  the  property  and 
Demand  which  Joseph  Blanchard  late  of  Dunstable  Esqr  Deceased 
had  at  the  time  of  his  decease  to  that  part  of  the  mile  Slip  (so 
call’d)  lying  at  the  head  of  Charlstown  School  Farm  (so  called) 
Reserved  and  not  Granted  by  the  Lord  Proprietors  the  said 
deceaseds  Interest  in  said  tract  of  Land  being  about  forty  acres 
more  or  less,  in  Com’on  and  undivided — one  Signed  by  JonatlP 
Blanchard  Esquire,  thus  all  my  Title  and  Demand  of  in  and  unto 
the  tract  of  Land  called  the  mile  Slip  aforesaid  which  I bought  of 
Joseph  Green  of  Boston  Esqr  Containing  by  Estimation  twenty 
acres  more  or  less  lying  in  Com’on  and  undivided  with  Theodore 
Atkinson  Esqr  and  others  purchasers  of  the  Right  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esq 

By  this  Method  I think  I have  given  a clear  Idea  relative  to  the 
affair  You  wrote  me  about,  <fo  apprehend  it  will  appear  so  to  you, 
and  the  other  Respectable  Gentlemen  concern’d — 

I am  Sir — 

Your  Obliged  Hum11  Serfc 

John  Shepard  junr 

Aug1  21th  1773 — 

The  Hon11  George  Jaffrey  Esqr — 


[Proxy,  Peirce  to  Atkinson,  Sept.  30, 1173.'] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  39.] 

Know  all  men  That  I Daniel  Peirce  of  Portsm0  in  ye  County  of 
Rockingham  in  the  Prov®  of  New  HampslF  Esqr  Have  constituted  & 


312 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in  my  stead  & Place  put  The  Hon1  Tlieodr  Atkinson  of  Portsm0 
aforesd  Esqr  to  be  my  sufficient  & lawful  Attorney  for  me  & my 
Name  & Stead  & on  my  Behalf  to  appear  at  ye  present  meeting  of 
ye  Proprs  of  Mason’s  Patent  & on  my  Behalf  to  vote  in  any  Matters 
to  be  transacted  at  Said  Meeting  as  to  him  my  sd  Attorney  shall 
seem  meet  & proper  for  my  Interest — In  Witness  whereof  I have 
hereunto  my  Hand  & Seal  this  thirtyeth  Day  of  Sepr  1773 — 

Richd  Lr  Nelson  D Peirce  [seal] 

Wm  Whipple 


[. Directions  for  Surveyor .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  40.] 

DIRECTIONS  for  Laying  out  all  that  Tract  of  Land  lying  be- 
tween the  following  Towns,  and  encompassing  Kyasarge  Mountain 
— Viz  Parry’s  Town,  Alexandria  addition,  Alexandria,  New  Chester, 
New  Brittain,  Salisbury,  Boscawen  and  New  Almsbury.  To  begin 
on  the  Easterly  side  of  Parry’s  Town  where  Almsbury  corners  upon 
it,  thence  running  to  the  North  Easterly  corner  thereof,  then  on  the 
North  Westerly  side  line  of  said  Town  till  it  meets  the  corner  of 
Alexandria  Addition,  then  on  the  Easterly  side  line  of  that  Tract 
to  the  corner  of  Alexandria,  or  untill  you  Meet  ye  Corner  of  New 
Chester  then  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Alexandria  to  the  corner  of 
New  Chester,  then  on  the  Southerly  side  line  or  end  line  of  New 
Chester  to  the  corner  of  New  Brittain  then  on  the  Southerly  end 
line  & South  Easterly  side  line  of  New  Brittain  to  the  corner  of 
Salisbury,  then  on  the  South  Westerly  Southerly  & Easterly  lines  of 
Salisbury  to  the  corner  of  Boscawen,  then  on  the  lines  of  Boscawen 
to  New  Almsbury  and  then  on  the  line  of  Almsbury  to  the  place  set 
out  from,  on  the  line  of  Parry’s  Town 

N B To  make  the  best  observations  on  tli  Quality  of  the  land  and 
the  extent  of  the  Mountain  ; also  the  distance  of  it  from  the  lines  of 
the  several  Towns.  That  we  thereby  may  determine  the  best  way 
of  Laying  it  out,  in  order  for  a division — 

wrote  to  Jn°  Sheppard  Esqr  March  14th  1775 — to  request  his  mak- 
ing ye  Survey  of  ye  above  land — 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


313 


[ Jonas  Minot  to  George  Jaffrey , May  3,  1780. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  44.] 

Sir.  I Reed  yours  of  March  28  observed  ye  Contents,  have  Ad- 
vertised Merit  Ardeway  & Day  who  mean  to  Comply  with  the 

Terms  & will  Send  Down  Soon  : I find  People  are  about  Going  on 

the  Best  Land  in  that  Goar : & will  Soon  Take  it  all  up  unless 

Prevented — as  I have  an  Interest  in  that  Land,  would  Submit  it  to 
the  Better  Judgment  of  the  Proprietors,  wheather  Cap*  Atkinson 
will  Not  Make  Terms  : Respecting  Said  Goar — which  will  be  to 
our  advantage  I think  the  Sooner  the  Survey  of  that  Land  is  Com- 
pleeted  the  Better  thes  from  Sir  your  Mos1  humble  Sevfc 

Jonas  Minot 

To  the  Honrble  George  Jeffrey 

Concord  May  3d  1780 


[. Defence  against  Allen  Title , April  12,  1785.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  45.] 

april  12  1785 

A Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  in  April  last,  published  in 
the  New  Hampshire  Gazette,  a Caution  to  any  Person  against  pur- 
chasing or  entering  upon  the  lands  of  said  Proprietors  within  their 
Claim,  by  pretence  of  the  State  Claim  of  the  Heirs  of  Samuel  Allen 
Esqr  notwithstanding  that  Caution  there* are  reports  that  Some  Heirs 
of  Allen,  or  their  Agents  have  given  or  Sold  Sundry  parcels  of  land 
of  Said  Proprietors,  under  the  pretended  Title  of  Allens  Claim,  and 
that  Some  persons  have  accepted  their  Grants,  and  others  inveigled 
to  make  purchases  of  the  land,  at  very  low  Rates  to  prevent  the  De- 
ception increasing,  and  of  unwary  Persons  from  purchasing  and 
entering  upon  the  lands  of  Said  Proprietors,  & for  Quieting  the 
minds  of  those  Persons  who  hold  their  possessions  by  grants  of  the 
Proprietors  a brief  State  of  the  Right  and  Titles  of  the  Claimers  of 
the  Heirs  of  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  to  lands  in  New  Hampshire  and 
that  of  the  Purchasers  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  is  presented — In 
respect  to  the  Title  claimed  by  Allen’s  Heirs,  it  is  declared — That 
John  Mason  of  London  Esqr,  the  orignal  Grantee  of  the  Lands  in 
New  Hampshire,  from  the  Council  at  Plymouth,  in  the  County  of 


314 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Devon  in  great  Britain  ; by  his  Will  devised  said  lands  in  New 
Hampshire,  to  his  grand  Child  John  Tufton  and  to  the  Heirs  of  his 
body  lawfully  begotten  ; and  for  want  of  Such  issue,  to  Robert  Tuf- 
ton his  grand.  Child,  and  to  the  Heirs  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten  ; 
and  required,  that  they  should  alter  their  Sirname  and  take  the  Sir- 
name  of  Mason,  which  they  accordingly  did:  In  the  year  1690  John 
and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  Sue  a common  Recovery  in  the  County  of 
Kent  in  great  Britain,  to  dock  the  Entail  of  the  lands  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, devised  in  the  Will  of  their  Grandfather  John  Mason  Esqr  In 
the  next  year,  1691 — John  and  Robert  by  one  deed,  Sell  to  Samuel 
Allen  Esqr  those  Lands  in  New  Hampshire — a few  years  after,  John 
the  elder  Brother  died  without  issue — Samuel  Allen  Esqr  was  com’- 
isonated  Governour  of  New  Hampshire,  and  came  to  his  Govern- 
ment about  the  year  1700 — and  in  a few  years  he  died  in  New- 
Hampshire,  leaving  one  Son,  Thomas,  and  four  Daughters — in  1706 
Thomas  Allen  Sold  to  Sr  Charles  Hobby  one  fourth  part  of  the  lands 
in  New-Hampshire  which  his  father  purchased  of  John  and  Robert 
Tufton  Mason.  About  twenty  five  years  past,  a Gentleman  arrived 
here  as  Attorney  to  the  Heirs  of  Sir  Charles  Hobby,  to  take  Care  of 
their  Interest  in  the  Lands  Sir  Charles  purchased  of  Thomas  Allen; 
upon  enquiry  and  examining  Allens  Title,  and  the  Title  of  the  Pur- 
chasers of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr,  he  ackno’leged  that  Title  under 
Allen  could  not  be  Supported,  relinquished  his  pursuit  & went  off — 
Governour  Allen  and  his  Son  Thomas  had  conveyed  the  greater  part 
if  not  the  whole  of  the  land  he  claimed  in  New  Hampshire ; How- 
ever it  does  not  appear  that  any  part  of  the  land  which  Allen  pur- 
chased of  John  & Robert  Tufton  Mason  in  New  Hampshire  is  held  or 
possessed  by  any  person  in  ye  Right  or  Title  of  Allen  or  his  Heirs  or 
of  those  to  whom  Allen  or  his  Heirs  had  made  a Conveyance  of  their 
Right  nor  could  be  held  against  the  Heirs  in  tail  of  John  Mason  Esqr 
after  the  decease  of  John  and  Robert  his  Grandsons,  as  the  fine  & 
Recovery  Sued  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  great  Britain  could  not  bar 
the  entail  of  lands  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  and  more 
especialy  when  the  Court  in  New  Hampshire  Subsisting  before  the 
year  1690 — where  it  must  be  Sued  with  Effect  to  dock  the  entail  of 
those  Lands  in  New  Hampshire — the  mention  of  one  reason  is  Suffi- 
cient to  shew  the ‘Absurdity  of  the  docking  of  ye  entail  to  be  effec- 
tual as  it  is  necessary  that  the  Sheriff  of  the  County,  where  the  com- 
mon recovery  is  Sued  should  put  the  Party  recovering  into  posses- 
sion of  the  Premises,  which  the  Sheriff  of  ye  County  of  Kent  in  great 
Britain  had  no  Authority  to  put  any  one  into  possession  of  Lands  in 
New  Hampshire  in  New  England  being  out  of  his  Bailiwick — In  Re- 
spect to  the  Right  and  Title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  to  the 


X 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


315 


Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  which  the  Proprietors  claim  by  purchase 
from  him,  Some  facts  are  alleged  to  evince,  that  he  was  the  right 
Heir  and  Proprietor  of  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire,  which  the 
Heirs  of  Allen  pretend  to  Claim — In  the  tenth  year  of  the  reighn  of 
George  the  Second  1737  a Commission  issued  under  the  great  Seal 
of  England,  constituting  principal  Gentlemen  of  Several  Provinces, 
a Court,  to  hear  and  determine  the  Disputes  of  the  boundary  Lines 
betwixt  the  Provinces  of  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New-Hampshire — 
The  Committee  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  consisting  of 
the  most  eminent  Gentlemen  of  their  general  Court,  and  of  two  of  ve 
greatest  Lawyers  in  New  England;  when  that  Committee  laid  their 
Claim  of  the  Northerly  boundary  line  of  the  Province  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  before  the  Court  of  Commissioners  They  claimed  as  their 
north  boundary  line  a line  no  farther  Northward,  than  three  miles 
north  of  Merrimack  River ; which  line  was  also  claimed  by  the  Com- 
mittee of  New-Hampshire  as  the  Southward  boundary  line  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  was  also  a boundary  of  Mason’s 
Grant  which  was  nearly  similar  to  new  Hampshire  line  : The  Town- 
ships of  Salisbury,  Almsbury,  Haverhill,  Dracutt,  and  Methuen, 
bounding  Southerly  on  Merrimack  River,  and  their  northern  Bound- 
aries extending,  much  more  than  three  miles  north  of  Merrimack 
River,  as  the  Massachusetts  Bay  could  not  exercise  claim  or  Juris- 
diction more  than  three  miles  north  of  Merrimack  River;  and  those 
five  Townships  being  bounded  and  Settled  by  that  Government,  they 
were  desirous  of  confirming  the  Property  of  the  Soil  in  those  Town- 
ships, to  the  Inhabitants,  that  lay  northward  of  their  line  of  Juris- 
diction, and  within  the  bounds  of  those  five  Townships  ; to  accom- 
plish that  Intention,  they  had  recourse  to  the  Heir  and  Proprietor  of 
Mason’s  Grant  from  the  Council  at  Plymouth,  of  the  Lands  in  New- 
Hampshire — and  applied  to  John  Tufton  Mason,  then  resident  at 
Boston,  as  that  Heir  & Proprietor ; who  for  the  valuable  Considera- 
tion of  five  hundred  pounds  conveyed  his  Right  to  the  land  within 
the  Bounds  of  Said  five  Townships  to  the  massachusetts  and  his 
Deed  was  recorded  in  the  Records  of  New-Hampshire.  The  Court 
for  determining  the  boundary  lines  betwixt  these  Provinces  rendered 
their  Judgement  of  the  Boundary  lines  betwixt  the  two  Provinces, 
from  which  Judgement,  both  Provinces  appealed  to  the  King  in 
Council,  for  the  Determination  of  their  Boundary  lines  about  that 
time,  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  at  the  Expence  of  the 
Province,  Sent  John  Tufton  Mason  to  the  Court  at  London  on  some 
other  purpose  than  respected  the  boundary  Lines  of  the  Province 
furnished  with  Sufficient  Certificates  of  his  being  the  right  Heir, 
and  Proprietor  of  the  Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  granted  by  the 


316 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Council  at  Plymouth  in  great  Britain  John  Mason  Esqr  his  ancestor 
for  these  purposes  the  Government  of  Massachusetts  Bay  made  no 
Application  for  the  Purchase  of  lands  in  those  five  Town,  to  the 
Heirs  of  Allen  or  to  any  person,  to  whom  Allen  or  his  Heirs  had 
made  a Conveyance,  of  ye  whole  or  any  part  of  the  lands  in  New- 
Hampshire,  within  the  Grant  to  Mason — at  that  time  the  Right  and 
Title  of  Allen  to  those  Lands,  was  as  well,  or  better  understood  by 
the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  as  by  any  persons  at  any 
time  Since — That  Government  by  their  Transactions  with  John  Tuf- 
ton  Mason  have  fully  manifested  their  Opinion  and  Sense  that  John 
Tufton  Mason  was  the  right  Heir,  and  Proprietor  of  the  Lands  in 
New-Hampshire,  that  was  granted  to  his  Ancestor  John  Mason 
Esqr — 

John  Tufton  Mason  being  in  London  the  sixth  day  of  April  1739 
— when  John  Thomlinson  Esqr  was  then  Agent  for  the  Province 
of  New-Hampshire  from  his  knowlege  of  Masons  Right  to  the  lands 
in  New-Hampshire,  and  knowing  the  Importance  of  having  that 
Right  in  that  Government,  without  Instructions  from  his  Constitu- 
ants  entered  into  an  Agreement  with  Mason  to  sell  his  Right  and 
Title  to  the  Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  to  the  Government  of  New 
Hampshire,  The  Governour  Benning  Wentworth  laid  that  Agree- 
ment before  the  Assembly — And  Sends  to  the  house  to  desire  they 
would  come  to  Some  Resolve  about  the  Agreement  between  Cap1 
Thomlinson  and  Mason  The  Assembly  resolved  that  Said  Agree- 
ment be  forthwith  complyed  with  on  the  Part  of  this  Government, 
and  that  the  Right  that  Said  Mason  claim’s,  be  purchased,  for  the 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province — agreeable  to  this  resolve 
the  assembly  appoint  a Committee  to  join  Such  as  may  be  appointed 
by  the  Council  to  treat  with  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  about  fulfill- 
ing his  agreement  made  with  mr  Thomlinson,  of  conveying  the  Right 
Said  Mason  claims  to  this  Province  the  Result  was  that  The  diferent 
Opinions  in  the  Branches  of  the  Legislature  in  the  disposal  of  the 
unimproved  Lands  prevented  the  Purchase  being  made  of  Mason 
which  put  an  End  to  that  agreement — At  the  Term  of  the  Inferiour 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  held  at  Portsmouth  in  N Hampshr  in  June 
1746.  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  Sued  a Common  Recovery  to  dock 
the  entail  of  the  lands  in  New-Hampshire  which  he  held  in  the  Right 
and  Devise  of  his  Ancestor  John  Mason  Esqr  at  which  Court  Judge- 
ment passed  to  dock  the  Intail  of  those  lands  and  accordingly  livery 
and  Seizin  of  those  lands  was  given  to  him  by  the  Sheriff — After  the 
Process  of  Docking  the  Entail,  and  entry  and  Seizin  was  coinpleated 
— John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  by  his  Deeds  conveyed  his  Right  and  Title 
to  those  Lands  (except  one  thirtyeth  part  which  he  reserved  to  him- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


317 


self)  to  a number  of  Gentlemen  for  a Considration  in  Money  (by 
one  half  more  than  he  contracted  with  John  Thomlinson  Esqr  to  sell 
to  the  Province) — when  the  Purchasers  were  possessed  of  Masons 
Right,  they  executed  a Deed  of  Quit  Claim  of  their  Right  to  all  the 
Towns  granted  by  the  Government  of  New-Hampshire  where  any 
Settlement  had  been  made,  upon  no  other  Consideration  than  quiet- 
ing the  Inhabitants  who  possessed  the  land  under  the  Grant  of  the 
Government  of  New-Hampshire  and  the  Proprietors  continued  in  quiet 
and  peaceable  Possession  of  the  lands  they  purchased  of  John  Tuf- 
ton  Mason  Esqr — In  the  year  1746  the  Council  and  Assembly  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  resolve,  that  for  quieting  of  the  People 
of  this  Province  and  to  prevent  future  Dificulties  and  Disputes  it  will 
be  best  for  this  Province  to  purchase  Mason’s  claim  for  the  use  and 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  if  the  Purchasers  will 
Sell  it  for  the  Same  Sum  they  gave  for  it,  and  Charges,  and  applica- 
tion was  made  to  the  Proprietors  by  a Committee  of  both  Houses, 
with  the  Governours  assent  to  know  if  the  Proprietors  would  Sell 
their  Right  they  had  purchased  of  Mason  for  the  Sum  they  gave  for 
it  and  Charges — to  which  proposal  they  agreed,  and  were  ready  to 
perform  what  they  had  agreed  to,  and  desired  the  committee  would 
prepare  a Deed  for  executing  the  Conveyance,  as  proposed — The 
Proprietors  were  in  expectation  of  having  the  Deed  presented,  soon 
after  but  waited  from  1746  to  1748  for  it,  adjournments  of  the 
general  Assembly  or  Some  Accidents  the  Proprietors  conceived  pre- 
vented a deed  being  presented  sooner,  in  the  meantime  many  Appli- 
cations were  made  to  the  Proprietors  for  Grants  of  their  Lands,  after 
long  waiting  for  the  deed  they  expected  they  requested  the  Assem- 
bly would  finish  the  affair  of  the  Purchase,  not  making  any  grants 
before  the  Matter  of  Conveyance  from  them  to  the  Government 
was  determined — at  length  a Deed  was  presented  by  a Comittee  of 
Council  and  Assembly  to  the  Proprietors  for  perusal  and  to  execute 
to  which  many  Objections  were  made  and  one  of  Such  Weight,  that 
it  appeared  the  Deed  was  calculated  to  prevent  the  Proprietors  of 
conveying  their  Claim  to  the  Province,  and  they  were  informed,  it 
was  so  contrived  from  the  Same  Motive  that  hindred  the  Purchase 
from  Mason  by  the  Government,  prevented  the  Purchase  from  ve 
Proprs — and  So  the  Treaty  of  Sale  ended — Petitions  to  the  Propri- 
etors for  Grants  of  Land  for  Townships  &c  mutiplied,  from  Persons 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  & of  New  Hampshire  ; and  Grants  were 
accordingly  made,  in  Consequence  of  those  Petitions — And  as  there 
were  no  other  Claimers  of  ungranted  Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  but 
the  Crown  and  the  Proprietors  of  Mason’s  Claim  in  order  to  have 
the  proper  boundaries  fixed — to  prevent  encroachments  by  Grants 


318 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


under  the  Crown  or  of  the  Proprietors  and  any  Disputes  of  persons 
under  the  Grants  of  either  Application  was  made  to  the  Surveyor 
General  of  the  Crown  lands  in  New-Hampshire  to  have  the  Same 
effected,  and  By  his  Authority,  andirection  the  Same  was  ascer- 
tained and  marked  by  a skilfull  Surveyor,  and  Chainmen  under 
Oath,  and  a Plan  of  the  Same  was  returned  under  Oath  and  attested 
by  the  surveyor  general — and  all  the  Grants  made  by  the  Govern- 
ment, and  by  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands  adjacent  to  any  boundary 
line  of  Masons  Grant  were  conformed  to  those  Boundaries  as  they 
were  ascertained  and  marked  and  the  lands  adjacent  to  the  western 
boundary  line  of  Masons  Grant  as  ascertained  and  marked  by  the 
Authority  of  the  Surveyor  General,  the  eastern  bounds  of  the  Town- 
ships granted  by  the  Government,  and  ye  western  bounds  of  the 
Townships  granted  by  the  Proprietors,  were  bounded  and  limitted  by 
that  line,  or  intended  to  be  so  bounded  and  limitted,  both  b}^  Govern- 
ment and  Proprietors  in  those  Grants — and  Grants  of  Townships 
have  been  made  bounding  both  on  the  eastern  and  western  side 
of  that  line  almost  upon  its  whole  extent  from  South  to  North,  and 
the  Grantees  on  both  sides  of  that  line  have  Settled  and  made 
great  Improvements  on  their  lands  in  those  Townships  for  many 
years — The  townships  granted  by  the  Proprietors  have  been  made 
Some  of  them  more  than  thirty  five  Years  past  and  nearly  all 
above  thirty  years,  the  Grants  of  those  Townships  were  made 
held  and  Settled  under  the  Approbation  of  Government  and 
the  Towns  were  enfranchised  as  other  Towns,  in  the  Government 
and  the  Grantees  and  their  heirs  have  quietly  enjoyed  their  Grants 
without  any  Claim  being  made  of  the  Soil  by  the  Crown,  or  Govern- 
ment of  New  Hampshire,  or  any  Persons  whatever;  And  the  Gran- 
tees and  their  Heirs  at  great  Expence  and  Labour  have  reduced  a 
Wilderness  to  fruitfull  fields  producing  fruits  to  their  Own  Emolu- 
ment and  Benefit  to  the  publick,  without  the  least  Molestation,  till 
within  fifteen  months  past  and  expected  the  Right  & Title  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  under  which  they  hold  their  Grants  was  good  and 
valid,  and  to  be  reived  upon  as  it  had  been,  amply  declared  by  the 
Transactions  of  the  Government  of  Massachusetts  Bay  with  Mason  ; 
and  by  the  carefull  regard  to  the  Wellfare  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  of  their  worthy  Agent,  who  contracted  with  John  Tufton 
Mason  to  convey  his  Right  to  the  Lands  of  New-Hampshire,  to  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire.  And  three  branches  of  the  Legislature 
of  the  Province  recognizing  his  Right  by  their  resolves  and  Votes  to 
purchase  the  same  for  the  Province  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  And 
the  Same  Legislature  ackno’leged  the  Same  Right  to  those  Lands  to 
be  in  the  Gentlemen  who  purchased  of  Mason — Any  one  of  these 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


819 


Authorities  considered  singly  is  a Strong  inducement  to  conclude 
that  the  Right  and  Title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  to  the  lands  he 
claimed  in  New  Hampshire,  was  good  and  valid  ; but  taken  together, 
a Presumption  so  forceably  possesseth  the  minds  of  unprejudiced 
persons  not  easily  to  be  resisted,  and  will  Scarcely  admit  of  a doubt 
& also  that  the  Proprietors,  who  purchased  of  him  had  an  undoubted 
Right  to  those  Lands  When  Occasion  may  require,  full  and  Suffi- 
cient Evidence  can  be  produced  to  prove  and  confirm  their  Right  and 
Title  to  these  Lands,  they  claim  in  New  Hampshire  by  purchase  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr — 

The  Proprietors  from  the  time  they  made  the  Purchase,  have  been 
at  great  expence  both  of  time  and  money,  necessarily  required 
respecting  their  Grants,  and  Settling  the  lands — in  which,  a con- 
formity to  the  Regulation  of  Government,  in  those  matters,  was 
carefully  regarded — Ever  since  the  lands  of  non  resident  owners 
have  been  taxed  in  this  State,  The  Proprietors  readily  paid  that  Tax, 
when  they  were  not  prevented  by  clandestine  and  fraudulent  Prac- 
tices of  the  Collectors  of  those  Taxes  and  their  confederates,  in 
Selling  of  large  Quantities  of  their  lands  for  very  inconsiderable 
Sums,  and  managed  in  Such  manner  that  the  Sales  could  not  be  pre- 
vented by  the  owners  of  the  lands  paying  the  Taxes — however  the 
Proprietors  have  been  injured  in  that  manner,  they  have  contributed 
in  payment  of  Taxes  on  their  non  resident-lands,  large  Sums  for  the 
Support  of  the  Government  of  this  State — 

From  the  year  1746,  the  Proprietors,  and  those  who  hold  under 
them  have  been  unmolested  in  their  Property  of  these  Lands,  till 
about  fifteen  months  past,  when  the  pretended  Title  of  the  Heirs  of 
Allen,  appeared  in  the  publick  prints,  who  by  their  Conduct,  and 
the  Proceedings  of  their  Agents  are  making  Attempts  to  intrude 
upon  their  Property — which  Title  of  Allen  or  his  Heirs,  has  been 
Scarcely  mentioned  till  lately,  in  New  Hampshire,  within  the  mem- 
ory of  any  man  living — It  is  certain  the  Government  of  New 
Hampshire  had  no  regard  to  it,  for  more  than  Sixty  years  past,  they 
granted  and  continued  granting  Townships  within  Masons  claim  and 
no  Application  was  made  to  Government  by  Allens  Heirs  or  of  any 
Person  under  them,  to  assert  their  claim  to  the  lands  the  Govern- 
ment were  granting — & the  Grantees  entered  upon  their  Grants,  and 
improved  the  lands,  and  were  never  molested,  or  a claim  ever  pre- 
tended to  those  lands  by  any  of  Allens  Heirs — But  when  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  appeared  in  New  Hampshire,  and  asserted  his 
Right  and  Claim  of  Sixty  miles  of  the  lands  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire,  the  Government  made  no  more  Grants  or  intended 
to  make  any  Grant  of  the  land  within  his  Claim  ; but  acknowleged 


320 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


his  claim  to  be  good  and  Valid,  and  also  of  the  Right  and  Property 
of  the  Proprietors  who  purchased  of  him,  as  manifested  by  their 
Resolves  and  Votes,  before  mentioned — for  . these  and  other  good 
Reasons,  the  Proprietors  have  not  the  least  conception  that  the 
Heirs  of  Allen  can  Support  a legal  Title,  to  the  lands  they 
pretend  to  claim  in  New  Hampshire  ; but  are  concerned  for  the 
People  Settled  in  the  lands  on  their  Grants,  it  being  reported  that 
lately  they  have  been  put  in  Terrour,  of  their  property  being  Sub- 
verted, and  the  peace  of  their  minds  greatly  disturbed  in  respect  to 
their  Estates,  which  they  have  long  possessed,  improved  and  quietly 
enjoyed,  without  the  least  molestation,  till  lately,  Allens  Heirs  have 
published  a Claim  to  their  lands,  and  they  and  their  Agents  going 
from  Town  to  Town  advertizing  making  Grants,  and  offering  to 
Sale  the  Lands  of  the  Proprietors  at  low  rates,  under  Allens  Title — 
doubtless  there  are  Some  persons  of  that  principle,  who  would  take 
the  opportunity  under  any  pretence  of  Title,  however  groundless,  by 
Grants,  or  Sales  of  valuable  land  at  low  rates,  to  Seize  them  for 
their  own  use — and  others  of  a better  mind,  may  be  inveigled  and 
tempted  to  take  Grants,  and  purchase  valueable  land,  at  rates  much 
under  their  Value — all  Such  persons  and  any  others,  are  again  cau- 
tioned against  entering  upon,  improving  or  making  waste  in  an}r  of 
the  lands  of  the  Proprietors  which  they  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  for  they  may  rely  upon  a Prosecu- 
tion of  any  Tresspass,  they  make  upon  any  of  the  Proprietors 
Lands — 


[Rough  Drafts  of  Warning  to  Allen  Heirs.'] 

[ Mason ian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  87.] 

It  being  reported  that  the  Claimers  of  the  pretended  Right  to  the 
Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  purchased  of  Cap1  John  Mason  by  Samuel 
Allen  Esqr  by  themselves  or  Agents  have  given  or  Sold  Several  par- 
cels of  land  of  the  purchasers  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  divers 
places  in  New  Hampshire  within  his  claim,  Notwithstanding  the 
caution  given  by  the  Committee  of  the  Purchasers  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqr  of  April  12th  1785  published  in  the  New  Hampshire 
Gazette,  in  consequence  of  the  pretended  Claim  of  Allens  Heirs 
published  in  Said  Gazette  by  Samuel  Lauchlen,  and  another  by 
John  Sullivan  Esqr  as  attorney  to  said  Heirs,  That  caution  had  not 
fully  the  intended  Effect  of  preventing  persons  being  deceived,  but 
that  the  claimers  under  Allens  pretended  Right  and  their  agents, 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


321 


continue  to  inveigle  and  deceive  the  unwary  to  purchase  the  lands 
Owned  by  the  Purchasers  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New- 
Hampshire,  and  Some  persons  whose  Principles  are  Such,  that  if 
they  can  get  the  land  for  their  own  use,  care  not  whether  it  be  by 
right  or  wrong  they  obtain  it,  who  have  taken  grants  from  the  Claim- 
ers  under  Allens  Heirs — as  many  of  ye  Claimers  and  asserters  of 
Allens  right,  are  Generals  in  the  New  Hampshire  malitia,  it  Seems 
as  if  they  depended  upon  military  rnanoevers  to  establish  that  Stale 
and  pretended  title  of  Allen  to  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire  than 
any  Legal  right  or  title,  to  the  disturbance  of  the  peace  and  civil 
Government  of  the  State — as  many  persons,  may  be  tampered  with 
to  be  induced  to  make  purchases  or  accept  grants  under  the  Claim 
of  Allens  heirs,  who  are  unacquainted  with  the  Right  & Title  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esq1'  to  the  lands  he  sold  in  New  Hampshire, 
some  brief  Sketch  of  that  Right  and  the  pretended  Claim  of  Allens 
Heirs  may  be  of  Use  to  prevent  deception — wherefore  they  may  be 
informed — That  in  the  year  1691  John  & Robert  Tufton  Mason 
Grandsons  to  Cap1  John  Mason  by  their  deed  did  Sell  unto  Samuel 
Allen  Esqr  of  lonclon  their  right  to  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire,  to 
which  they  were  entitled  by  the  Will  of  their  Grandfather  Cap1  John 
Mason  who  by  this  will  entailed  the  Same  to  the  heirs  lawfully 
begotten  of  their  Body — to  dock  the  entail,  a process  was  had  in 
the  year  1690  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  great  Britain  for  that  pur- 
pose— which  Process  in  great  Britain  is  well  known  and  aserted  by 
eminent  Lawyers  could  be  no  bar  to  the  entail  of  his  lands  in  New 
Hampshire,  so  that  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  could  not  hold  the  Estate,  by 
the  Conveyance  of  John  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  no  longer  than 
during  the  life  of  John  & then  of  Robert  devisees  in  tail  nor  is  it 
known  that  any  Estate  of  land  in  New  Hampshire  is  held  by  any 
person  claiming  under  Allen  by  virtue  of  his  purchase  made  of  John 
& Robert  Tufton  Mason  nor  from  any  of  the  Heirs  of  Allen  since 
his  Decease — and  that  any  Title  or  claim  under  Allen,  for  more 
than  Sixty  years  past  has  not  esteemed  of  any  Validity  by  the  Gov- 
ernment of  New  Hampshire,  as  many  grants  of  Townships  were 
made  within  Masons  Claim  by  ye  Govr  & Council  of  that  Province 
untill  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  apeared  to  assert  his  claim  to  the 
lands  in  New  Hampshire  extending  Sixty  miles  from  Stated  bounda- 
ries as  heir  to  Cap1  John  Mason  his  Ancestor  and  when  Occasion  may 
require,  full  and  Sufficient  Evidence  can  be  produced  to  confirm  and 
establish  his  Title  to  those  lands — as  also  of  the  Right  and  Title  to 
the  Same  Lands  to  be  to  the  Gentlemen  to  whom  he  made  the  Con- 
veyance— and  that  Allens  Claim  or  title  under  Mason  was  as  well 
known  in  the  Massa  Government  forty  or  fifty  years  past  as  lately,  is 
21 


322 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


without  any  doubt  and  ever  Since  the  lands  of  non  Residents  owners 
have  been  taxed  in  this  State  the  Proprietors  readily  paid  that  Tax 
assessed  on  Such  lands,  when  they  were  not  prevented  by  clandes- 
tine and  fraudulent  practices  of  ye  collectors  of  those  Taxes  in  Sell- 
ing a large  part  of  their  valueable  lands  for  less  than  a twentyeth 
part  of  their  value — Though  they  Suffered  much  by  that  means  The 
Proprietors  have  paid  large  Sums  in  those  Taxes  for  the  Support  of 
of  ye  Government  of  this  State — in  the  year  1737 — a Commission 
issued  under  the  great  Seal  of  England  constituting  Commissioners 
to  try  and  determine  the  boundary  lines  betwixt  the  Provinces  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  & New  Hampshire — the  Massachusetts  Govern- 
ment thought  it  expedient  in  the  course  of  that  trial  before  it  was 
finaly  determined  to  find  and  employ  the  right  owner  of  the  Claim 
and  right  of  Cap4  John  Mason,  to  the  Sixty  mile  grant  in  New 
Hampshire,  to  be  employed  for  certain  purposes,  for  their  Service 
in  the  dispute — The  Comtee  of  the  gen11  Court  of  Massachusetts, 
with  the  advice  of  eminent  counsellors  of  law — who  were  as  well 
acquainted  with  the  State  of  Allens  Claim,  as  any  persons  now  in 
being,  made  no  Application  to  Allens  heirs  for  their  purpose,  Some 
of  them  reside  in  Boston  or  near — but  that  Comtee  applied  to  and 
produced  John  Tufton  Mason  as  heir  and  right  owner  of  the  Sixty 
Mile  Grant  in  New  Hampshire  to  John  Mason  his  Ancestor,  and  as 
the  Limits  of  the  Townships  call’d  Salisbury  Almsbury  Haverhil  Dra- 
cut  & Methuen  were  partly  more  than  three  miles  from  Merrimack 
river — they  purchased  that  part  which  lay  within  the  Jurisdiction 
of  New  Hampshire,  of  John  Tufton  Mason  and  put  his  Deed  of 
Conveyance  on  the  Records  of  New  Hampshire,  by  wch  was  mani- 
fested the  Opinion  of  the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  of 
the  Owner  of  the  Right  of  John  Mason  Esqr  of  the  Sixty  Mile 
Grant  in  New  Hampshire  and  said  John  Tufton  Mason  was  Sent  to 
London  at  the  Massa  Governments  Expence,  as  Proprietor  and 
Owner  of  the  Lands  of  his  Ancestor  John  Mason  Esqr  in  New 
Hampr  with  proper  certificates  of  his  being  the  right  heir  in  tail  to 
John  Mason  his  Ancestor — In  the  year  1746  John  Tufton  Mason 
prosecuted  a common  Recovery  in  the  Court  of  Comon  pleas  held  at 
Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New-Hampshire,  to  dock  the  Intail 
in  the  Will  of  Cap4  John  Mason  his  Ancestor,  by  which  the  lands 
New  Hampshire  of  his  Ancestor  was  rendered  his  Estate  in  fee 
Simple — and  possession  of  the  Same  was  delivered  to  him  in  form 
of  law — Soon  after  the  Said  John  Tufton  Mason  by  his  deeds  con- 
veyed to  Sundry  Persons,  his  Right  to  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire, 
excepting  one  thirtieth  part  which  he  reserved  for  his  own  use,  and 
those  purchasers  have  never  been  molested  in  their  Claim  and  Right 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


323 


purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  in  right  of  the  Crown  of  great 
Britain  or  by  Government  of  New  Hampshire  at  any  time  Since 
they  Purchased — but  granted  Lands  for  Townships  and  quitclaimed 
sundry  and  smaller  Tracts  of  land — and  the  grantees  under  the  Pro- 
prietors & Purchasers  of  John  Tufton  Mason  from  the  year  1748 
have  quietly  enjoyed  their  Grants  without  any  Molestation,  and  they 
and  their  Heirs  have  made  many  and  great  Improvements  on  those 
Grants  and  rendered  a Wilderness  fruitfull  and  beneficiall  to  them- 
selves, and  the  State — nor  hath  apeared  any  person  to  dispute  the 
Right  under  John  Tufton  to  any  part  of  their  purchase  except  a 
Gentleman  as  an  Attorney  to  the  Heirs  of  Sir  Charles  Hobby,  to 
the  right,  he  purchased  of  Thomas  Allen  of  London  Esqr  only  Son 
of  Samuel  Allen  Esqr — upon  Examining  the  State  of  Allens  Right 
and  conversing  with  ye  present  Proprietors  upon  their  Claim  he, 
made  no  Attempt  to  make  any  demand  for  Charles  Hobby’s  Heirs — 
there  were  one  or  two  Townships  which  were  claimed  under  Grants 
of  ye  Government  of  Masa  Bay,  where  the  Right  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  was  disputed  and  two  Actions  were  com’enced  and  prose- 
cuted & Verdicts  & Judgements  of  the  Superiour  Court  were  given 
in  favour  of  the  Right  of  the  Purchasers  of  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  and 
ye  grantees  of  those  Townships  have  ever  Since  quietly  and  peace- 
ably enjoyed  their  Grants  of  Said  Purchasers — as  the  Claimers  under 
John  Tufton  Mason  in  all  Proceedings  have  taken  no  Steps  respect- 
ing the  Lands  they  purchased  has  been  conformable  to  law  & the 
Rule  and  Authority  of  Government — they  expected  to  be  quiet 
under  the  present  Constitution  of  Government  of  this  State — but 
find  a number  of  Persons,  under  pretence  of  the  Stale  Claim  Allen, 
are  Subverting  Right  and  Property,  to  the  disturbance  of  many  of 
the  good  Subjects  of  this  State  and  to  great  Injury  of  many  persons 
— Any  Persons  who  enter  upon  the  lands  of  the  Purchasers  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  whether  by  grant  or 
purchase  under  the  Right  of  the  heirs  of  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  may 
rely  upon  their  being  prosecuted  in  the  law  for  any  Such  Trespass 
Notwithstanding  a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands 
purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  in  April 
last,  published  in  the  New  Hampshire  Gazette,  had  given  caution  to 
any  persons  of  purchasing  or  entering  upon  the  lands  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors within  their  Claim — by  virtue  of  the  Stale  Claim  of  Samuel 
Allen’s  Heirs — there  are  reports  that  Some  Heirs  of  Allen  or  their 
Agents  have  given  or  Sold  Sundry  parcels  of  land  of  Said  Propri- 
etors within  the  Bounds  of  Mason’s  Claim  yl  Some  Persons  have 
accepted  Grants  under  Allen’s  Title,  who  care  not  how  they  obtain 
the  land,  by  right  or  wrong,  if  they  can  get  it  for  their  own  use; 


324 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  others  enveigled  to  make  purchases  at  very  low  rates  under 
Allens  Title — to  prevent  the  Deception  encreasing  & unwary  per- 
sons from  purchasing  & entring  upon  the  Lands  of  the  Claimers 
under  the  Title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  a brief  State  of  the 
Titles  of  Right  claimed  by  the  Heirs  of  Samuel  Allen  Esqr,  and  that 
of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esq1',  are  herein  declared — in  Respect  to  ye 
Claim  of  Allens  heirs  it  may  be  Said  that  Cap1  John  Mason  of  Lon- 
don the  original  Grantee  of  these  lands  in  New  Hampshire  granted 
to  him  by  the  Council  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of  Devon,  by  his 
Will  devised  Said  lands  to  his  grand  Child  John  Tufton  and  to  the 
Heirs  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten,  and  for  want  of  Such  issue,  to 
Robert  Tufton  his  Grand  Child,  and  to  the  Heirs  of  his  body  law- 
fully begotten — who  were  to  alter  their  Sirname  and  take  the  Sir- 
name  of  Mason — which  they  did — in  the  year  1690.  John  & Robert 
Tufton  Mason  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  great  Britain,  Sue  out  a 
common  Recovery  to  dock  the  Entail  in  the  will  of  their  Grand- 
father Cap1  John  Mason — in  the  next  year  1691.  John  and  Robert,  in 
one  deed  Sell  to  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  the  whole  of  these  lands  in  New 
Hampshire.  Some  few  years  after  John  the  elder  Brother  died 
without  issue  and  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  was  Commissionated  Govr  of 
New  Hampr  came  into  ye  Province  in  yeyear  1700  & resided  in  New 
Hampshire,  but  a few  years  before  his  Death,  leaving  one  Son 
Thomas  & four  Daughters,  Thomas  died  about  the  year  1715  leav- 
ing two  Sons  one  daughter — in  1706  Thomas  Allen  Sold  to  Sir 
Charles  Hobby  one  fourth  part  of  his  father’s  purchase,  in  New- 
Hampshire — and  Governour  Allen  had  before  conveyed  the  greater 
part  if  not  ye  whole  of  the  lands  he  Claimed  in  New  Hampshire  to 
others,  however,  it  does  not  appear  that  any  part  of  the  land  in  New- 
Hampshire  which  Allen  purchased  of  John  & Robert  Tufton 
Mason,  is  possessed  or  held  under  him  or  his  Heirs — nor  could  be 
held  against  the  other  Heirs  in  tail  of  Cap1  John  Mason  after  the 
decease  of  John  and  Robert  his  Grandsons — as  the  fine  and  Recovery 
Sued  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  great  Britain  could  not  bar  ve  entail 
of  lands  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  especialy  when  the 
Court  in  New  Hampshire  was  Subsisting  before  and  Since,  the  year 
1790 — where  it  must  be  Sued  with  effect  to  dock  the  entail  of  lands 
in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  In  respect  to  the  Title  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  to  the  lands  in  new  Hampshire  claimed  by  the 
Proprietors  Purchasers,  and  of  his  Right  to  those  lands  some  Facts 
are  alledged  to  evince  that  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  was  the  right 
heir  and  Proprietor  of  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire  claimed  by 
Allen’s  Heirs — That  in  the  vear  1737  a Commission  issued  under 
the  Great  Seal  of  England  constituting  principal  Gentlemen  of  sev- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


325 


eral  Provinces,  to  hear  and  determine  the  Dispute  of  the  boundary 
lines  betwixt  the  Provinces  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New 
Hampshire — when  the  Committee  for  the  Province  of  Massa  Bay 
consisting  of  the  most  eminent  Gentlemen  of  their  General  Court 
with  two  of  the  most  noted  Lawyers  in  new  England  laid  their 
Claim  before  the  Commissioners,  of  their  Northern  boundary  line, 
they  could  extend  their  Claim  no  farther  northward  than  three 
miles  north  of  Merrimack  River,  & which  is  the  Southerly  boundary 
of  Masons  Grant,  of  New  Hampshire  from  ye  Council  at  Plymouth 
and  as  the  Towns  of  Salisbury  Almsbury  Haverhill  Dracut  and 
Methuen  bordering'  on  merimack  river  northward  boundaries 
extended  more  than  three  miles  north  from  Merrimack  River,  to 
Save  the  Property  of  the  Inhabitants  of  those  Towns  within  their 
Limitts  as  they  were  then  bounded,  that  Committee  for  a valuable 
Consideration  purchased  the  land  within  the  limitts  of  those  Towns, 
which  lay  without  their  line  of  Jurisdiction,  of  three  miles  north  of 
Merrimack  river,  of  John  Tufton  Mason  as  the  right  heir  of  his 
Ancestor  Cap1  John  Mason  and  Proprietor  of  his  lands  in  N 
Hampr — and  had  Masons  Deed  recorded  in  the  Records  of  New 
Hampshire,  about  the  time  of  Trial  Of  the  boundary  lines  of  Juris- 
diction betwixt  the  two  Provinces  was  before  Commissioners  & 
before  the  Determination  of  the  boundary  lines  was  ever  made,  the 
Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  at  their  Expence  for  some 
purpose  respecting  his  being  Sd  Proprietor  of  the  lands  in  New 
Hampr  Sent  John  Tufton  Mason  to  London  with  Sufficient  certifi- 
cates of  his  being  Proprietor  of  the  Sixty  mile  grant  of  Lands  in 
New  Hampr  to  his  Ancestor  Cap1  John  Mason,  and  of  his  being  the 
right  Heir  and  Proprietor  of  those  lands,  at  this  time  and  Occasion 
The  Government  of  Massachusetts  bay,  never  applyed  to  ye  Heirs  of 
Allen  for  their  Right  in  Masons  Grant  in  New-Hampsliire,  or  of 
Usher’s  Heirs  who  purchased  of  Allen  or  any  Person  holding  the 
land  in  the  right  of  Allen  or  his  Heirs — The  Right  & Title  of  Allen 
was  then  as  well  or  better  understood  in  the  Government  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay,  as  any  time  Since — who  by  their  Transactions 
with  John  Tufton  Mason  have  fully  manifested  the  opinion  and  Sense 
of  that  Government  that  John  Tufton  Mason  being  then  the  right 
Heir  and  Proprietor  of  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire  granted  by  ve 
Council  of  Plymouth  to  his  Ancestor  Cap1  John  Mason — About  the 
year  1744  The  Government  of  New-Hampsliire  was  in  treaty  with 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  about  purchasing  the  Lands  he  Claim’d  in 
N IIampr  and  afterwards  proposed  to  purchase  of  the  Purchasers 
Now  Prop™  of  Mason’s  Claim,  at  which  transactions  his  Title  was 
fully  acknoleged  by  ye  Government  of  N.  H,  but  In  the  year  1746 


326 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  Sued  a common  Recovery  in  the  Court  of 
Common  pleas  held  at  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  New  Hampshire, 
to  dock  the  entail  of  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire,  devised  in  the  Will 
of  Cap1  John  Mason  his  Ancestor — which  was  effected,  and  he  put 
into  possession  of  the  lands  in  a fee  Simple  Estate — After  docking 
the  Entail  by  his  Deeds  he  conveyed  all  his  right  to  those  lands  in 
New  Hampshire,  excepting  one  thirtieth  part  which  he  reserved  to 
his  own  use,  to  Sundry  persons  and  those  purchasers  possessed  the 
Same  quietly  and  unmolested  by  any  demand  of  the  Crown  or  hav- 
ing their  boundaries  ascertained  by  the  order  & direction  of  Govern- 
ment of  New  Hampshire,  nor  had  an}7  Person  in  Allen’s  Right  or 
any  other  made  any  Claim  of  the  lands  they  purchased  of  J.  T. 
Mason  Esq1',  for  near  forty  years,  till  within  a twelve  month  past 
some  of  Allens  Heirs  have  published  a pretended  Claim  to  the  lands 
in  New  Hampshire  that  was  Cap1  John  Mason’s — many  Petitions 
from  Persons  of  the  Massachusetts,  and  New-Hampshire  being  made 
to  the  Proprietors  holding  the  lands  in  New  Hampshr  under  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esq1'  for  Townships  &c  they  granted  many  Town- 
ships to  y®  Petioners  within  their  Claim  in  which  the  Grantees  and 
their  Heirs  have  quietly  enjoyed  their  Grants  under  the  Protection 
of  Government  many  years  and  made  many  & great  Improvements 
in  them  by  reducing  a Wilderness  to  fruitfull  fields  beneficial  to 
themselves  and  this  State,  but  the  Grantees  are  now  alarmed  by  a 
Stale  Claim  of  Allens  Heirs,  how  groundless  that  Claim  is  in  the 
Opinion  of  the  ablest  Counsell  in  Massachusetts  & New  Hampshire 
& not  being  on  any  Solid  foundation  to  support  it’s  Title  may  appear 
by  the  above  Sketch  of  it’s  State — and  as  long  as  the  Constitution 
of  the  Civil  Government  of  this  State  shall  continue,  there  is  no 
danger  of  Estates  being  So  long  possessed  and  improved  under  so 
good  a Title  as  the  Grants  made  by  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands 
purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esq1’  in  New  Hampshire  which 
Title  has  been  approved  by  Goverment  Massachusetts  Bay  and  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  the  ablest  Counsellers  in  Law  both  of  those 
Governments  but  if  miletary  Methods  are  to  be  used  by  Allens 
Heirs  to  establish  their  Claim  to  lands  in  New  Hampshire,  another 
Constitution  must  take  place  in  this  State  than  that  we  have,  and 
then  no  Property  can  be  Safe,  it  being  reported  that  four  Generals 
of  the  Militia  of  New  Hampshire  are  engaged  to  Support  the  Claim 
of  Allens  Heirs;  and  a number  of  Agents  are  employed  to  go  from 
town  to  town  to  inveigle  Persons  to  purchase  the  Lands  of  the  Pro- 
prietors at  a Small  part  of  their  Value,  these  Agents  may  be  justly 
esteemed  Barrators  more  especialy  by  the  People,  whom  they 
attempt  to  deceive  by  Subverting  Right  & Property  of  a con- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


327 


siderable  of  the  State  of  N Hamshr — any  persons  who  shall  enter 
upon  the  land  of  the  Proprietors  which  they  purchased  of  John  Tuf- 
ton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire  either  by  grant  or  purchase 
under  ye  Claim  of  Allens  heirs,  may  rely  on  their  being  prosecuted 
as  Trespassers. — 


[. History  of  the  Title , and  Caution.'] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  88.] 

A Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire  in  April  last  published  in 
the  New  Hampshire  Gazette  a caution  to — Persons  against  purchas- 
ing or  entering  upon  the  lands  of  said  Proprietors  within  their  claim, 
under  colour  of  pretence  of  the  stale  claim  of  the  Heirs  of  Samuel 
Allen  Esq1'.  Notwithstanding  that  caution,  according  to  report  some 
heirs  of  Allen,  or  their  Agents  have  given,  or  sold  sundry  parcels  of 
land  of  said  Proprietors,  under  the  pretended  Title  of  Allens  ; and  some 
persons  have  accepted  their  Grants,  and  others  have  been  inveigled 
to  make  purchases  of  the  land  at  very  low  rates.  To  prevent  there- 
fore the  deception  from  increasing,  and  unwary  persons  from 
purchasing  and  entering  upon  the  lands  of  said  proprietors,  and  for 
quieting  the  minds  of  those,  who  hold  their  possessions  by  grants  of 
the  Proprietors,  a brief  State  of  the  right  and  title  of  the  Claimers 
under  the  Heirs  of  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  to  Lands  in  New  Hampshire, 
and  that  of  the  purchasers  from  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqris  presented. 
In  respect  to  the  Title  claimed  by  Allen’s  Heirs  it  is  declared,  that 
John  Mason  of  London  Esqr  the  original  Grantee  of  the  Lands  in 
New  Hampshire  from  the  Council  at  Plymouth  in  the  County  of 
Devon  in  Great  Britain,  by  his  will  devised  said  Lands  in  New 
Hampshire  to  his  Grandchild  John  Tufton,  and  to  the  heirs  of  his 
body  lawfully  begotten,  and  for  want  of  such  issue,  to  Robert  Tufton 
his  Grandchild,  and  to  the  heirs  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten,  and 
required  that  they  should  alter  their  Surname  and  take  t lie  Surname 
of  Mason  which  they  accordingly  did.  In  the  year  1690,  John  and 
Robert  Tufton  Mason  brought  common  recovery  in  the  County  of 
Kent  in  Great  Britain,  to  dock  the  entail  of  the  lands  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, devised  in  the  Will  of  their  Grandfather  John  Mason  Esqr. 
In  the  next  year  1691,  John  and  Robert  by  one  deed  sold  to  Samuel 
Allen  Esqr  those  lands  in  New  Hampshire.  A few  years  after  John 
the  elder  brother  died  without  issue;  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  was  com- 
missionatecl  Governor  of  New  Hampshire  and  came  to  his  Government 


328 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


about  the  year  1700;  and  in  a few  years  he  died  in  New  Hampshire 
leaving  one  son  Thomas  and  four  daughters.  In  1706,  Thomas  Allen 
sold  to  Sir  Charles  Hobby  one  fourth  part  of  the  lands  in  New  Hamp- 
shire which  his  Father  purchased  of  John  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason. 
About  twenty  five  years  past  a Gentleman  arrived  here  as  Attorney 
to  the  heirs  of  Sir  Charles  Hobbv  to  take  care  of  their  interest  in 
the  lands  Sir  Charles  purchased  of  Thomas  Allen:  upon  enquiry  and 
examining  Allen's  title,  and  the  Title  of  the  purchasers  from  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  the  agent  acknowledged  the  Title  under  Allen 
could  not  be  supported,  relinquished  his  pursuit,  and  went  off.  Gov- 
ernor Allen  and  his  son  Thomas  had  conveyed  the  greater  part  if  not 
the  whole  of  the  land  they  claimed  in  New  Hampshire : However  it 
does  not  appear  that  any  part  of  the  land  which  Allen  purchased  of 
John  and  Robert  Tufton  Mason  in  New  Hampshire,  is  held  or  pos- 
sessed by  any  person  in  the  right  or  title  of  Allen,  or  of  those  to 
whom  Allen  or  his  Heirs  had  made  a conveyance  of  their  right;  nor 
could  it  be  holden  against  the  heirs  in  tail  of  John  Mason  Esqr  after 
the  decease  of  John  and  Robert  his  grandsons  : as  the  Fine  and 
Recovery  sued  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  Great  Britain,  could  not  bar 
the  entail  of  Lands  in  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  : and  more 
especially  when  the  Court  in  New  Hampshire  was  subsisting  before 
the  year  1690  where  it  must  have  been  sued  in  order  effectually  to 
dock  the  entail  of  those  lands  in  New  Hampshire. 

The  mention  of  one  reason  will  suffice  to  shew  the  absurdity  of 
supposing  that  Recovery  to  be  effectual.  The  Law  makes  it  neces- 
sary that  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  where  the  common  recovery 
is  sued  should  put  the  Party  recovering  into  possession  of  the  prem- 
isses ; and  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Kent  in  Great  Britain  had 
surely  no  authority  to  put  any  one  into  possession  of  Lands  in  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  ; a place  rather  out  of  his  Bailiwick ! 

In  respect  to  the  right  and  title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  to  the 
lands  in  New  Hampshire,  which  the  Proprietors  claim  by  purchase 
from  him,  some  facts  are  alledged  to  evince  that  he  was  the  right 
Heir  and  Proprietor  of  those  Lands,  which  the  Heirs  of  Allen  pre- 
tend to  claim.  In  the  tenth  year  of  the  Reign  of  George  the  second, 
1737,  a Commission  issued  under  the  Great  Seal  of  England  constitut- 
ing principal  Gentlemen  of  several  Provinces  a Court  to  hear  and 
determine  the  disputes  respecting  the  boundary  Lines  betwixt  the 
Provinces  of  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New  Hampshire.  The  Com- 
mittee of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  consisted  of  the  most 
eminent  Gentlemen  of  their  General  Court  and  of  two  of  the  great- 
est Lawyers  in  New  England.  When  that  Committee  laid  their 
Claim  of  the  northerly  boundary  Line  of  the  Province  of  Massachu- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


329 


setts  Bay  before  the  Court  of  Commissioners,  they  claimed  as  their 
north  boundary  lina  a line  no  farther  northward  than  three  miles 
north  of  Merrimack  River ; which  Line  was  also  claimed  by  the 
Committee  of  New  Hampshire  as  the  southward  boundary  line  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire;  and  was  also  a boundary  of  Mason’s 
Grant.  The  Townships  of  Salisbury,  Almsbury,  Haverill,  Dracutt, 
and  Methuen,  bounding  southerly  on  Merrimack  River,  and  their 
northern  Boundarys  extending  much  more  than  three  miles  north  of 
Merrimack  River,  as  the  Massachusetts  Bay  could  not  claim  or  exer- 
cise Jurisdiction  more  than  three  miles  north  of  Merrimack  River, 
and  those  five  Townships  being  bounded  and  settled  by  that  Gov- 
ernment, they  were  desirous  of  confirming  the  property  of  the  Soil 
in  those  Townships  to  the  Inhabitants  that  lay  northward  of  their 
line  of  Jurisdiction,  and  within  the  bounds  of  those  five  Townships. 
To  accomplish  that  Intention  they  had  recourse  to  the  Heir  and 
Proprietor  of  Mason’s  Grant  from  the  Council  at  Plymouth  of  the 
Lands  in  New  Hampshire;  And  applied  to  John  Tufton  Mason  then 
resident  at  Boston  as  that  Heir  and  Proprietor  ; who  for  a valuable 
consideration  of  Five  hundred  pounds  conveyed  his  right  to  the 
Land  within  the  bounds  of  said  five  Townships  containing  many 
thousand  Acres  to  the  Massachusetts  Committee  ; and  his  Deed  was 
recorded  in  the  Records  of  New  Hampshire.  The  Court  determin- 
ing the  boundary  Lines  betwixt  these  Provinces  rendered  their 
Judgement  in  that  cause,  from  which  Judgement  both  Provinces 
appealed  to  the  King  in  Council.  About  that  time  the  Province  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  at  the  expence  of  the  Province  sent  John  Tufton 
Mason  to  the  Court  at  London,  on  some  other  purpose  than  respected 
the  boundary  Lines  of  the  Province,  furnished  with  sufficient  Certi- 
ficates of  his  being  the  right  Heir  and  Proprietor  of  the  Lands  in 
New  Hampshire,  granted  by  the  Council  at  Plymouth  in  Great 
Britain  to  John  Mason  Esqr.  The  Government  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  made  no  Application  for  the  purchase  of  Lands  in  those  five 
Towns  to  the  heirs  of  Allen,  or  to  any  person  to  whom  Allen,  or  his 
heirs  had  made  a Conveyance  of  the  whole,  or  any  part  of  the  Lands 
in  New  Hampshire,  within  the  Grant  to  Mason  : Although  at  that 
time  the  pretended  Title  of  Allen  to  those  Lands  was  at  least  as 
well  understood  by  the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  as  by 
any  persons  at  any  time  since.  That  Government  by  their  transac- 
tions with  John  Tufton  Mason  have  fully  manifested  their  opinion 
and  sense  that  John  Tufton  Mason  was  the  right  heir  and  proprietor 
of  the  Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  granted  to  his  Ancestor  John 
Mason  Esqr. 

John  Tufton  Mason  being  in  London  in  the  year  1739  when  John 


330 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Thomlinson  Esqr  was  then  Agent  for  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, the  latter  from  his  knowledge  of  Mason’s,  right  to  the  Lands 
in  New  Hampshire  and.  of  the  importance  of  purchasing  that  right 
for  the  Government,  without  instructions  from  his  Constituents, 
entered  into  an  Agreement  with  Mason,  by  which  he  (Mason)  was 
to  convey  his  right  and  title  to  those  Lands  to  the  Government  of 
New  Hampshire  in  Consideration  of  a certain  sum  of  money  &ca. 
The  Governor  laid  that  Agreement  before  the  Assembly,  and  sent  to 
the  House  to  desire  thev  would  come  to  some  resolve  about  the 
Agreement  between  Cap1  Thomlinson  and  Mason.  The  Assembly 
resolved  that  said  Agreement  should  be  forthwith  complied  with  on 
the  part  of  this  Government,  and  that  the  right  that  said  Mason 
claims  should  be  purchased  for  the  benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Province.  Agreeably  to  this  Resolve,  the  Assembly  appointed  a 
Committee,  to  join  such  as  might  be  appointed  by  the  Council,  to 
treat  with  Cap1  John  Tufton  Mason  about  fulfilling  his  Agreement 
made  with  Mr  Thomlinson,  of  conveying  the  right  said  Mason  claimed 
to  this  Province. 

The  Result  was,  that  the  different  Opinions  in  the  Branches  of  the 
Legislature  in  the  disposal  of  the  unimproved  Lands  prevented  the 
purchase  being  made  of  Mason  : which  put  an  end  to  that  Agree- 
ment. At  the  Term  of  the  Inferiour  Court  of  Common  Pleas  held 
at  Portsmouth  in  New  Hampshire  June  1746,  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqr  sued  a common  Recovery  to  dock  the  entail  of  the  Lands  in 
New  Hampshire  which  he  held  in  the  right  and  by  the  devise  of  his 
Ancestor  John  Mason  Esq1-;  at  which  Court  Judgment  passed  to 
dock  the  entail  of  those  Lands , and  accordingly  livery  and  seizin  of 
the  same  was  given  by  the  Sheriff.  After  the  process  of  docking  the 
entail,  and  entry  and  seizin  was  compleated,  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
by  his  Deeds  conveyed  his  right  and  title  to  those  Lands,  (except  one 
thirtieth  part  which  he  reserved  to  himself)  to  a number  of  Gentle- 
men, for  a consideration  in  money  by  one  half  more  than  that  for 
which  he  contracted  with  John  Thomlinson  Esqr  to  sell  to  the 
Province.  When  the  purchasers  were  possessed  of  Mason’s  right, 
they  executed  a Deed  of  Quit  Claim  of  their  right  to  all  the  Towns 
granted  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  where  any  Settlement 
had  been  made,  upon  no  other  consideration  than  quieting  the  Inhab- 
itants who  possessed  the  Land  under  the  Grants  of  the  Government 
of  New  Hampshire;  and  the  Proprietors  continued  in  quiet  and 
peaceable  possession  of  the  Lands  they  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqr.  In  the  year  1746,  the  Council  and  Assembly  of  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  resolved,  that  for  quieting  of  the  people  of 
this  Province,  and  to  prevent  future  difficulties  and  disputes,  it  would 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


331 


be  best  for  this  Province  to  purchase  Mason’s  Claim  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  if  the  Purchasers  would 
sell  it  for  the  same  sum  they  gave  for  it,  and  charges.  And  applica- 
tion was  made  to  the  Proprietors  by  a Committee  of  both  Houses, 
with  the  Governor’s  assent,  to  know  if  the  Proprietors  would  sell 
their  right  they  had  purchased  of  Mason  for  the  sum  they  gave  for 
it,  and  charges;  To  which  proposal  they  agreed;  and  gave  it  under 
their  hands,  that  they  were  ready  to  perform  what  they  had  agreed  to, 
and  desired  the  Committee  would  prepare  a Deed  for  executing  the 
convejTance  as  proposed.  The  Proprietors  were  in  expectation  of 
having  the  Deed  presented  soon  after,  and  waited  from  1746  to  1748, 
for  it.  Adjournments  of  the  General  Assembly  or  some  Accidents, 
the  proprietors  conceived,  prevented  a Deed  being  presented  sooner. 
In  the  mean  time  many  Applications  were  made  to  the  Proprietors 
for  grants  of  their  Lands:  after  long  waiting  for  the  Deed  they  ex- 
pected, they  requested  the  Assembly  would  finish  the  Affair  of  the 
purchase,  not  making  any  grants  before  the  matter  of  conveyance 
from  them  to  the  Government  was  determined.  At  length  a Deed 
was  presented  by  a Committee  of  the  Council  and  Assembly,  to  the 
Proprietors  for  perusal,  and  to  execute;  the  Deed  was  liable  to  many 
objections,  which  were  made,  and  one  of  such  weight,  that  it  appeared, 
the  Deed  was  calculated  to  -prevent  the  Proprietors  from  conveying 
their  Claim  to  the  Province ; and  they  were  informed  that  it  was  so 
contrived;  and  that  the  same  motive  which  before  had  hindered  the 
purchase  from  Mason  by  the  Government,  now  prevented  the  pur- 
chase from  the  Proprietors;  and  so  the  Treaty  of  Sale  ended. 
Petitions  to  the  Proprietors  for  grants  of  Land  for  Townships  multi- 
plied, from  Persons  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  Grants  were  accordingly  made  in  consequence  of  those  Petitions, 
and  as  there  were  no  other  Claimers  of  ungranted  Lands  in  New 
Hampshire  but  the  Crown  and  the  Proprietors  of  Mason’s  Claim,  in 
order  to  have  the  proper  boundaries  fixed,  to  prevent  encroachments 
by  Grants  under  the  Crown,  or  of  the  Proprietors,  and  any  disputes 
of  persons  under  the  grants  of  either,  application  was  made  to  the 
Surveyor  General  of  the  Crown  Lands  in  New  Hampshire,  to  have 
the  same  effected,  and  by  his  Authority  and  direction,  the  same  was 
ascertained  and  marked,  by  a skillful  Surveyor  and  chainmen  under 
oath,  and  a plan  of  the  same  was  returned  under  oath  and  attested 
by  the  Surveyor  General.  And  the  Lands  adjacent  to  the  western 
boundary  line  of  Mason’s  giant,  as  ascertained  and  marked  by  the 
Authority  of  the  Surveyor  General,  the  eastern  bounds  of  the  Town- 
ships granted  by  the  Government,  and  the  western  bounds  of  the 
Townships  granted  by  the  Proprietors,  were  bounded  and  limited  by 


332 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  Line,  or  intended  to  be  so  bounded  and  limited,  both  by  Govern- 
ment and  Proprietors,  in  those  Grants.  And  Grants  of  Townships 
have  been  made,  bounding  both  on  the  eastern  and  western  side  of 
that  Line,  almost  upon  its  whole  extent  from  south  to  north.  And 
the  Grantees  on  both  sides  of  that  line  have  settled,  and  made  great 
improvements  on  their  Lands  in  those  Townships  for  many  years. 
The  Townships  granted  by  the  Proprietors  have  been  made,  some  of 
them  more  than  thirty  five  years  past,  and  nearly  all  above  thirty 
years.  The  Grants  of  those  Townships  were  made,  held  and  settled, 
under  the  approbation  and  protection  of  Government,  and  the  Towns 
were  enfranchised  as  other  Towns  in  the  Government  were,  and  the 
Grantees  and  their  Heirs  have  quietly  enjoyed  their  Grants  without 
any  claim  being  made  of  the  Soil  by  the  Crown,  or  Government  of 
New  Hampshire,  or  any  person  whatever,  ’till  of  late.  And  they  and 
their  heirs,  at  great  expence  and  labour,  have  reduced  a Wilderness 
to  fruitful  Fields;  producing  Fruits  to  their  own  emolument,  and 
benefit  to  the  Public,  without  the  least  molestation  ’till  within  fifteen 
months  past.  The  right  and  title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr,  under 
which  they  held  their  Grants,  had  been  publickly  and  without  con- 
troversy held  up  as  good  and  valid,  and  to  be  relied  on,  it  had  been 
amply  declared  to  be  so  hy  the  transactions  of  the  Government  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  with  Mason ; and  by  the  careful  regard  to  the 
wellfare  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  shewn  by  their  worthy 
Agent  who  contracted  with  Mason  to  convey  his  right  to  these  Lands 
to  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  ; and  by  the  recognition  of  that 
Right  by  the  three  branches  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Province  in 
their  resolves  and  votes  to  purchase  the  same  in  the  manner  before 
mentioned.  And  the  same  Legislature  has  also  acknowledged  the 
same  right  to  those  Lands  to  be  in  the  Gentlemen  who  purchased  of 
Mason. 

Any  one  of  these  Authorities  considered  singly,  is  a strong  induce- 
ment to  conclude  that  the  right  and  title  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
to  the  Lands  he  claimed  in  New  Hampshire  were  good  and  valid, 
but  taken  together  the  presumption  is  so  forcible  as  scarcely  to  ad- 
mit of  a doubt — . And  that  the  Proprietors,  who  purchased  of  him, 
had  an  undoubted  right  to  the  Lands,  when  occasion  may  require, 
full  and  sufficient  evidence  can  and  will  be  produced. 

The  preprietors  from  the  time  they  made  the  purchase  have  been 
at  great  and  necessary  expence,  respecting  their  Grants,  and  settling 
the  Lands,  in  which  a conformity  to  the  regulation  of  Government 
in  those  matters,  has  been  always  carefully  regarded. — Ever  since 
the  lands  of  non-resident  Owners  have  been  taxed  in  this  State,  the 
Proprietors  readily  paid  their  Tax  when  they  were  not  prevented  by 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


333 


clandestine  and  fraudulent  practices  of  Collectors,  and  their  confed- 
erates, in  selling  large  quantities  of  their  lands  for  very  inconsidera- 
ble sums  ; which  has  been  managed  in  such  an  artful  manner,  that 
the  sales  could  not  be  prevented  by  the  owners  of  the  lands  paying 
the  taxes.  However  the  Proprietors  have  been  injured  in  that  man- 
ner, they  have  contributed  in  payment  of  taxes  on  their  non-resident 
lands  large  sums  for  the  support  of  the  Government  of  this  State. 

From  the  year  1746  the  Proprietors,  and  those  who  hold  under 
them,  have  been  un-molested  in  their  property  in  these  Lands  ’till 
about  fifteen  months  past,  when  the  pretended  Title  of  the  Heirs  of 
Allen  appeared  in  the  public  prints  : who  by  their  conduct  and  the 
proceedings  of  their  Agents  are  making  attempts  to  intrude  upon 
that  property. — which  title  of  Allen,  or  his  Heirs,  has  been  scarcely 
mentioned  ’till  lately  in  New  Hampshire  within  the  memory  of  any 
man  living.  It  is  certain  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  had  no 
regard  to  it ; for  more  than  sixty  years  past  they  granted  and  have 
continued  granting  Townships  within  Mason’s  claim,  and  no  applica- 
tion has  been  made  to  Government,  by  Allen’s  Heirs  or  any  person 
under  them  in  the  way  of  asserting  their  claim  to  the  Lands  the 
Government  were  granting.  The  Grantees  have  entered  upon  their 
Grants,  and  improved  the  lands,  and  were  never  molested,  or  a Claim 
ever  pretended  to  those  lands  by  any  of  Allen’s  Heirs.  But  when 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  appeared  in  New  Hampshire  and  asserted 
his  right  and  claim  of  sixty  miles  from  the  Sea  of  the  lands  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  the  Government  made  no  more  Grants, 
or  from  that  time  intended  to  make  any  Grant  of  the  land  within 
his  Claim,  but  acknowledged  his  claim  to  be  good  and  valid,  and  have 
also  admitted  the  right  and  property  of  the  Proprietors  who  pur- 
chased of  him,  as  is  manifested  by  their  votes,  and  resolves  before 
mentioned.  For  these  and  other  good  reasons,  the  Proprietors  have 
not  the  least  conception  that  the  Heirs  of  Allen  can  support  a legal 
title  to  the  lands  they  pretend  to  claim  in  New  Hampshire,  but  are 
concerned  for  the  people  settled  in  the  lands  in  their  Grants,  it  being 
reported  that  lately  they  have  been  alarmed  by  Apprehensions  art- 
fully raised  of  their  property’s  being  subverted,  and  that  the  peace  of 
their  minds  has  been  greatly  disturbed  in  respect  to  their  estates, 
which  they  have  long  possessed,  improved,  and  quietly  enjoyed,  with- 
out the  least  molestation  'till  lately  when  Allen’s  heirs  have  published 
a claim  to  their  Lands,  and  they  and  their  Agents  have  been  going 
from  Town  to  Town,  advertising  the  making  of  Grants,  and  offering 
for  sale  the  Lands  of  the  Proprietors  at  low  rates,  under  Allen's 
Title.  Doubtless  there  are  some  persons  of  no  more  principle  than 
to  take  the  opportunity,  under  any  pretence  of  title,  by  Grants  or 


334 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


sales  of  valuable  land  at  low  rates,  to  seize  them  for  their  own  use. 
And  others  of  a better  mind,  maybe  inveigled,  and  tempted  to  take 
Grants,  and  purchase  valuable  land,  at  rates  much  under  their  value. 
All  such  persons,  and  any  others,  are  again  cautioned  against  enter- 
ing upon,  improving,  or  making  YVaste,  in  any  of  the  lands 
of  the  Proprietors,  which  they  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqr  in  New  Hampshire  ; for  they  may  rely  upon  a prosecution  for 
any  Trespass  they  make  upon  any  of  the  Proprietor’s  Lands. 

[Endorsed]  History  of  the  Title  by  Mr  Humphreys 


[. Request  of  Elijah  Frink , Aug.,  1785.'] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  46.] 

Lemster  Augst  1785 

Sir  according  to  your  Requst  I have  hereinclosed  the  minds  of 
our  Propriety  and  what  we  Requst  of  yours  to  Remove  the  Curve 
Line  or  the  in  Combranc  thereof  from  these  towns  and  for  my  own 
Part  would  Request  that  it  might  Be  dun  as  sune  as  may  be  to 
Prevent  any  further  Confustion  and  Lawsutes  amungthe  People  this 
from  your  most  Obediant  Humle  Sarnt 

Elijah  Frink 


[. Protest  against  the  Curve  Line , Sept.  1 , 1785.] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  47.] 

To  the  Masonian  Proprietors  Jentlemen  we  the  Proprietors  Com- 
mittee of  the  Towns  of  Marlow  and  Lemster  Desire  to  Inform  you 
that  we  have  no  Desire  to  take  any  Special  Part  in  the  Public  dispute 
Respecting  your  Western  Line  but  we  are  fully  Sensable  that  Sd  Line 
Never  was  Desired  to  Come  within  our  Towns  but  by  Mistake  of 
Mr  Joseph  Blancher  who  first  Ran  Sd  line  to  Run  the  Line  About 
two  & half  Miles  on  these  Towns  we  Suppose  without  your  Knowl- 
edge, and  we  think  it  our  Duty  to  Demand  what  Land  our  Charters 
give  us  and  we  are  Willing  to  have  the  Lines  of  our  Towns  Run  by 
the  Surveyor  Ge11  or  his  Deputy  at  ye  Cost  of  Sd  Towns  and  Jentle- 
men we  think  it  but  Resonable  to  Desire  you  to  Renounce  all  Claims 
within  the  lines  of  these  Towns  in  that  way  that  you  in  your  Wisdom 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


335 


♦ 

Shall  see  fit  and  so  End  the  Dispute  without  further  Cost  or  trouble 

Lemster  September  ye  1 A D 1785 

Elijah  Frink  ) n ... 

A11J  ut.,,  ( Committee 

Allen  Willey  > ? T , 
t i D i -,i  \ tor  Lemster 
Jabez  Beckwith  ) 


To  the  Mason i an  Proprietors 


Sam11  Canfield 
Eber  Lewis 
Nathan  Huntly 


Committee 
for  Marlow 


Petition  of  ten  towns  in  Hillsborough  county  concerning  the 
Mason-Alien  controversy,  May,  1786,  State  Papers,  Vol.  18,  p.  767. 


Petition  of  inhabitants  concerning  Mason-Alien  controversy,  June, 
1786,  State  Papers,  Vol.  18,  p.  768. 


Petition  from  the  heirs  of  Allen,  June  12,  1786,  State  Papers,  Vol. 
18,  p.  769. 


Report  of  committee  on  unimproved  lands  recommending  the  set- 
tlement of  the  western  line  of  the  Masonian  patent,  Jan.  19,  1787, 
State  Papers,  Vol.  18,  p.  785. 


[Act  for  Ascertaining  Waste  Lands , Jan.  16,  1787. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  48.] 

State  of  ) In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  Thousand  seven  hun- 
New  IIampre  j died  and  eighty  seven 

An  Act  for  ascertaining  the  waste  Land  belonging  to  this  State 
Whereas  it  is  an  object  of  great  importance  to  the  State  that  the 
waste  or  unimproved  Land  belonging  to  & the  property  of  the  State 
be  clearly  and  speedily  ascertained 

Therefore  be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  & House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  convened  that  the  Honl,le  John  M'Duffie  & Josiah 
Bartlet  Esq™  & Archibald  M' Murphy  Esqr  be  & they  are  hereby  ap- 


336 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


pointed  a Committee  with  full  power  and  authority  for  and  on  the 
part  & in  the  behalf  of  this  State  to  ascertain  settle  and  fix  the 
western  Line  of  a tract  of  Land  originally  granted  to  Capfc  John 
Mason  commonly  called  the  Masonian  Line  and  to  effect  this  purpose 
the  said  Committee  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  agree  with 
the  Owners  or  Claimants  of  said  grant  in  running  marking  and 
establishing  said  Line  in  such  way  and  manner  as  the  said  Committee 
and  said  Owners  or  Claimants  may  mutually  agree 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  in  case  it  shall  so  happen  that  the  said 
Owners  or  Claimants  and  the  said  Comee  shall  not  agree  in  settling 
& establishing  said  Line  then  said  Comee  shall  proceed  to  run  and 
mark  said  Line  agreeably  to  the  tenor  and  construction  of  the  origi- 
nal Grant  or  Grants  of  said  Tract  of  Land  and  make  report  thereof 
to  the  General  Court — 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  any  Owner  and  Owners  of  any 
Lands  or  other  real  Estate  which  may  hereafter  be  sold  for  the  pay- 
ment of  public  Taxes  shall  have  one  year  for  the  redemption  thereof 
from  the  time  of  sale  instead  of  the  time  now  limited  for  the  redeem- 
ing such  estate  so  sold  such  Owner  or  Owners  paying  the  Taxes  and 
charges  as  the  Law  in  such  cases  directs  any  Law  usage  or  custom  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding 

xt  re  } In  the  House  of  Representatives  Jany  15. 1787 — 

New  Hampre  \ r 

The  foregoing  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time  voted  that  it 
pass  to  be  enacted  sent  up  for  concurrence 

John  Langdon  Speaker 

In  Senate  16th  Jany  1787  This  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time 
voted  that  the  same  be  enacted 

John  Sullivan  President 

Copy  examin’d  by  Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


[Act  to  Quiet  Layxd  Purchasers , June  28,  1787. ] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  49.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire. — 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord,  One  Thousand  Seven  Hun- 
[L.  S.-]  dred  & Eighty  seven. — 

An  Act,  to  quiet  all  bona  fide  purchasers  of  lands, 
between  a line  crossing  over  lands  upon  a strait  Course,  from  the 
Northeast  extremity  of  the  East  line  of  Masons  patent,  being  sixty 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


337 


miles  from  the  Sea  on  a strait  line,  and  running  to  the  extremity  of 
the  western  side  line  of  said  patent  at  sixty  miles  distance  from  the 
Sea,  on  a strait  line,  and  the  curve  line,  (so  called,)  claimed  by  the 
persons,  calling  themselves  the  masonian  Proprietors,  as  the  head 
line  of  said  patent. — 

Whereas  doubts  may  arise  in  the  minds  of  honest  Settlers,  and 
bona  fide  purchasers,  that  they  may  be  disturbed  in  their  possessions, 
if  the  lands  between  the  said  head  line,  at  the  end  of  sixty  miles, 
and  the  said  curve  line,  should  be  recovered  and  taken  possession  of 
by  the  State — Wherefore  to  remove  all  such  doubts — Be  it  enacted 
by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  con- 
vened, that  all  lands  situate  between  the  said  curve  and  strait  lines, 
which  were  bona  fide  granted,  or  sold,  by  the  King  of  great  Britain, 
as  by  the  persons  calling  themselves  the  masonian  Proprietors ; or 
by  the  persons  claiming  the  lands  within  the  said  patents,  in  the 
right  of  Samuel  Allen  Esq  prior  to  the  first  day  of  June  1786,  be 
and  hereby  are  quietted  in  the  title  of  lands  so  purchased,  so  far  as 
that  the  State  shall  not  hereafter  disturb,  or  interfere  with  such 
titles. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  such  persons,  as  have  entered,  and 
made  improvements,  upon  tracts  of  land  between  the  said  curve,  and 
strait  lines,  that  have  not  been  heretofore  granted  or  sold,  by  the 
king  of  great  Britain,  the  masonian  proprietors,  or  the  heirs  of  Sam- 
uel Allen  Esqre  such  persons,  or  Inhabitants  shall  be  quieted  in  their 
possession  upon  paying  to  this  State  the  value  of  uncultivated  lands 
in  the  vicinit}r  of  the  same. — 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  boundaries  of  all  Townships 
within  this  State,  shall  be  and  remain  as  heretofore  fixed  and  estab- 
lished, notwithstanding  any  alteration  that  may  happen  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  head  line  of  said  patent. — Provided  nevertheless, 
that  nothing  in  this  Act  contained,  shall  be  construed  to  extend  to 
lands  now  claimed  by  persons  commonly  called  the  masonian  Pro- 
prietors, or  their  Heirs ; or  the  Proprietors  claiming  under  Samuel 
Allen  Esqr  or  their  heirs,  in  their  own  right,  or  any  Township 
granted  or  conveyed  to  and  among  themselves,  not  bona  fide  con- 
veyed to  any  other  persons  or  to  any  lands  reserved  by  them,  or 
either  of  them,  to  and  for  the  use  of  themselves  and  their  Heirs. — 

State  of  New  j jn  t]ie  House  of  Representatives  June  28th  1787 
Hampshire  \ 1 

The  foregoing  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time,  voted  that  it 
pass  to  be  enacted. — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

John  Sparhawk  Speaker 

22 


338 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


In  Senate  the  same  day,  This  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time, 
voted  that  the  same  be  enacted. 


Jn°  Sullivan  President 


[. Protest  of  Masonian  Proprietors .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  105.] 

To  the  Committee  for  ascertaining  the  waste  lands  belonging  to 
this  State. 

Gentlemen. 

The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqr  would  observe  that  the  Western  line  of  Mason’s  Patent  has, 
long  ago,  been  run  by  Order  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  while  the 
late  Province  was  part  of  his  Dominions ; that  the  line  so  run  has 
been,  again,  and  again  recognized,  by  Royal  Grants  bounding 
thereon  ; as  well  as  by  Grants  of  the  Proprietors,  to  many  indi- 
viduals holding  and  enjoying  the  Lands,  under  the  same  Grants, 
respectively. — 

That  as  an  Alteration  of  the  Line  recognized,  and  established,  as 
the  boundary  between  the  Grants  made  by  the  Crown,  and  the 
Proprietors,  would  derange,  and  perhaps  totally  destroy  the  Grants 
so  made  by  both,  and  create  great  uneasiness,  and  animosity  among 
many  Subjects  of  this  State  ; at  a time  when  the  greatest  harmony 
and  cordiality  ought  to  prevail.  The  Proprietors  from  a regard  to  the 
public  Good,  and  a sense  of  the  sacred  Rights  of  Property,  can  never 
consent  to  an  Alteration  of  the  line,  but  must  protest  against  the 
Committee’s  invading  or  running  any  lines  of  the  Proprietors  Lands. 
While  they  conceive  that  no  ex-parte  proceedings  of  the  Committee, 
can  ever  substantially  affect  the  Title — For  according  to  the  Laws, 
and  Constitution  of  this  State,  nothing,  but  an  impartial  decision  of 
their  Country  can  deprive  them  of  their  Property. 


[ List  of  Greorge  Jaffrey's  Lots , March  21,  1788. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  52.] 

A List  of  Lots  of  Land  in  possession  of  George  Jaffrev  or  sup- 
posed to  be  in  Masons  Grant  as  a Proprietor  , 

Goffs  Town  ....  2 lots 240  Acres 

Merideth 2 lots  ....  . 200 

Peterborough  ...  1 .......  100 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


339 


Middleton  .... 

2 

• • • • • 

220 

New  Durham 

2 

• • • • • 

220 

Wakefield  .... 

9 

• • • • • 

220 

Weare 

1 

..... 

120 

Effingham  .... 

0 

— 



280 

Salisbury 

Parrys  Town  . . . 

1 

. • • 

80 

L 



200 

Andover 

3 

280 

Henniker 

3 



300 

New  Boston  addition  . 

1 

• • • • • 

100 

Wolf  borough 

1 

• • • • e 

324 

Hillsborough 

1 

100 

Moultoborough  . . 

2 



200 

New  Durham  Gore 

2 

• • • • • 

1600 

Alexandria  & Addition 

8 

..... 

800 

Washington  .... 



898 

Packersfield  .... 

..... 

200 

Fishersfield  .... 

..... 

515 

Ossipee 

• « . . 

800 

Lyndsborough  . 

2 

• • • • • 

350 

Jaffrey 

1 

• • • • • 

100 

Fitz  William 

2 

• • • • • 

200 

Temple 

2 

..... 

160 

Peterborough  Slip  . 

1 

• . • 

80 

Rindge  ..... 

2 



200 

Dublin 

2 

..... 

200 

Marlborough  . . . 

2 

• • . • 

200 

New  Ipswich 

3 



220 

Stoddard  

3 

300 

New-Chester 

4 

..... 

400 

Kyah  Sarge  .... 

5 

• • • . • 

500 

Bradford  Town  . 

6 

..... 

553 

Gore  near  fisherfield  . 

8 

• • • • 

800 

Conwav 

1 

..... 

100 

Campell  Gore  . 
in  lot  N°  8 in  reserved 

1 



100 

Share  in  Gore  near  New  Durham 

N°  1.  80 
12.  53 

133 

Antrim 

260T 

Dearing 

440 

Gore  near  Weare 

54 

Acres  15694 

340 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  New  Hampshire  } Portsmouth  March  21th  1788 
Rockingham  ss  ( George  Jaffrey  Esqr  personally  ap- 

pearing made  Solemn  Oath  that  ye  above  Accompt  of  land  contain- 
ing fifteen  thousand  Six  hundred  ninety  four  Acres  according  to 
the  best  of  his  knowlege,  he  is  now  possessed  of  as  an  Original 
Proprietor  in  Mason's  Patent. — 

before  me  Sam11  Penhallow  Justice  Peace 


[ Terms  'of  Compromise  with  State , June  2 , 1788.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  53.] 

Whereas  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  Thomas  Martin  Esqr  Elizabeth  Went- 
worth together  with  several  other  Proprietors  of  Masons  Patent  by 
their  within  Agreement  of  this  date  have  impowerd  us  to  Settle  and 
Compromise  with  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  for  the  said  States 
claim  to  anv  Lands  Divided  or  undivided  owned  by  the  said  Propri- 
etors  within  said  Patent,  Now  we  hereby  ingage  that  we  will  not 
give  more  than  one  Shilling  Lawful  Money  ^ Acre  or  Public  Securi- 
ties equal  thereto — or  if  we  should  be  able  to  make  said  Compromise 
by  releasing  a part  of  the  Land  that  we  will  not  give  or  engage  any 
Quantity  more  than  one  half  part  therof  Quantity  and  Quality 
which  are  the  highest  terms  the  said  Proprietors  have  agreed  to 
make  to  secure  the  residue  of  their  property,  & we  hereby  promise  as 
aforesaid  that  the  above  mentioned  terms  in  Money  or  Land  is  the 
highest  sum  we  will  give  said  State  or  their  Agents  to  Obtain  a 
release  & discharge  for  sd  States  Title  & Claim  to  the  Lands  afore- 
said June  2d  1788 — 

Daniel  Rindge 
John  Peirce 


[ Deed , State  to  Proprietors , June  18.  1788 .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  54.] 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents  that  we  Thomas  Bartlet  of  Not- 
ingham,  Archibald  McMurphy  of  Londonderry  and  Dudley  Odlin  of 
Exeter,  all  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  and  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Esquires,  Agents  appointed  by  the  General  Court  of  New 
Hampshire  at  their  present  Sessions  to  release  to  the  Persons  calling 
themselves  the  Proprietors  of  Masons  Patent  commonly  called  the 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


841 


Masonian  Proprietors,  all  tlie  Right  Title,  Claim  and  Demand  which 
the  State  of  New  Hampshire  now  has,  or  may  have  or  claim  to  have, 
to  any  and  all  the  Lands  lying  between  the  Curve  line  so  Called  of 
Masons  Patent  claimed  by  said  Proprietors,  as  the  head  line  of  said 
Patent,  and  a straight  line  run  as  a head  line  of  the  same  by  a Com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  General  Court  at  their  Sessions  in  January 
One  thousand  seven  hundred  eighty  Seven — For  and  in  consideration 
of  Forty  Thousand  Dollars  in  Publick  Securities  of  this  State  and 
Eight  Hundred  Dollars  in  Silver  or  Gold  well  and  truly  secured  to 
be  paid  by  Daniel  Rindge  Esquire  and  John  Peirce  Merchant  both  of 
Portsmouth  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  in  said  State  Agents  to 
the  said  Proprietors,  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
for  the  time  being  to  and  for  the  use  of  said  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, the  Receipt  whereof  we  do  hereby  in  our  said  Capacity 
acknowledge  and  pursuant  to  the  Authority  given  to  us  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court  do  in  our  said  Capacity  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  State, 
Remise,  Release,  and  forever  Quit  Claim,  and  convey  to  George 
Jaffrey  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  Esquire  and  his  Associates  the  rest  of 
the  said  Proprietors  called  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  their  Successors, 
Heirs,  and  assigns  forever  to  Enure  to  them  and  each  of  them,  ac- 
cording to  their  several  & respective  Shares,  Interests,  and  Rights 
in  said  Propriety  All  the  Right,  Title,  Claim  and  Demand  which  the 
said  State  now  has  or  may  or  can  have,  of  in  and  unto  any  and  all 
the  aforesaid  Lands  lying  between  the  Straight  line  lately  run  by  the 
said  Committee  of  the  General  Court  as  the  head  line  of  Masons 
Patent  and  the  Curve  line  aforesaid — 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Remised  Released  and  conveyed, 
Premises  to  him  the  said  George  Jaffrey  and  the  rest  of  the  Masonian 
Proprietors  aforesaid  their  Successors  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  to 
be  and  Enure  to  them  and  each  of  them  in  manner  and  form  afore- 
said, without  the  Hindrance  or  Molestation  of  the  State  of  New 
Hampshire  by  virtue  of  any  Act  Deed  or  Conveyance  hereafter  Done 
made  or  Sufferd. 

In  Witness  whereof  we  the  said  Thomas  Bartlet,  Archibald 
M'Murph}7  & Dudley  Odlin  in  our  aforesaid  Capacity  as  Agents  to 
the  said  State  Specially  appointed  for  that  purpose  have  hereunto  set 
our  hands  and  Seals  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  June  Anno  Domini  One 

thousand  Seven  hundred  Eighty  Eight. 

Signed  Sealed  & Deliverd 
in  Presence  of  us — 

John  Neal 
Benja  Cragin 


Thomas  Bartlett  [seal] 

Archibald  McMurpliy  [seal] 
Dudley  Odlin  [seal] 


342 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  New  Hampshire 
Rockingham  ss — 

Then  Thomas  Bartlet,  Archibald 


Concord  June  18th  1788 


McMurphy  and  Dudley  Odlin 
Esquires  Personallyappeared  and  in  their  aforesaid  capacity  acknowl- 
edged this  Instrument  by  them  respectively  signed  and  sealed  to  be 
their  free  act  & deed 

Before  John  Neal  Jus.  Peace 


Hillsborough  ss.  Recd  8th  May  1792  and  recorded  vol:  29  page 
106  and  examined  by 

Jona  Smith  Jr  Regr 

Strafford  Records  Recd  October  1st  1795 — 

J.  P.  Gilman  Recorder 
Recorded  Lib.  20,  Fol  354  Examined  by 

J P Gilman  Register 


\Report  of  Proprietor's  Committee , Sept.  A,  1788. ] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  55.] 

State  of  New  | Portsmouth  February  11th  1788 — 

Hampshire  \ At  a legal  Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  Commonly  Called 
Masons  Patent  held  in  the  State  aforesaid — 

Whereas  the  General  Court  in  behalf  of  said  State  has  lately  laid 
claim  to  certain  Lands  owned  by  the  said  Proprietors,  between  the 
said  Proprietors  Curve  or  head  line  of  their  said  Patent  and  a 
Straight  line  lately  run  by  order  of  said  Court,  and  whereas  said 
Claim  may  have  a tendency  to  obstruct  and  hinder  the  settlement  of 
that  part  of  said  Patent,  and  to  create  an  Expencive  litigation  & 
tedious  controversy  with  said  State,  Now  with  a View  to  compro- 
mise and  finally  settle  the  same  in  an  expeditious  manner — 

Voted  that  Daniel  Rindge  Esqr  & Mr  John  Peirce  be  and  they  are 
hereby  a Committee  and  appointed  by  and  fully  impowerd  on  the 
part  of  said  Proprietors,  to  treat  with  the  General  Court  aforesaid  or 
any  Committee  or  agents  they  may  appoint  respecting  the  claim  of 
said  State,  and  they  the  said  Daniel  & John  on  the  part  of  said  Pro- 
prietors are  fully  impower’d  to  compromise  & settle  said  Claim  with 
said  State  or  with  Agents  they  may  appoint,  as  aforesaid  to  any  Lands 
owned  by  said  Proprietors  between  their  said  Curve  or  head  Line 
and  the  said  Straight  line,  on  such  terms  Conditions  and  Limita- 
tions as  said  Daniel  & John  may  think  for  the  benefit  of  said  Propri- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


343 


etors,  & said  Daniel  & John  be  and  hereby  are  further  impowerd 
on  the  part  of  said  Proprietors  to  agree  with  said  General  Court  or 
any  Committee,  Agent  or  Agents  appointed  by  them  on  the  part  of 
said  State,  to  Submit  and  refer  the  whole  Controversy  aforesaid  to 
the  final  Determination  of  Men  who  may  be  supposed  by  said  Daniel 
& John  to  be  Compotent  Judges  and  of  Character  proper  to  decide 
such  a dispute,  and  not  inhabitants  of  said  State,  whose  report  shall 
be  final  and  conclusive  between  the  parties — 

Copy  of  Record  Attest  Geo.  Jaffrey  Prors  Cle 

Pursuant  to  the  powers  given  us  b}r  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  at 
their  Meeting  held  the  11th  Day  of  February  last,  we  have  treated 
with  the  said  General  Court  and  their  Agents  and  after  a tedious 
negotiation  we  have  agreed  on  the  part  of  said  Proprietors,  in  order 
to  obtain  a final  Settlement  of  said  Controversy  that  the  said  Pro- 
prietors for  a full  release  by  Deed  of  all  the  said  States  Claim  to  the 
Lands  in  Dispute,  that  the  said  Proprietors  should  pay  to  the  said 
State,  Eight  hundred  Dollars  in  Specie  within  one  Year  from  the 
date  and  Forty  thousand  Dollars  in  State  Notes  of  the  said  State 
within  four  Years  with  interest  on  both  of  said  sums  until  paid,  for 
the  security  of  which  payments  we  have  given  the  Speaker  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  for  the  time  being  our  joint  Bond  for  both 
said  suras  dated  on  or  about  the  18th  Day  of  June  last  and  have 
Received  from  the  said  Agents  of  said  State,  properly  authorized,  a 
Deed  of  Release  for  all  their  claim  to  the  Lands  aforesaid  dated  on 
the  said  18th  day  of  June  last  which  we  have  Already  Deliverd 
George  Jaffrey  Esquire  Clerk  of  said  Proprietors,  and  now  request 
the  said  Proprietors,  will  take  proper  methods  for  the  payment  of 
said  Bond  and  indemnify  us  from  all  cost  interest  or  Damage  on 
account  of  our  signing  said  Bond,  more  than  our  just  proportion 
thereof 

Portsmouth  September  5th  1788 — 

Daniel  Rindge . 

John  Peirce 


[ George  Jaffrey  s Bond , Feb.  20,  1789. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  63.] 

Know  all  men  by  these  Presents  that  we  George  Jaffrey  of 
Portsmouth  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  and  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Esquire  as  Principal,  and  Joshua  Wentworth  of  said  Ports- 


344 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


mouth  Esquire  as  Surety,  are  holden  and  Stand  firmly  bound  & 
Obliged  unto  William  Gardner  Esquire  Treasurer  of  said  State  for 
the  Time  being,  in  the  sum  of  two  thousand  Seven  hundred  Pounds 
in  State  Notes  of  the  said  State  to  be  paid  unto  the  said  William 
Gardner  Esqr  Treasurer  aforesaid  for  the  Time  being  or  his  Suc- 
cessor in  Office  for  the  use  of  said  State  to  the  which  payment  well 
and  truly  to  be  made  and  done  We  bind  ourselves  our  Heirs  Execu- 
tors, and  Administrators  firmly  by  these  presents  Signed  with  our 
hands  and  Sealed  with  our  Seals  this  Twentieth  day  of  February  one 
thousand  Seven  hundred  eighty  Nine — 

The  Condition  of  this  Obligation  is  Such  that  Whereas  Daniel 
Rindge  Esquire  and  John  Peirce  Merchant  both  of  Portsmouth  afore- 
said, did  as  Agents  for  the  Masonian  Propriety,  and  in  their  behalf 
Agree  with  the  General  Court  of  said  State,  at  their  Sessions  held 
at  Concord  in  June  last,  for  a Release  of  all  the  Title  of  said  State, 
to  the  Lands  Lying  between  the  Curve  line  of  Mason's  Patent,  so 
called,  & a Straight  Line  Lately  Run  by  the  order  of  the  said  Gen- 
eral Court,  and  the  said  Agents  did  also  Agree  to  pay  the  said  State 
in  Consideration  thereof  for  and  in  behalf  of  said  Proprietors,  the 
sum  of  Eight  hundred  Dollars  in  Silver  or  gold  with  Interest  in  one 
Year  from  the  date  of  a Certain  Bond  duely  Executed  by  the  said 
Agents  dated  in  said  Month  of  June,  which  bond  was  payable  to  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for  the  time  being,  for  and 
in  behalf  of  said  State,  and  said  Agents  did  also  Agree  to  pay  the 
said  Speaker  the  sum  of  Forty  thousand  Dollars  in  State  Notes  of 
the  said  State  with  lawful  Interest,  in  four  equal  Annual  payments, 
to  be  computed  from  the  date  of  said  Bond,  and  whereas  the  said 
General  Court  at  this  Sessions  began  and  held  at  Exeter  the  24th 
day  of  December  last,  did  Resolve  that  Each  of  the  Proprietors  of 
said  Propriety  might  individually  pay  or  give  Security  to  the  said 
Treasurer  for  his  Proportion  of  said  sum  of  Forty  thousand  dollars 
to  be  paid  as  aforesaid — Now  therefore  know  ye  that  if  the  said 
George  Jaffrey  as  Principal,  and  the  said  Joshua  Wentworth  as 
Surety,  their  Heirs  Executors  or  Administrators  Shall  well  and 
Truly  pay  or  Cause  to  be  paid  unto  the  said  William  Gardner 
Esquire  Treasurer  as  aforesaid  or  his  Successor  in  said  Office  for  the 
Time  being  the  sum  of  thirteen  hundred  & fifty  three  pounds  19/ld 
in  State  Notes  in  four  Equal  Annual  Payments  to  be  Computed 
from  the  Eighteenth  day  of  said  June  with  lawful  Interest  from  the 
date  of  this  Bond,  without  fraud  or  further  delay  then  this  Obliga- 
tion to  be  void  Otherwise  to  be  in  full  force  Strength  and  Virtue 

Geo:  Jaffrey  [L  S] 

Josh  Wentworth  [L  S] 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


845 


Signed  Sealed  and 
delivered  in  Presence  of 

The  word  “ hundred  ” on  the  Second 
line  from  the  Bottom  of 
first  page,  first 
Interlined  before  Signing — 

Sam.  Sherburne 

George  Wentworth  junr 

Interest  to  be  Cast  from  18th  Feby 

1792  Octr  2d  Received  of  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  One  hundred  and 
£159  „ 14  „ 8 Equal  ) Fifty  Nine  pounds  fourteen  Shillings  and 

to  £456  „ 7 „ 7 Notes  \ Eight  pence  Specie  on  Account  of  the  fore- 

going Bond  pursuant  to  a vote  of  the  General  Court  passed  January 
4,  1792 

Common  p]eas  August  Term  1794 — 

Judg*  for  £609  ,,  7 „ 9 

W.  Parker 

Copy  Examined  by  N..  Emery  Clerk 


[ Deed , Allen  Heirs  to  Proprietors , Jan . 28, 1790.'] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  57.] 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  Greeting, 
Whereas  many  disputes  and  Lawsuits  have  arisen  and  do  now  exist 
respecting  the  different  Claims  to  certain  Lands  in  that  part  of  New 
Hampshire  originally  granted  to  Cap1  John  Mason  called  and  known 
by  the  name  of  Mason’s  Patent  and  below  the  strait  Line  lately  run 
by  order  of  the  General  Court  of  said  State,  by  and  between  the 
heirs  of  the  Honble  Samuel  Allen  formerly  of  London  in  the  King- 
dom of  Great  Britain  lately  of  the  Province  now  State  of  New 
Hampshire  deceased,  and  their  assigns  of  the  one  part,  laying  claim 
to  said  Lands  by  virtue  of  a purchase  made  bv  the  aforenamed 
Samuel  Allen  in  his  life  time  from  John  Tufton  Mason  and  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  and  certain  persons  commonly  called  and  known  by 
the  name  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors  claiming  said  Lands  by  virtue 
of  a purchase  by  them  made  from  John  Tufton  Mason,  of  the  other 
part,  and  whereas  the  said  persons  called  the  Masonian  Proprietors 
have  divided  the  said  Lands  below  said  strait  line  into  fifteen  Rights 
or  Shares  viz  to  George  Jaffrey  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth,  Richard 
Wibird,  John  Ilindge  Joshua  Pierce,  Esquires,  each  one  right  or 
share,  to  Daniel  Pierce  & Mary  Moore,  one  right  or  share,  to  John 
Thomlinson  & John  Tufton  Mason,  one  right  or  share,  to  Sam1 


346 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Solly  & Clement  March  one  right  or  Share,  to  Meserve  Blanchard 
& Company  one  right  or  Share,  to  Theodore  Atkinson,  Thomas 
Wallingford,  John  Moffat,  Thomas  Packer,  John  Wentworth  Es- 
quires, each  one  right  or  Share ; and  Whereas  the  present  Claimers 
of  eleven  of  said  rights  or  shares  viz,  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  of  Ports- 
mouth in  the  County  of  Rockingham  in  said  State  of  the  said  right 
or  share  originally  set  off  & divided  to  himself,  Elizabeth  Went- 
worth of  the  same  Portsmouth  Widow  & Relict  of  the  said  Mark 
Hunking  Wentworth  and  John  Fisher  Esqr  of  the  Kingdom  of  great 
Britain  claimers  of  the  right  of  the  said  Mark  of  his  right,  John 
Penhallow  Esqr  of  said  Portsmouth  of  the  right  of  the  said  Richard 
Wibird,  Dan11  Rindge  Esqr  & Daniel  Rogers  Esqr  & Mehitabel  his 
wife,  in  her  right,  all  of  the  same  Portsmouth,  of  the  right  of  the 
said  John  Rindge,  Thomas  Martin  Esqr  of  said  Portsmouth  & Ann 
his  wife  in  her  right,  and  John  Pierce  of  the  same  Portsmouth  Mer- 
chant, and  Joseph  Pierce  Esqr  of  New  Durham  Gore  in  the  County 
of  Strafford  claimers  of  the  rights  of  the  said  Joshua  Pierce,  Pierce 
& Moore  and  Meserve  Blanchard  & Company,  Peter  Pearse  of  said 
Portsmouth  Merchant  and  Mary  his  wife  in  her  right,  and  Mehitabel 
Treadwell  wife  of  William  Earl  Treadwell  of  said  Portsmouth  by 
her  Guardians  Samuel  Penhallow  & A.  R. -Cutter  Esqrs,  claimers  of 
the  right  of  the  said  Jotham  Odiorne.  Edward  B.  Long  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  and  Mary  his  wife  in  her  right,  and 
Nath1  Appleton  Haven  of  said  Portsmouth  Physician,  claimers  of 
the  right  of  the  said  Thomlinson  & Mason,  Joseph  March  Esqr  of 
Deerfield  and  Clement  March  & Stephen  March  Esq18  of  Greenland 
all  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  aforesaid  and  Governor  John  Han- 
cock of  Boston,  claimers  of  the  right  of  the  said  Solly  & March, 
and  George  King  Sparhawk  of  said  Portsmouth,  Gentleman,  a Minor 
claiming  the  right  of  the  said  Theodore  Atkinson,  by  his  guardian 
Dan1  Humphreys  Esqr ; have  proposed  to  procure  a general  Release 
from  the  aforementioned  Claimers  under  the  said  Samuel  Allen 
deceased  of  in  and  unto  the  said  eleven  rights  or  shares  set  off  and 
divided  to  the  said  George  Jaffrry,  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth, 
Richard  Wibird  John  Rindge  Joshua  Pierce,  Pierce  & Moore,  Jotham 
Odiorne,  Thomlinson  & Mason  Solly  & March,  Blanchard  Meserve 
& Company  and  Theodore  Atkinson,  as  aforesaid  ; & the  Claimers 
under  and  in  the  right  of  the  said  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  of  the  one 
part,  and  the  aforementioned  Claimers  of  the  said  eleven  rights  or 
shares  of  Land  of  the  other  part,  ardently  wishing  to  settle  compro- 
mise & determine  and  a final  end  to  make  of  all  disputes  lawsuits 
and  controversies  relative  to  the  Lands  contained  in  the  said  eleven 
rights  or  shares,  and  to  render  the  title  to  said  eleven  rights  or 


347 


l 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 

shares  of  Land  certain  secure  and  permanent  for  the  future  ; There- 
fore Know  ye,  that  we  John  Sullivan  of  Durham  in  the  County 
of  Stratford  Esquire,  Nathaniel  Peabody  of  Atkinson  and  Peter 
Green  of  Concord  both  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  Esquires, 
Samuel  Lauchlin  of  Goffstown  in  the  County  of  Hillsborough  Tan- 
ner, and  Thomas  Cogswell  of  Gilmantown  in  the  County  of  Straf- 
ford aforesaid  Esqr  and  all  of  said  State  of  New  Hampshire,  in  our 
capacity  as  Agents  Committee  & Commissioners  appointed  by  for  and 
in  behalf  of  the  body  of  the  aforementioned  Heirs  of  the  said  Sam- 
uel Allen  Esqr  deceased  and  their  assigns  Proprietors  or  Claimers  of 
said  Lands  as  aforesaid  at  their  legal  meeting,  for  the  purposes  of 
obtaining  a settlement  and  compromise  as  aforesaid  ; and  for  and  in 
consideration  of  the  said  George  Jaffrey,  Elizabeth  Wentworth  for 
herself  and  for  the  said  John  Fisher,  John  Penhallow,  Daniel  Rindge, 
Daniel  Rogers  and  Mehitabel  his  wife,  Thomas  Martin  and  Ann  his 
wife,  John  Pierce  and  Joseph  Pierce,  Peter  Pearse  and  Mary  his 
wife  ; Samuel  Penhallow  and  A.  R.  Cutter  in  behalf  of  Mehitabel 
Treadwell  Edward  B.  Long  & Mary  his  wife  and  Nathaniel  Apple- 
ton  Haven  Joseph  March  Clement  March  and  Stephen  March  Gov- 
ernor John  Hancock  by  his  Attorney  Edmd  H.  Quincey  and  George 
King  Sparhawk  by  his  said  Guardian  Daniel  Humphreys  executing 
to  us  deeds  of  release  and  quit  claim  to  the  several  pieces  and  tracts 
of  Land  herein  after  excepted  and  reserved,  and  of  the  sum  of  five 
pounds  lawful  money  to  us  in  hand  before  the  delivery  hereof  paid 
by  the  said  George  Jaffrey,  Elizabeth  Wentworth  and  the  said  John 
Fisher,  John  Penhallow,  Daniel  Rindge,  Mehitabel  Rogers,  Ann 
Martin  John  Pierce,  Joseph  Pierce,  Mary  Pearse,  Mehitabel  Tread- 
well, Mary  Long,  Nathaniel  Appleton  Haven,  Joseph  March,  Clem- 
ent March,  Stephen  March,  and  George  King  Sparhawk,  the  receipt 
whereof  in  our  said  capacity  we  do  hereby  acknowledge,  have 
remised  released  & forever  quit  claimed,  and  by  these  Presents  in 
said  capacity  Do  remise  release  and  forever  quit  claim  unto  them 
the  said  George  Jaffrey,  Elizabeth  Wentworth,  John  Fisher  John 
Penhallow,  Daniel  Rindge,  Mehitabel  Rogers  wife  of  the  said  Daniel 
Rogers,  Ann  Martin  wife  of  the  said  Thomas  Martin,  John  Pierce, 
Joseph  Pierce,  Mary  Pearse  wife  of  the  said  Peter  Pearse,  Mary" 
Long  wife  of  the  said  Edward  B.  Long,  Nathaniel  Appleton  Haven, 
Joseph  March,  Clement  March,  Stephen  March,  and  the  said  Gov- 
ernor Hancock  and  George  King  Sparhawk,  severally  and  respec- 
tively, to  them,  their  several  & respective  heirs  and  assigns  in  propor- 
tion and  according  to  their  several  & respective  claims  therein  all  the 
right  title  interest  claim  challenge  and  demand  of  the  said  Persons  or 
body  of  Proprietors  claiming  said  Lands  in  whole  or  in  part  under 


348 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  heirs  of  said  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  deceased  and  their  Assigns,  of 
in  and  unto  all  & every  part  and  parcel  of  the  lands  more  or 
less  set  off  and  drawn  or  otherwise  regularly  assigned  to  the  said 
eleven  shares  or  rights  by  and  according  to  the  votes  records  and 
doings  of  the  said  Masonian  Proprietors,  and  known  to  be  claimed  as 
such  by  the  said  George  Jaffrey,  Elizabeth  Wentworth  John  Fisher, 
John  Penhallow,  Daniel  Rindge,  Daniel  Rogers  & Mehitabel  his  wife 
in  her  right,  Thomas  Martin  and  Ann  his  wife  in  her  right,  John 
Pierce  Joseph  Pierce,  Peter  Pearse  and  Mary  his  wife  in  her  right, 
Mehitabel  Treadwell,  Edward  B.  Long  and  Mary  his  wife  in  her 
right,  Nathaniel  Appleton  Haven,  Joseph  March  Clement  March 
and  Stephen  March  and  the  said  Governor  Hancock  and  George 
King  Sparhawk  below  the  said  strait  Line  within  the  said  Mason’s 
Patent  in  New  Hampshire,  not  heretofore  released  or  conveyed  by 
the  deed  of  general  release  on  our  part  made  & executed  on  the 
twenty  seventh  day  of  April  A D 1786  and  excepting  and  reserving 
thereout  the  following  tracts  or  parcels  of  Land  amounting  in  the 
whole  to  about  Eight  thousand  & five  hundred  Acres  more  or  less 
which  is  excepted  and  released  to  us  our  heirs  and  Assigns  viz  the 
Lot  number  thirteen  in  the  third  range  in  New  Durham  Gore — The 
Lot  number  ten  in  that  part  of  Weare  called  Weare  Gore — The  Lot 
number  one  in  the  Large  Lot  number  eight  in  the  second  range  in 
said  New  Durham  Gore  All  which  Lots  were  Drawn  to  the  right  or 
Share  of  the  said  George  Jaffrey:  The  Lot  number  one  in  Weare 
Gore.  Lot  number  One  in  the  eleventh  range  in  Goffstown.  Lot 
number  six  in  the  first  Range  in  Mason.  Lot  number  fifty  seven  in 
Bedford.  All  drawn  to  right  or  share  of  the  said  Mark  H unking 
Wentworth. — Six  hundred  & fifty  one  acres  of  Land  in  Lot  number 
seventeen  in  the  fifth  range  in  New  Durham  Gore,  laid  out  as  being 
there,  but  now  falling  in  Gilmantown.  Lot  number  fourteen  in  the 
large  Lot  number  eight  in  the  second  Range  in  said  New  Durham 
Gore.  The  Lot  number  forty  six  in  the  second  range  in  Gilman- 
town. All  drawn  to  the  right  or  share  of  sd  Richard  Wibird. — Three 
hundred  & sixty  six  acres  & two  thirds  of  an  Acre  of  Land  more  or 
less,  being  one  third  part  of  Lot  number  eighteen  in  said  New  Dur- 
ham Gore.  Lot  number  two  in  the  tenth  range  in  Goffstown.  Forty 
five  acres  of  Land  in  said  New  Durham  Gore  part  of  the  Lot  number 
seventeen  in  the  fifth  range,  laid  out  as  of  said  Gore,  but  now  falling  & 
appearing  to  be  in  said  Gilmantown.  Also  five  hundred  and  ten  acres 
of  Land  in  said  Lot  number  eighteen  in  said  New  Durham  Gore ; all 
drawn  to  the  right  or  share  of  the  said  John  Rindge. — Twenty  five 
acres  of  Land  in  Lot  number  ten  in  the  first  Range  in  Dunbarton, 
laid  out  as  part  of  the  right  or  share  of  the  said  Pierce  & Moore. 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


349 


One  fourth  part  of  Lot  number  sixty  four  in  Weare  laid  out  or 
drawn  to  right  or  share  of  the  said  Joshua  Pierce.  Two  hundred 
and  eleven  Acres  of  Land  in  Lot  number  sixteen  in  the  fifth  range 
in  New  Durham  Gore,  laid  out  as  being  in  said  Gore,  but  now  found 
to  lie  and  be  in  said  Gilmantown  laid  out  or  drawn  to  the  right  or 
share  of  the  said  Pierce  and  Moore.  Four  hundred  & twenty  three 
Acres  & thirty  rods  of  Land  in  Gilmantown  it  being  one  half  of  that 
part  of  Lot  number  sixteen  in  the  fifth  range  laid  out  as  part  of  the 
right  of  said  Pierce  and  Moore  in  New  Durham  Gore  but  which  now 
falls  & appears  to  lie  in  said  Gilmantown.  Twenty  five  Acres  of  Land 
in  Bedford,  being  number  seventy  nine  in  said  Town  drawn  to  the 
right  or  share  of  the  said  Pierce  and  Moore.  One  half  of  Lot  sixty 
four  in  Weare  faid  out  or  drawn  to  the  right  of  said  Joshua  Pierce. 
Two  hundred  and  eleven  Acres  of  Land  in  that  part  of  Lot  number 
sixteen  in  the  fifth  range  in  New  Durham  Gore  allotted  to  the  share 
or  right  of  said  Pierce  & Moore,  which  now  falls  and  appears  to  be 
within  the  Town  of  Gilmantown.  one  fourth  part  of  Lot  sixty  four  in 
Weare — The  Lot  number  one  in  the  range  in  Goffstown  drawn  to 
the  right  of  the  said  Jotham  Odiorne.  One  undivided  Moiety  of 
one  hundred  Acres  of  Land  in  Bedford,  being  the  half  of  two  Lots 
in  said  Town  numbered  eleven  and  fifteen  in  the  fifth  range.  One 
undivided  moietv  of  two  Lots  in  Mason,  numbered  seven  and  two 
in  the  thirteenth  range.  An  undivided  Moiety  of  eight  hundred 
& twelve  acres  of  Land  being  so  much  of  Lot  number  fifteen  in  the 
south  range  in  New  Durham  Gore  aforesaid,  running  eastwardly 
from  the  west  end  of  said  Lot,  the  whole  breadth  thereof  to  make 
up  that  quantity.  All  drawn  to  the  right  of  said  Thomlinson  and 
Mason.  The  undivided  moiety  of  two  Lots  in  Bedford  numbered 
eleven  & fifteen  in  the  fifth  range;  an  undivided  moiety  of  two  Lots 
in  Mason  numbered  seven  & two  in  the  thirteenth  range,  an  undi- 
vided Moiety  of  eight  hundred  & twelve  acres  of  Land  being  part 
of  the  Lot  number  fifteen  in  the  fourth  range  in  said  New  Durham 
Gore,  beginning  at  the  west  end  of  said  Lot  and  to  run  so  far  east- 
wardly as  will  make  said  eight  hundred  & twelve  acres.  All  drawn 
to  said  right  of  said  Thomlinson  & Mason.  The  Lot  number  fifteen 
in  the  fourth  range  in  Allenstown.  The  Lot  number  five  in  the 
south  range  in  the  division  of  the  large  Lot  number  twelve  in  the 
third  range  in  New  New  Durham  Gore.  Four  hundred  acres  of 
Land,  in  New  Durham  Gore,  being  part  of  Number  seven  in  said 
Gore,  as  described  in  the  Deed  of  release  from  Clement  March  & 
Stephen  March  to  us  said  Lot  was  drawn  to  the  right  of  the  said 
Solly  and  March.  The  Lot  number  forty  five  in  Ossipee  drawn  to 
the  right  or  share  of  the  said  Theodore  Atkinson.  All  which  Lots 


350 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tracts  and  parcels  of  Land  the  said  Claimants  of  the  said  eleven 
rights  have  severally  released  and  quit  claimed  to  us  in  our  said 
capacity,  by  their  several  deeds  of  release,  as  by  the  same  reference 
thereto  being  had  may  appear. 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  remised  released  and  quit- 
claimed premises  with  the  Priviledges  and  appurtenances  thereof, 
to  them  the  said  George  Jaffrey,  John  Penhallow,  Elizabeth  Went- 
worth John  Fisher  Daniel  Rindge,  Mehitabel  Rogers,  Ann  Martin, 
John  Pierce,  Joseph  Pierce,  Mary  Pearse,  Mehitabel  Treadwell, 
Mary  Long  Nathanael  Appleton  Haven,  Clement  March,  Joseph 
March,  Stephen  March,  and  the  said  Hancock  and  George  King 
Sparhawk  in  severalty  according  to  their  respective  claims  therein, 
and  to  their  several  & respective  heirs  and  assigns  to  their  benefit 
and  behoof  forever.  Hereby  warranting  the  same  to  them  severally 
their  several  heirs  and  assigns  according  to  their  said  several  in- 
terests, free  from  the  claims  demands  and  incumbrances  of  all  per- 
sons claiming  from  by  or  under  us  our  heirs  or  assigns  or  the  heirs 
of  the  said  Samuel  Allen  Esqr  deceased,  and  their  assigns.  In  wit- 
ness whereof  we  the  said  John  Sullivan  Nathaniel  Peabody  Peter 
Green  Samuel  Lauchleu  & Thomas  Cogswell  in  our  said  capacity 
have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  Seals  this  twenty  eighth  day  of 
January  Anno  Domini  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety 

Jn°  Sullivan  [seal] 
Nath1  Peabody  [seal] 
Peter  Green  [seal] 
Sam11  Lauchlen  [seal] 
Thomas  Cogswell  [seal] 

Signed  sealed  & delivered  in  the  presence  of — 

Mem0  of  interlineations  & rasures  in  the  first  page  the  words, 
Meserve , Sam1,  William  Governor  John  Hancock  of  Boston  <f  the 
In  2d  Page,  Sam1  Governor  John  Hancock  by  his  Attorney  Edm:  H 
Quincy — And  the  sd  Governor  Hancock — The — And  the  sd  Governor 
Hancock — In  3d  page  Acres — '-One  fourth  part  of  the  Lot  number  sixty 
four  in  Weare — In  the  4th  page  And  the  said  Hancock — eighth — and 
the  rasures  in  tenth  line  & in  the  thirteenth  line  of  the  first  page — 
All  made  & done  before  signing  & sealing — Also  the  words  f John 
Fisher  Esqr  of  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  claimers  of  the  right 
of  the  said  Mark  in  Page  first — for  herself  f for  the  sd  John  Fisher 
— And  the  sd  John  Fisher — John  Fisher — John  Fisher  in  page  2d 
John  Fisher  in  page  fourth  interlined  before  sealing  & delivery — 

Sally  Gerrish 
James  Macgregore 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


851 


-r.  , ) At  Portsmouth  on  the  28th  day  of  January 

Rockingham  ss  j 1790  „is  Excellency  John  Sullivan  Esq'  The 

Honble  Nath1  Peabody,  Peter  Green  & Thomas  Cogswell  Esqrs  and 
Samuel  Lauchlen  personaly  acknowledged  the  foregoing  instrument 
by  them  sign’d  to  be  their  voluntary  Act  and  Deed — 

Coram  J.  Macgregore  Jus  Pacis 


Hillsborough  ss.  Recd  18tb  August  1791  & recorded  vol:  27  page 
490  & examd  by 

Jona  Smith  Jr  Regr 

Recd  Feby  17th  1792.  Wra  Smith  R D R. 

Strafford  ss  Recorded  Lib.  14:  Fol.  109.  exd  by 


Win  Smith  Recorder 


[Draft  of  Memorial  of  Greorge  Jajfrey , Jan.  S , 17917] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  58.] 

Portsmouth,  January  3d  1791 

State  of  New  ) To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
Hampshire  j sentatives  of  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  in 
general  Court  Convened  at  Concord  the  5th  day  of  January  1791 — 
The  Memorial  of  George  Jaffrev  Clerk  of  the  Proprietors  of  the 
lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  New  Hampshire  in 
the  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  most  respectfully  Sheweth — 

That  the  whole  Right  of  the  lands  in  New  Hampshire  conveyed 
by  the  Council  at  Plymouth  in  great  Britain  to  John  Mason  Esqur 
of  London,  was  purchased  by  Said  Proprietors  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqur  Heir  to  Said  John  Mason  Esqur  and  the  Government 
of  the  late  Province  of  New-Hampshire  recognized  and  consented  to 
the  Right  and  Title  of  Said  Proprietors  to  the  lands  they  Claimed 
by  that  Purchase,  and  manifested  by  Sundry  Proceedings  of  the 
general  Assembly  of  the  late  Province  ; and  the  Government  in 
conforming  their  Grants  of  Townships,  to  ye  boundaries  claimed  by 
Said  Proprietors,  and  incorporating  the  Towns  granted  by  Said 
Proprietors,  agreable  to  their  Grants,  when  The  Purchasers  were 
formed  into  a Propriety  they  granted  most  of  the  Lands  they  pur- 
chased into  Townships,  whereby  the  lands  were  improved  to  great 
Benefit  of  the  Grantees  who  complyed  with  ye  Terms  of  their  grants, 
and  by  Cultivation,  and  Taxes,  laid  on  the  Inhabitants  of  those 
Towns,  a Revenue  accrued  to  the  Government — 

The  Terms,  Conditions,  and  Reservations  in  their  Grants  were 
generaly  These,  viz1  That  the  tracts  of  land  granted  for  Townships 


352 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


should  be  laid  out  into  Equal  Shares  and  Lotts — and  high  ways  to  be 
laid  out  and  made  by  the  Grantees,  Settlements  to  be  made  a house 
for  publick  worship  to  be  built,  and  constant  preaching  to  be  main- 
tained and  other  articles  beneficial  to  ye  Grantees,  and  a plan  of 
laying  out  of  the  lotts  &ca  and  all  to  be  performed  by  and  at  the 
Expence  of  the  Grantees,  and  the  Plan  to  be  returne’d  to  the 
Grantors,  and  then  the  Shares  and  Lotts  of  Grantors  & Grantees 
which  were  intended  to  be  equal  to  be  drawn  for  in  common  (except 
three  Shares  reserved  and  granted  for  the  publick  use  & Benefitt  of 
the  Settlers  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Towns,  viz1  one  Share  for  the 
Encouragement  of  the  minister  who  should  first  Settle  in  the  Town 
— one  other  equal  Share  for  the  Succeeding  ministers  in  the  Town; 
and  one  right  or  Share  for  the  Support  of  a School  for  ever — These 
three  Shares  or  Rights  for  ye  common  benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  were 
generaly  not  drawn  for,  as  the  other  Shares,  but  located  where 
the  Grantees  concluded  would  be  for  the  best  accommodation  and 
Serve  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  given  by  the  Grantors) 
these  were  the  general  Terms  & conditions  on  which  the  Grantees 
were  held  by  their  Grants — and  on  failure  of  the  Grantees  in  com- 
plying with  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  their  respective  Grants, 
the  Lands  granted  were  generaly  to  revert  to  the  Grantors,  but  in 
Some  Instances,  the  Rights  or  Shares  of  the  delinquent  Grantees 
were  to  be  the  Property  of  those  Grantees  who  had  fulfilled  the 
Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  upon  Condition  of  their  com- 
plying with  ye  Terms  and  Conditions  which  the  delinquent  Grantees 
of  those  shares,  had  not  performed — 

The  Reservations  of  the  Grantors  in  the  Grants  of  their  lands 
were  generaly  an  equal  right  or  share  with  the  Grantees,  and  drawn 
for  in  common  with  the  Grantees  Shares,  and  to  be  exempted  from 
any  Charge  or  expence  the  other  Shares  of  the  Grantees  were  to  be 
at  by  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  their  respective  Grants  untill 
improved  by  Cultivation,  or  Sold  by  the  owners,  at  which  period, 
each  respective  Share  or  Lot  so  improved  or  Sold,  to  be  Subjected  to 
an  equal  expence  and  Charge  with  the  Grantees  Shares  or  lots  in 
the  Towns  they  Granted,  These  reservations  & of  so  little  Emolu- 
ment to  the  Grantors  and  exemption  from  expence  of  Town  Ex- 
pencs  was  all  they  reserved  for  their  granting  so  large  and  valuable 
an  Interest  in  so  much  of  their  Lands — From  the  Commencement  of 
the  Propriety  The  Proprietors  have  been  at  great  Expence,  of  Time 
& application  in  attending  upon  Grantees,  respecting  their  Grants 
and  circumstances  relative  to  their  grants  ; and  great  Expences  of 
Money  necessarily  Occurring  about  their  lands  to  a large  amount — 
Till  within  a few  years  past  The  Proprietors  have  not  been  called 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


353 


upon  or  requested  by  the  Grantees  or  Inhabitants  of  any  Town, 
which  they  granted,  for  any  expence  or  Charge  bf  Settling,  high 
ways  or  for  any  article  stipulated  in  their  respective  grants  to  be 
performed  by  the  Grantees  as  it  was  ever  understood  to  be  ye  Tenor 
& meaning  of  their  grants  by  all  ye  Grantees.  It  was  reported  That 
the  Inhabitants  of  a Town  granted  by  the  Proprietors  a few  years 
Since  applyed  to  general  Court  to  enable  them  to  tax  all  the  lands  in 
the  Town,  for  making  and  repairing  high  Ways  in  that  Town,  it 
being  Suggested,  that  the  Grantors  were  exempted  from  that 
expence  by  the  Terms  and  Condition  of  their  Grant,  and  that  ye 
Grantees  were  obliged  to  perform  that  Service  at  their  own  Expence 
so  the  application  was  rejected  & dismiss'd — 

As  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  Proprietors  Grants,  located 
in  the  Counties  of  Strafford,  Hillsborough,  Cheshire  & Grafton, 
were  generaly  known,  especialy  by  the  Grantees  and  Inhabitants, 
and  are  in  general  Similar,  in  respect  to  the  Grantors  being  exempted 
from  any  Cost  or  Charge  of  making  or  repairing  roads  or  highways 
& in  short  any  Expence  necessary  for  the  Settlement  or  Convenience 
of  ye  Inhabitants  of  any  Town  they  granted,  untill  improved  or  Sold 
by  the  Grantors  respectively,  and  not  till  then  Subjected  to  an  equal 
duty  and  expence  of  the  Inhabitants  of  that  Town  ; It  was  hoped 
that  all  Applications  to  the  general  Court  like  that  mentioned, 
would  be  dismissed  for  The  Same  reason  as  Some  of  the  members  of 
the  Court  must  be  knowing  of  those  Grants — & more  especial}^  as 
the  Constitutions  of  this  State  and  of  the  united  States  protect  and 
Secure  Such  Contracts  as  Subsist  between  the  Grantors  and  Gran- 
tees in  those  Grants  from  being  impaired  in  their  Obligations  by 
Acts  of  the  Legislature  or  other  wise 

As  the  general  Court  at  their  Session  in  June  1789  were  pleased, 
upon  the  Petitions  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Peterborough  Slip  and 
Hillsborough,  praying  them  to  grant  a Tax  on  the  lands  in  those 
Towns  for  the  purposes  therein  mentioned,  was  pleased  to  order  that 
any  person  or  persons  might  Shew  Cause  why  the  prayers  of  Said 
Petitioners  should  not  be  granted. — out  of  Respect  to  the  Order  of 
the  general  Court  a memorial  was  prepared  to  be  presented  to  them 
at  or  before  the  day  appointed  for  hearing  those  Petitioners,  and  was 
delivered  to  a Gentleman  who  intended  to  go  to  the  general  Court 
at  the  beginning  of  their  Session,  and  engaged  to  present  it,  but  he 
was  prevented  going,  and  the  memorial  was  not  preferred  to  the 
Court ; and  the  unhappy  Accident  of  the  Gentleman’s  not  going  to 
the  Court  was  not  known  till  it  was  too  late  to  forward  it,  so  as  to 
be  preferred  that  Session — and  how  the  matter  rests  in  respect  to 
these  Petitions  is  not  known — 

23 


354 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


In  June  last  appeared  in  the  New  Hampshire  Gazette  two  notifi- 
cations from  mr  Secretary  Pearson,  one  Respecting  the  Petition  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  the  other  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Wolf- 
borough — one  notifying  that  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  had  peti- 
tioned the  general  Court  Setting  forth  that  they  had  been  at  great 
Cost  to  clear  and  maintain  high  Ways  and  bridges  in  Said  Town,  and 
therefore  pray  that  all  the  lands  in  Said  Town  may  be  taxed  one 
penny  per  Acre  for  three  years  next  ensuing,  for  the  purpose  of 
clearing  and  repairing  roads  in  said  Town,  upon  which  Petition  the 
general  Court  ordered  a hearing  Thereof  of  the  Second  Thursday  of 
the  next  Session,  and  that  the  Substance  of  Said  Petition  and  order 
of  Court  be  published  three  Weeks  Successively,  prior  to  the  Sitting 
of  Said  Court,  in  the  New  Hampshire  Gazette  that  any  person  or 
persons  may  then  appear  and  shew  Cause  why  the  Prayer  thereof 
may  not  be  granted — 

In  respect  to  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  The 
Proprietors  represent  That  there  is  no  other  Town  or  place  called  or 
known  by  the  name  of  Alexandria  in  this  State  but  the  Town  or 
place  granted  by  that  name  by  them 

In  July  1773.  Upon  Application  of  the  Grantees  The  Proprie- 
tors made  the  Grant  of  Alexandria  to  Jonas  Minot  Mathew  Thorn- 
ton John  Talford  Joshua  Talford  & others,  in  ye  Proportions  to  each 
Grantee  as  declared  in  the  Grant,  and  also  the  Terms  Conditions  and 
limitations  on  which  the  Grant  was  made  are  particularly  mentioned 
with  the  Reservations  of  the  Grantors  Shares  or  lots  which  are  also 
particularly  mentioned  in  the  grant,  and  their  exemption  of  Charges 
or  Taxes  within  the  land  granted  which  exemption  is  mentioned  in 
two  paragraphs  in  the  Grant ; they  made  but  one  Grant  of  Alexan- 
dria in  these  words  in  one  Paragraph  viz1  “ that  the  said  grantors 
rights  and  Lots  aforementioned  be  free  from  duty  till  improved  ; ” in 
the  other  Paragraph  is  more  particularly  expressed  viz1  “ which  Said 
third  part  Shall  be  held  by  said  Grantors  free  from  all  taxes  and 
charges  whatever,  that  may  arise  concerning  the  roads  buildings, 
ministry  Settlements,  and  other  publick  affairs  whatever,  untill  the 
Grantors  lands  shall  be  improved,  and  then  only  the  particular  lot 
so  improved  shall  be  liable  ” — by  every  grant  made  by  the  Pro- 
prietors of  Alexandria  it  plainly  appears  the  Grantors  were  to  be 
exempted  from  any  Charge  or  Taxes  the  Grantees  & Settlers  were 
obliged  to  in  making  Settlements  requisit  in  that  or  any  other  Town 
— whether  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria,  the  Petitioners  to  the  gen- 
eral Court,  are  any  of  them  the  Grantees,  or  those  who  hold  under 
them,  in  any  manner,  is  immaterial  in  respect  to  the  Grantors  Shares 
or  lots  reserved  to  them  and  their  Exemption  of  Taxes  on  their  lots, 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


855 


they  were  obliged  to  do  the  duty  of  Settlement,  or  what  was 
required  by  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  Grant — In  their  Peti- 
tion they  Set  forth  they  had  been  already  at  great  Cost  to  clear  and 
maintain  high  ways  & Bridges  in  Said  Town — they  were  engaged  to 
perform  that  Servic  at  their  own  Expence  without  any  expenc  to 
ye  Grantors — The  grant  of  Alexandria  was  made  in  1778.  from 
which  period  to  the  date  of  their  Petition  to  the  general  Court, 
those  duties  of  clearing  and  maintaining  high  ways  & Bridges  with 
others  ought  to  have  been  compleated  for  Several  years  past  as  may 
fully  appear  by  the  Grant  of  Alexandria — and  that  the  exemption  of 
the  Grantors,  from  the  Cost  they  had  been  or  should  be  at  in  clear- 
ing and  maintaining  high  Ways  and  bridges,  must  be  known  to  the 
Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  for  this  reason  as  no  charge  of  Expence 
for  those  articles  or  any  other  was  ever  requested  of  the  Grantors  to 
this  day  for  any  Cost  or  Charge  for  their  lotts  in  Town  till  Sold  or 
improved  as  those  articles  were  Stipulated  in  the  Grant  to  be  done 
by  the  Grantees,  and  what  Inducement  they  have  at  this  time  to 
make  Application  to  the  general  Court  for  a Tax  on  all  the  lands  in 
Alexandria  for  ye  purposes  mentioned,  is  left  to  Conjecture — for  the 
grant  of  their  Petition  the  ostensible  reason  offered  is  plausible,  as 
Such  Articles  are  necessary  to  be  done  in  the  Town  of  Alexandria, 
and  which  the  Grantees  were  obliged  to  perform  at  their  own  Ex- 
pence & cost  by  the  Terms  of  [the  grant],  it  appears  that  they  aim 
at  inducing  the  general  Court  to  pass  an  Act  to  authorise  them  to 
break  the  Contract  between  the  Grantors  & Grantees  of  Alexandria 
to  great  Injustice  and  Injury  of  the  Grantors,  of  laying  a penny  an  acre 
on  all  the  lands  in  alexandria  for  making  and  maintaining  high 
Ways  and  bridges;  from  which  Expence,  by  the  Terms  and  Condi- 
tion of  the  Grant  of  Alexandria  the  Grantors  lotts  which  they  now 
hold  are  expressly  exempted  from  the  expence  and  Cost,  from  which 
Injury  to  the  Proprietors,  it  is  not  doubted  but  the  Honour  and  Jus- 
tice of  the  legislature  is  a sufficient  guard  and  Protection  from  such 
Injuries — and  to  which  they  would  not  be  accessory  by  their  Act — 
especialy  as  the  Rights  & Property  of  the  Subjects  of  this  State  are 
Secured  to  them  by  the  Constitutions  of  this  State  and  of  the  united 
States,  by  which  the  Legislative  and  Executive  Powers  and  Author- 
ities of  this  state  are  instituted  and  regulated,  wherefore  it  is  hoped 
the  attempt  aimed  at  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  by  their  Pe- 
tition will  meet  with  the  just  fate  of  being  dismissd  at  least  so  far 
as  that  the  lotts  owned  by  the  Proprietors  and  the  publick  lotts 
granted  for  publick  uses  be  excluded  and  exempted  from  a Tax  for 
the  purposes  mentioned  in  their  Petition  or  any  other  contrary  to 
the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  Grant  of  Alexandria — 


356 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  other  notification  of  mr  Secretary  Pearson  is  “ that  a Petition 
hath  been  presented  to  the  general  Court  by  the  Inhabitants  of 
Wolfborough,  Setting  forth  the  badness  of  the  roads  through  Said 
Town,  and  their  inability  to  repair  them.  Therefore  pray  that  an 
Act  of  the  general  Court  be  passed  for  taxing  all  the  lands  in  Said 
Town,  as  well  the  lands  of  non  resident  Proprietors  and  Owners,  as 
of  the  residents  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  Upon  which  Petition  the 
general  Court  ordered  that  they  be  heard  thereon  before  them  on 
the  Second  Thursday  of  the  next  Session,  and  that  the  Substance  of 
the  Petition  and  order  of  Court  be  published  in  ye  New  Hampshire 
Gazette,  that  any  person  or  persons  may  then  appear  and  Shew 
Cause  why  the  prayer  thereof  Should  not  be  granted”  for  which 
Purpose  of  shewing  Cause  why  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  should 
not  be  granted  the  following  Representation  is  made  to  the  Honble 
general  Court — That  Upon  the  application  to  the  Proprietors  of 
Sundry  Young  Gentlemen  of  Note  and  Distinction  in  the  Town  of 
Portsmouth,  who  were  desirous  of  Settling  a new  Plantation  within 
the  Proprietors  land,  if  they  could  obtain  a Grant ; in  Respect  to 
them,  and  a good  Prospect  of  Settlement  of  the  land,  The  Proprie- 
tors made  a grant  of  land  equal  in  Quantity  to  thirty  Six  Square 
miles  as  bounded  in  the  grant  to  William  Earl  Treadwell  Henry 
Apthorp,  Ammi  Ruhama  Cutter  and  David  Sewall  all  of  Ports- 
mouth, and  Such  others  as  they  Shall  admitt  as  Associates  with 
them,  and  their  respective  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever — and  the 
Terms  Conditions  and  the  reservations  of  ye  Grant  were  made 
in  the  manner  they  proposed — viz4  That  the  whole  Tract  of  land  be 
laid  out  as  Soon  as  may  be  into  four  equal  parts  both  for  Quantity 
and  Quality,  and  one  of  the  Said  parts,  to  be  determined  by  lot,  be 
and  thereby  is  excepted  and  reserved  to  the  said  Proprietors  and 
their  Assigns,  which  Quarter  part,  shall  also  be  laid  out  at  the 
Expence  of  the  Said  Grantees  and  their  Associates  when  requested 
by  said  Proprietors,  into  Twenty  Shares  or  Lotts,  three  of  which 
Shall  be  for  the  following  publiek  Uses  viz4  one  for  the  use  of  a 
School,  one  for  the  use  of  the  first  Minister  of  the  Gospel  who  Shall 
Settle  there  and  the  other  for  the  use  of  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel 
there,  for  ever,  and  the  other  Seventeen  lots  to  be  for  the  use  of  the 
persons  to  whom  they  shall  fall  by  lott  hereafter  to  be  drawn,  their 
heirs  and  Assigns  by  which  method  also  the  aforesaid  lotts  for  pub- 
lick  uses  shall  be  determined — and  all  necessary  publiek  or  general 
high  ways  shall  be  laid  out  in  the  said  reserved  Quarter  at  the 
expence  of  the  Said  Grantees  and  Associates  no  high  ways  to  be  less 
than  two  rods  wide,  and  all  the  Shares  lotts  and  Divisions  in  the 
Said  Quarter  part  shall  not  be  liable  to  any  Charge  in  Settling  and 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


357 


carrying  this  Proposal  into  Execution,  untill  the  Same  shall  be 
improved  by  the  respective  owner,  and  among  other  Terms  and 
Conditions  of  the  Grant  is  the  following,  “and  a convenient  house 
built  for  the  publick  Worship  of  God,  and  all  necessary  high  Ways 
shall  be  laid  out  through  the  said  land  of  the  breadth  aforesaid,  all 
the  Said  Matters  and  things  to  be  done  at  the  Charge  and  Expence 
of  the  Grantees  and  their  Associates  ” “ and  it  is  further  agreed  and 
this  Condition  added,  that  the  Grantors  lotts  shall  not  be  Subjected 
to  any  Town  or  Parish  charges  or  Taxes,  neither  by  act  of  Assembly 
or  otherways  untill  they  shall  be  by  them  respectively  Settled  or 
Sold,  but  the  Grantees  and  their  associates  shall  keep  and  Save 
them  wholly  indemnfyed  from  the  same” — a Plan  of  the  Grant  was 
returned  to  the  Grantors  in  which  is  delineated  their  Reservation  of 
land,  and  divided  into  twenty  equal  lotts,  & three  of  which  were 
drawn  for  the  publick  uses  of  the  Inhabitants  for  a School  the  first 
Minister  of  ye  Gospel  and  for  the  Succeeding  Ministry — and  but 
fifteen  of  Said  twenty  lotts  were  drawn  for  and  appropriated  to  the 
rights  of  the  fifteen  Proprietors  the  Grantors,  and  each  lot  contains 
but  three  hundred  and  twenty  four  Acres — which  is  ye  whole  to 
each  Proprietors  reserved  Share  of  land  for  this  particular  use,  and 
in  Consideration  of  their  grant  of  thirty  Six  Square  miles — There  is 
no  Instance  of  a Tax  laid  or  any  Charge  or  Expence  ever  requested 
of  the  Grantors  of  Wolfsborough  for  expence  of  the  high  wavs  or 
for  any  other  Town  Charge,  nor  ever  moved  for  till  lately  by  the 
Petition  of  the  Inhabitants,  to  the  general  Court — Notwithstanding 
the  Grantors  lotts  in  The  Town  are  so  fully  and  expressly  exempted 
from  anv  Dutv  or  Tax  whatever  for  the  use  of  the  Town  for  roads  or 
any  other  articles  of  Expence  and  even  Stipulated  by  ye  Grantees 
to  Save  and  keep  the  Grantors  wholy  indemnifyed  from  the  Same 
till  their  lotts  are  improved  or  Sold  by  them — as  the  Town  of  Wolf- 
borough  is  held  by  & under  the  Proprietors  Grant  on  the  Terms 
and  Conditions  therein  expressed  is  a firm  Contract  between  the 
Grantors  & Grantees  and  those  who  hold  under  them  as  The  Inhabi- 
tants could  not  lay  a tax  of  themselves  on  the  lotts  reserved  to  the 
Grantors  but  to  obtain  so  plain  and  obvious  breach  of  the  Con- 
tract made  by  the  Grant,  They  petition  the  General  Court  to  do 
it,  by  passing  an  Act  to  lay  a tax  on  all  the  lands  in  wolf  borough  to 
repair  the  roads  in  that  Town  which  they  are  firmly  held  to  perform 
themselves  by  the  Conditions  and  Terms  of  the  Grant  or  forfeit 
their  right  to  the  land  they  Inhabit  to  the  Grantors  as  the  Proprie- 
tors Grant  of  Wolfsborough  is  a Contract  between  the  Grantors  and 
Grantees,  (as  are  all  the  Grants  of  the  Proprietors  of  Townships') 
wherein  the  boundaries  and  extent  of  land  granted  is  ascertained. 


358 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  the  Terms  Conditions  & limittations  on  which  the  Grant  is 
made,  and  the  Articles  Stipulated  to  be  performed  by  the  Grantees, 
as  also  the  Grantors  Reservations  of  land  and  exemptions  from  any 
Cost  & Expence  in  the  land  by  them  granted  in  Wolfborough,  The 
Proprietors  rely  on  the  Justice  of  the  general  Court  that  they  will 
not  pass  an  act  to  enable  the  Petitioners  to  lay  such  a Tax  as  they 
request,  without  exempting  the  Grantors  lots  and  those  granted  for 
publick  uses  from  any  Tax  of  the  Town,  according  to  the  Terms  & 
Conditions  of  their  Grant — besides  such  Injustice  to  the  Proprie- 
tors would  be  contrary  to  the  Constitutions  by  which  the  Govern- 
ment of  this  State  is  founded,  and  the  Rights  & Properties  of  the 
Subjects  of  the  State  are  Secured  and  defended — 

It  is  not  easily  to  be  conceived,  the  reason  why  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Towns  granted  by  the  Proprietors  of  Mason’s  Grant,  should  not 
apply  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State  for  Acts  to  impower  them  to 
tax  the  Proprietors  Rights  or  lotts  of  land  reserved  in  any  of  the 
Towns  the)7  inhabit  till  lately,  unless  they  conceive  the  Legislature 
in  that  Capacity  entertain  a prejudice  against  the  Proprietors  in  their 
proprietary  Capacity  and  so  they  can  easily  obtain  such  partial  Acts 
of  the  Legislature  to  the  Injury  of  the  Grantors  and  favour  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  lands  granted  by  the  Proprs — however  Suggested, 
the  Proprietors  cannot  entertain  that  Sentiment,  as  they  have  so 
largely  contributed  to  the  Treasury  of  the  State  of  New- Hampshire 
for  their  proprietary  Interest  by  Taxes  on  non  resident  lands  whether 
by  Lots  in  Townships,  or  Strips  and  ungranted  lands  within  their 
Claim,  whether  the  lots  in  Towns  or  ungranted  land  were  of  value 
or  not,  though  many  of  their  lots  and  parts  of  the  land  were  not 
worth  a Single  Tax,  yet  all  their  lands  were  Taxed  from  the  year 
1776  or  1777.  to  this  day,  for  Support  of  the  late  War  and  other 
Occasions  of  the  State,  The  Taxes  they  paid  in  Paper  & Silver  for 
So  many  years,  amounted  to  a large  Sum  for  the  benefit  of  the 
State — and  in  the  year  1788  when  the  Legislature  thought  proper  to 
Set  up  a Claim  to  a great  part  of  their  Proprietary  lands,  which  they 
had  been  taxed  for  by  the  State  for  many  years ; and  to  which  the 
Legislature  of  the  late  Government  of  New  Hampshire  had  assented 
to  their  Right  and  boundaries  of  their  Purchase,  yet  rather  than  con- 
tend with  the  Legislature  and  in  expectation  of  being  quieted  in  their 
claim  in  the  lands  they  purchased  they  consented  to  a Compromise 
with  the  Legislature  on  the  Terms  the  Legislature  had  determined 
which  was  eight  hundred  Silver  Dollars,  and  forty  thousand  dollars 
in  State  Notes,  part  of  which  is  paid  by  the  Proprietors  and  good 
Security  given  for  Payment  of  the  remainder  with  lawfull  Interest — 
Such  Great  Benefit  to  the  Treasurv  of  the  State  has  been  contrib- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


359 


uted  for  their  proprietary  Interest  Though  the  value  of  their  reserved 
land  has  Sunk  more  than  half  Since  the  resolution  of  Government 
and  still  continues  to  depreciate — on  which  consideration  the  Senti- 
ment of  the  Legislature  holding  a Prejudice  against  the  Proprietors 
cannot  be  admitted — but  that  the  foundation  of  the  Petitions  pro- 
ceeds from  the  avirice  of  the  Petitioners  who  are  Settled  on  lands 
granted  by  the  Proprietors,  on  Terms  of  performing  Such  Articles, 
at  their  Own  expence,  and  which  the  Grantors  were  exempted  from 
as  a Condition  of  the  Grants,  and  the  Petitioners  would  now  Strip 
the  Grantors  of  their  Reserved  lots  to  pay  that  Expence  they  were 
obliged  to  perform  themselves  by  their  Grants  and  this  requested  to 
be  done  by  the  aid  and  assistance  of  the  general  Court  by  passing 
Acts  for  that  purpose — 

as  all  the  Grants  of  Townships  made  by  the  Proprietors  have 
Reservations  of  lotts  to  the  use  of  the  Grantors  and  exemption  from 
any  Cost  or  Expence  of  making  and  maintaining  high  Ways  Bridges 
and  for  any  other  Expence  the  Grantees  or  Inhabitants  of  those 
Townships  are  required  to  do  for  the  Settlement  and  Convenience  of 
a Town, — as  will  appear  by  their  Grants  ; and  was  well  known  to  the 
Grantees — }Tet  Petitions  are  made  to  the  general  Court  to  grant  their 
Authority  to  break  the  Contracts  between  Grantors  and  Grantees, 
by  taxing  those  reserved  lands  of  the  Grantors  for  Cost  and  Expences 
from  which  they  were  expresly  exempted  by  the  Terms  Stipulated 
in  their  respective  Grants  of  those  Towns — the  Petitones  praying 
the  general  Court  to  grant  a tax  for  any  Article  the  Proprietors  were 
exempted — they  may  as  well  ask  and  petition  for  their  lands  so 
reserved  & granted  to  the  Petitioners  as  what  they  request,  that  the 
Proprietors  may  be  entirely  StripT  of  their  Property  in  those  Towns 
and  other  Petitioners  may  as  well  ask  for  their  whole  Interest  in  the 
propriety  for  which  they  had  been  at  a very  great  Expence  in  the 
purchase,  and  Cost  necessarily  required  prepatory  to  and  in  the 
making  their  Grants,  and  variety  of  expences  too  numerous  to  be 
mentioned,  besides  the  Tax  on  non  resident  lands  to  the  State  in 
Silver  & paper  money  for  Support  of  the  war,  and  other  occasions  of 
the  State  the  non  resident  Taxes  commenced  in  ye  year  1776  or  1777 
and  continue  to  this  day  amounted  to  a very  large  Sum  from  the 
commencement  of  those  Taxes  the  value  of  their  lands  were  esti- 
mated at  half  the  value  they  were  generally  rated  at  before  and  at 
this  time  so  much  is  the  proprietary  Interest  depreciated  and  a con- 
siderable part  of  their  lots  in  Townships  and  Strips  of  land  ungranted 
were  constantly  taxed  though  not  worth  a Single  Tax,  and  were  paid 
or  their  land  Sold  for  the  Tax — and  in  the  year  1788 — the  General 
Court  Set  up  a Claim  to  a great  part  of  their  proprietary  lands,  which 


360 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


they  had  paid  taxes  for  to  the  State  for  these  many  years,  and  to 
which  the  Legislature  of  the  late  Government  of  New  Hampshire 
had  assented  to  their  Right  to  the  land  they  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqur  and  to  the  boundaries  they  claimed,  which  by 
Sundry  Proceedings  of  the  general  Assembly  were  consented  to  & 
confirmed,  and  the  Government  Grants  of  land  were  bounded  by 
Claim  of  the  Proprietors  notwithstanding  those  assurances  of  their 
right  rather  than  contend  with  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  in  ex- 
pectation of  being  quieted  by  the  Legislature  in  their  Claim  Grants 
& Reservations  they  had  made,  they  consented  to  a compromise  with 
the  Legislature  which  the  Legislature  determined  to  be  on  the  Terms 
of  payment  to  the  State  of  800  dollars  in  Silver,  and  forty  thousand 
dollars  in  State  notes,  part  of  which  is  paid,  and  the  remainder 
Secured  to  be  paid  with  lawfull  Interest — 

as  the  Proprietary  lands  of  the  Proprietors,  have  contributed  so 
largely  to  the  Treasury  of  this  State,  they  presume  upon  an  equal 
Share  of  consideration  of  the  Legislature,  in  respect  to  Justice  & 
Right  towards  their  Property  as  of  any  other  Subjects  of  the  State. 
In  respect  to  the  Petitions  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  & Wolf- 
borough  if  those  Towns  Stand  in  need  of  the  aid  of  the  general 
Court  more  at  this  time  than  heretofore  for  Acts  to  enable  them  to 
make  and  maintain  roads  and  bridges,  that  under  the  plausible  pre- 
tence of  having  those  necessary  Conveniences  for  the  Towns  coin- 
pleated,  & which  is  alledged  as  an  inducement  — they  in  fact  peti- 
tion the  general  Court  to  authorize  the  Petitioners,  by  their  Acts, 
to  break  the  Contracts  Stipulated  between  the  Grantors  & Grantees 
of  the  lands  in  those  Towns,  which  Act  of  Injustice  and  Injury  to 
any  Subjects  of  this  State  must  be  abhorent  to  the  Honour  and  Jus- 
tice of  the  Legislature  Wherefore  it  is  presumed  the  Prayer  of  the 
Petitioners  so  far  as  the  reserved  lands  of  the  Proprietors  may  be 
included,  will  not  be  granted — The  Proprietors  take  the  Opportu- 
nity in  this  Memorial  to  petition  the  Honourable  Legislature  That 
as  Some  Acts  have  been  passed  by  them  to  Suject  all  the  land  in 
Some  other  of  the  Towns  granted  by  the  Proprietors,  reserved  and 
exempted  from  the  Charge  & Expence  of  clearing  and*  maintaining 
high  Ways  & Bridges,  building  meeting  houses,  & any  other  Article 
of  Expence  mentioned  as  the  Terms  and  condition  of  their  Grants, 
may  be  repealed  — Relying  upon  the  Honour  Justice  & Candour  of 
the  Honourable  General  Court  this  memorial  is  presented  by  the 
Proprietors,  and  in  their  behalf.  Subscribed  by  their  Respectfull  & 
most  obl  Serv1 


G J:  Proprs  Cl 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


861 


[The  repetition  in  this  memorial  is  probably  due  to  the  prepara- 
tion and  presence  here  of  more  than  one  draft  of  certain  parts  of 
the  document.  The  original  is  not  the  finished  memorial  as  pre- 
sented to  the  legislature,  but  a very  rough  draft,  copiously  corrected, 
erased,  and  interlined.  The  limits  of  duplication  are  very  obscure, 
consequently  the  whole  is  printed  in  the  order  in  which  it  occurs  in 
the  original  manuscript.  — Ed.] 


Petition  of  Mary  Tufton  Mason,  Dec.  7,  1791,  State  Papers,  Yol. 
18,  p.  839. 


[John  Peirce  s Statement , Aug.  30 , 1792.'] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  59.] 

John  Peirce  Made  the  following  Statement  to  the  Committe  of  the 
General  Court  Yiz* 

That  he  had  made  an  erroneous  sale  of  Thos  Packers  Land  in 
Washington  to  John  S.  Sherburne  Esq  that  about  200  Acres  of  that 
Right  an  amendment  lay  in  Campbells  Gore  which  was  not  known 
to  the  Assessors,  That  an  Act  of  the  General  Court  had  set  that 
sale  a side,  and  Enabled  J Peirce  to  sell  other  Lands  of  Thomas 
Packer  to  raise  £357.  2.  8J  he  Received  of  Mr  Sherburne  but  that 
it  would  be  unreasonable,  to  proceed  and  sell  other  Lands  to  raise 
said  sum  but  that  so  much  of  the  Notes  on  hand  ought  to  be  applied 
to  that  purpose — Which  was  agreed  to  on  the  part  of  the  Commit- 
tee and  J Peirce  was  allowed  to  retain  the  above  Sum  for  that  pur- 
pose — and  he  has  actually  agreed  to  a discount  with  Mr  Sherburne 
for  £218  in  part  — That  Deducting  the  Amount  of  the  sale  of  T 
Packers  Lands  from  all  the  Notes  in  the  hands  of  J Peirce  & the 
other  Proprietors  the  bala  would  be  £357  — on  which  sum  J Peirce 
understood  the  Committee  made  their  Calculation  — although  it  does 
not  exactly  correspond  which  must  be  owing  to  some  mistake  of  the 
Committee  for  it  was  their  intention  that  the  above  balance  only 
should  be  paid  by  the  Proprietors 

Portsmouth  August  30  : 1792 

John  Peirce 

John  Peirce  appeared  before  the  subscriber  and  made  solemn  oath 
that  the  within  Statement  is  Just  & true  according  to  the  best  of  his 


362 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


knowledge  and  also  that  the  sum  of  £269,,  9/ — is  the  balce  of  all 
the  State  Notes  he  Ever  possessed  or  received  in  any  way  or  manner 
to  the  best  of  his  knowledge  or  recollection 

Statement  of  the  Transactions  of  J Peirce  respecting  the  last  Com- 
promise with  the  General  Court 

J Peirce  has  paid  on  the  ) 

Masonian  Bonds  — j 
Dan1  Rogers  Esq.  — ditto  — 


The  above  is  5125  Dollars 


£1458  „ 6 — 
T9  „ 4 

£1537  „ 10 


The  Court  agreed  that  the 
Proprietors  should  make 
up  their  payments  to  — 
Paid  as  above  — 


6333 — T1 
5125 

12084 


The  above  payments  Deducted 
leaves 

J Peirce  to  pay  John  S. 
Sherburne  — 


£362  . 10 
357 . 2 „ 84 


Geo  Jaffrey  Esqr  — 
John  Penhallow  — 
Joseph  Peirce  — 
Dan  Humphreys  — 


£719  „ 12  „ 84 


£300  — 

110  . 5 . 8 
5 . 0 

26  . 5 . 10 


£441  „ 11  „ 6 

John  Peirce  has  in 

State  Notes  — £269  . 9 

Certificates  — 3 . 18  273  „ 7 „ 


£714  „ 18  „ 6 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


363 


[ Vote  of  the  House,  Dec.  15,  1792. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  60.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Decer  15 — 1792 

On  Considering  the  memorial  of  Jona  Peirce  and  Dan11  Rindge 
and  others  of  the  masonian  Proprietors  and  the  report  of  a Com- 
mittee thereon. — 

Resolved  that  the  Said  Daniel  Rindge  the  memorialists,  who  Owe 
State  Notes  to  the  State  on  their  Several  bonds  &c  be  Severaly 
allowed  to  pay  their  respective  Balances  in  Speice  at  Seven  shillings 
in  the  pound  according  to  a Vote  of  the  general  Court  passed  at 
their  Session  in  Dec1  1791  provided  they  first  pay  in  Said  Notes,  the 
Sum  Specifyed  in  Said  Vote  to  be  so  paid,  excepting  two  hundred 
Seventy  nine  pounds  two  shillings  the  part  thereof  which  is  to  be 
paid  by  George  Jaffrey  Esqur — and  the  Treasurer  is  directed  to 
receive  their  respective  payments  accordingly 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Jn°  Sam.  Sherburne  Speakr 

In  Senate  Decr  19 — 1792.  upon  reading  ye  above  resolve  voted 
that  the  further  Consideration  thereof  be  postponed  untill  to  morrow 
Three  of  the  Clock  in  ye  afternoon  and  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqu1  be 
notifyed  thereof  that  he  may  then  attend  if  he  shall  See  fit,  and 
shew  cause  if  any  he  hath  why  said  Resolve  may  not  be  passed — 

J.  Pearson  Secry — 

a true  Copy — 


[ George  Jaffrey  to  William  Plumer , June  5 , l794-~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  61.] 

Sir 

In  June  1789  a Bond  was  given  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  State, 
by  Messr8  D.  Rindge  and  Jn°  Peirce,  for  forty  thousand  pounds  in 
State  Notes,  to  be  paid  in  four  annual  Payments,  for  the  Quit-Claim 
of  the  State,  for  a Claim  made  by  the  State  of  land,  the  Proprietors 
purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  New-Hampshire — and 
they  requested  to  be  released  of  their  Bond  for  ye  whole  forty 
thousand  pounds  in  State  Notes,  by  each  Proprietor  giving  his  bond 
individualy,  for  the  part  or  share  he  had  in  the  Proprietary;  for  the 
whole  debt  then  due  to  the  state  whereupon,  The  General  Court 


364 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


pass’d  Such  Acts  as  were  necessary,  to  have  a proportion  made  of 
each  Proprietors  Share  of  the  debt,  and  assessment  made  thereon, 
and  Power  given  to  Collect  the  Same — where  the  Proprietor  did  not 
give  his  Bond  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  but  paid  his  proportion 
assessed  for  the  Assessment  made  for  his  proportion  of  the  debt  to 
the  State,  for  the  Quit  Claim — The  assessment  being  made,  On  the 
20th  day  of  February  1789.  I gave  my  bond  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
State,  with  a Surety,  for  the  Sum  of  £1353 — 10 — 1 — in  State  notes, 
on  Interest,  to  be  paid  in  four  equal  annual  Payments — (however  hard 
I conceived  the  Requisition  of  the  general  Court  for  payment  of  So 
much  money  for  their  Quitclaim  of  lands,  for  which  I had  paid  my 
part  of  Taxes  to  the  State  for  many  years)  I was  desirous  and  de- 
termined to  pay  to  ye  State,  the  Debt  due  by  my  Bond,  as  soon  as  I 
could — for  that  purpose,  in  march  1789.  I sold  a valuable  tract  of 
land,  to  be  paid  in  June  1789  : £350  : in  State  notes,  and  in  June 
1790.  £450 — State  Notes,  and  should  have  paid  those  notes  to  the 
State  Treasurer  as  I received  them  ; which,  with  State  Notes  I had 
on  hand,  and  what  I had  a prospect  of  purchasing,  I should  have 
discharged  my  bond  in  the  year  1790 — but  the  persons  who  engaged 
to  pay  me  ve  £800 — State  Notes  deceived  me  in  not  paying  the 
State  notes,  at  the  time  they  engaged  the  payments  or  since;  where- 
fore it  was  out  of  my  Power  to  discharge  my  bond  to  the  State — 

In  December  1791.  at  the  Session  of  the  general  Court  Applica- 
tion was  made  by  the  Proprietors,  praying  they  might  discharge 
their  individual  bonds  to  the  State  for  State  Notes,  in  gold  or 
Silver,  at  the  rate  the  State  notes  were  generaly  estimated  at  the 
time,  when  the  agreement  was  made  for  the  Quit  Claim  of  the  State, 
or  at  the  time  their  Bonds  were  given  to  the  State,  individualy — 
The  day  the  request  of  the  Proprietors,  was  under  Consideration  of 
the  general  Court,  just  before  noon,  mr  Humphries,  told  me  it  was 
Suggested  in  the  general  Court,  that  the  Proprietors  had  the  State 
Notes,  and  Supposed  to  improve  them  by  Speculation,  which  Seem'd 
to  be  an  Objection  to  their  Petition ; but  that  he  thought  was  not 
the  Case  of  the  Proprietors ; and  that  he  would  See  the  Proprietors, 
and  know  of  them  what  each  had  on  hand,  and  desired  me  to  inform 
him  what  I had  on  hand;  I told  him  I had  betwixt  £250:  and 
£300:  he  wish’d  that  after  dinner,  I would  Send  in  writing  the 
Sum  I had  to  mr  D.  Rindge’s,  and  doubted  not,  by  such  account 
rendered  by  the  Proprietors,  that  Objection  would  vanish — in  the 
afternoon  I carried  to  mr  D.  Rindge’s  a memorandum  in  writing,  of 
having  on  hand  in  State  notes  £ 27 9.2.0;  in  desultory  Conversation 
with  mr  D.  Rindge  and  mr  Joph  Peirce  upon  the  matter,  it  was  men- 
tioned, that  in  the  general  Court,  Several  Sums  of  reduction  of  the 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


365 


State  Notes  into  Specie  was  proposed,  by  divers  members;  but 
whether  any  thing  respecting  payment  of  State  Notes  was  men- 
tioned, I do  not  remember — except  in  our  Conversation,  that  Mr  Jo: 
Peirce  ask’t  me  if  I would  pay  my  State  Notes — I said  yea,  meaning, 
with  those  State  notes  I had  on  hand  or  any  other  money  I could 
get  to  appropriate  for  discharge  of  my  debt  to  the  State,  nor  had  I 
the  least  conception  in  what  I said  that  I would  pay  those  State 
notes  I had  on  hand,  exclusively  of  my  debt  due  to  the  State  by  my 
bond ; (however  it  might  be  the  design  of  the  Querist) — in  the 
Evening  the  Resolve  pass’d  the  general  Court,  being  January  3d 
1792 — , “That  the  Masonian  Proprietors  pay  into  the  Treasury, 
new  Hampshire  State  notes  so  much  with  what  State  Notes  they 
have  already  paid  upon  Said  bond,  as  will  amount  to  6333^  dollars, 
and  that  they  have  liberty  To  discharge  the  balance  both  Interest 
and  principal  that  will  remain  due  on  Said  bond,  by  paying  Seven 
shillings  in  Specie,  in  lieu  of,  and  in  full  for  each  twenty  Shillings- 
of  the  nominal  Sum  of  Said  balance  ” — the  next  day  after  the 
resolve  passed  the  general  Court ; before  noon,  The  Proprietors  met, 
and  the  Resolve  was  com’unicated ; and  one  of  them  asked  me,  if  I 
would  pay  the  <£279.2,  towards  the  ballance  due  in  State  notes — l 
answered  I would  not,  it  was  replyed  I said  I would,  upon  which  I 
declared  that  I had  not  the  least  Idea  or  intention  in  anything  I 
Said  of  paying  the  <£279 — 2 — State  notes  I had  on  hand  exclusive 
of  my  proportion  of  Debt  to  the  State,  agreable  to  my  Bond  to  the 
State — mr  Humphries  Said  it  was  in  the  Resolve  of  the  general 
Court  that  I should  pay  it ; on  recurring  to  ye  resolve,  I found  noth- 
ing like  it> — but  that  those  of  the  Proprietors  who  had  not  paid  unto 
the  Treasurer  State  notes,  should  make  up  the  deficiency  in  State 
notes,  of  what  had  not  been  paid  of  the  6333J  dollars  in  State  notes 
mentioned  in  ye  Resolve ; weh  must  be  understood,  in  proportion  of 
each  respective  Proprietors  debt  or  obligation  to  the  State — not  the 
least  expression  or  implication  that  any  one  Proprietor  Should  pay 
any  express  Sum  in  State  notes,  of  the  remainder  of  State  notes,  of 
what  had  not  been  paid  of  6333J  dollars  in  Said  notes — As  there 
was  no  debt  due  to  the  State  from  the  Proprietors  individualy  but 
by  their  respective  bonds  to  the  State — a new  debt  must  be  created 
to  any  one  Proprietor,  to  resolve  he  should  pay  any  Sum  more  than 
his  proportionable  part  of  this  balance  in  a divisional  part  to  be 
made  of  it  according  to  ye  assessment  made  of  his  proportion  of  the 
debt,  which  act  of  Injustice  is  not  in  the  least  imputable  to  ye 
honourable  general  Court  by  their  Resolve  in  January,  92 ; however 
mr  Humphries  would  urge  it  to  the  purpose  of  extorting  the  Sum  of 
£279 — 2 — 0 from  me  ; which  is  about  £200.  more  than  my  proportion 


366 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  the  balance  to  be  paid  by  Such  proprietors,  as  bad  not  paid  State 
notes — when  mr  Humphries  requested  of  me  to  give  an  Accompt  of 
what  State  Notes  I bad  on  band,  to  obviate  an  objection  moved  in 
the  general  Court,  to  the  memorial  of  the  Proprietors — I gave  him 
no  Authority  to  engage  that  Sum  of  £ 27 9 — 2 — or  any  part  thereof 
to  be  paid  for  me,  and  if  be  did,  it  was  contrary  to  my  knowlege 
or  consent,  I then  expecting  that  the  whole  debts,  by  the  bonds  in 
State  notes,  Would  be  reduced  to  Specie,  at  Some  rate;  which  was 
the  design  of  the  Proprietors,  in  their  Application  to  the  general 
Court — Nor  can  the  words  of  the  Resolve  allow  Such  design  or 
meaning. 

The  6333 J dollars  mentioned  in  ye  Resolve  wch  is  <£1900 

the  Sum  of  State  notes  Some  Proprs  bad  already  paid  1537 — 10 

balance  in  State  notes  to  be  paid,  by  those  who  bad 
not  paid  notes  £362:10 

The  Account  rendered  of  What  State  notes  on  hand,  of  some 
Proprietors,  viz1  mr  Jaffrey  £279 — 2 — mr  Penhallow  £110.5.8  mr 
Jo.  Peirce  £5 — mr  Humphries  £26:5:10  is  £420:13:6  by  this 
Statement  the  State  Notes,  in  the  hands  of  the  Proprs  above  men- 
tioned, were  more  than  the  full  ballance  in  State  Notes  due  from 
the  Proprietors  to  the  State,  and  if  the  general  Court  conceived  or 
intended  that  those  State  notes  in  the  hands  of  those  Persons  were 
to  be  so  appropriated  to  discharge  that  Ballance,  it  would  have  been 
so  expressed  in  the  Resolve  and  they  only  to  pay  the  whole  ballance 
of  £362.10 ; then  there  would  have  been  no  ballance  in  State  notes 
to  be  paid  by  the  masonian  Proprietors  who  had  not  paid  State 
Notes  which  the  resolve  requires  to  be  paid  by  them  who  had  not 
paid  state  notes  to  which  inconsistency  of  the  Resolve,  without  an 
absurdity,  the  resolve  cannot  be  perverted,  by  the  memorialists — 
which  bring’s  me  to  the  memorial  dated  December  the  12th  1792 — 
Signed  by  John  Peirce  Joseph  Peirce  and  Daniel  Humphries,  for 
themselves  and  others — Viz1 — 

“ That  a Vote  or  Resolve  was  passed  by  the  general  Court,  at 
u their  Session  in  December  1791,  allowing  Said  Proprietors,  who 
“ owed  State  Notes  on  their  Several  Bonds  to  the  State,  to  pay  the 
“ Same  in  Specie  at  Seven  Shillings  in  the  pound,  after  paying  a 
“ Specifyed  sum  in  Said  notes,  That  Sum  in  Notes,  was  made  up  of 
“ the  Several  Sums  which  Several  Proprietors  had  on  hand,  which 
“ they  gave  an  Account  of,  and  were  ready  to  pay.  That  George 
“ Jaffrey  Esqur  then  gave  in  what  he  had  on  hand,  the  Sum  of  two 
“ hundred  Seventy  nine  pounds  two  Shillings  in  Said  notes ; but 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


867 


44  hath  ever  Since  refused  to  pay  the  Same.  That  of  the  others, 
44  those  possessed  of  the  remaining  Sum  of  Said  notes  have  always 
44  been  ready  and  desirous  to  pay  them,  and  are  now  ready  to  do  it ; 
44  and  all  have  wished  as  far  as  was  in  their  power,  to  pay  off  or 
44  lessen  their  Several  debts  by  making  payments  of  the  Specie  part, 
44  But  the  Treasurer  hath  not  conceived  himself  at  liberty  to  receive 
44  partial  payments,  nor  indeed  any  at  all  in  Specie,  untill  the  pay- 
44  ment  in  Said  notes  Should  be  completed. — 

44  They  therefore  pray  that  the  Treasurer  may  be  authorized  to 
44  receive  of  the  other  Proprietors,  possessed  of  Said  Notes,  The 
44  whole  Sum  Specefyed  in  Said  resolve,  excepting  and  deducting 
44  only  the  aforesaid  Sum  to  be  paid  b}^  the  said  George  Jaffrey 
44  Esqu1'  and  upon  Such  payment  by  them  made,  to  receive  from  all 
44  other  Obligors,  excepting  on  the  Said  Jaffrey’s  bond.  Such  Sums 
44  in  Specie,  as  they  may  pay,  at  the  rate  fixed  in  Said  Resolve,  and 
44  they  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  &ce  &ce 

44  Signed  Jn°  Peirce  Joseph  Peirce  Dan11  Humphries  for  them- 
44  selves  and  other  Proprietors  ” 

I never  knew  or  heard  of  the  above  memorial,  till  late  in  the  Even- 
ing of  the  19th  December  1792 — which  was  then  presented  to  me  by 
some  of  the  Memorialists,  with  the  Resolve  of  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, pass’d  the  15th  day  of  that  month,  granting  the  prayer  of  that 
Memorial — and  a Vote  of  the  Senate  pass’d  the  19th  day,  (viz1) 
44  That  the  further  Consideration  thereof  be  postponed  till  to  morrow 
44  at  three  of  the  Clock  of  the  afternoon,  and  that  George  Jaffrey 
44  Esqur  may  then  attend,  if  he  see  fit,  and  shew  Cause,  if  airy  he  hath, 
44  why  Said  Resolve  may  not  be  passed  ” on  that  19th  day  of  Decem- 
ber I returned  from  Boston,  the  next  morning  I found  my  Self 
unable,  in  health,  to  go  to  Exeter,  to  attend  the  Senate  that  day, 
and  not  having  time  to  collect  Such  papers  as  were  necessary  to  pe- 
ruse, and  be  produced  to  the  Senate,  to  Shew  cause  why  the  Senate 
Should  not  concur  with  the  resolve  of  the  House — (As  it  was  the 
usual  practice  in  the  general  Court,  to  pass  upon  any  matter,  at  the 
time  they  prefix’t,  for  that  purpose,)  in  So  short  time  from  the  Even- 
ing of  one  day  to  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  of  the  next  day,  I 
could  Scarcely  do  more  to  be  Sent  up  to  Exeter  by  three  of  the  clock 
afternoon  of  ye  20th  day  than  write  to  the  Senate  my  Thanks  for  al- 
lowing me  that  Short  time  to  shew  cause,  why  the  resolve  of  the 
house  should  not  he  passed  by  the  Senate,  and  to  offer  any  reason 
I could  then  recollect,  why  the  resolve  should  not  be  passed  by  the 
Senate  : which  was  to  this  purpose  ; That  I was  under  no  kind  of 
Obligation  to  pay  more  to  the  State,  than  was  assessed,  as  my  part 
of  the  Proprietors  debt,  to  the  State,  by  the  assessors  legally  apointed 


368 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


To  assess  tlie  Same,  and  for  which  my  bond  was  given  to  the  State — 
The  Debt  due  from  the  Proprietors  to  the  State  was  partly  paid  by 
Some  of  them — and  what  was  due  was  wholly  Secured  to  the  Stater 
by  the  individual  Bonds  of  each  Proprietor  for  his  part,  due  to  the 
State  agreable  to  his  assessment ; — The  memorial  was  formed  for  a 
design  or  view  but  to  request  the  general  Court  to  take  from  me  one 
Proprietor,  State  Notes  to  discharge  the  debts  due,  of  a Balance  in 
State  Notes,  of  other  Proprietors,  the  Memorialists — wch  sum  to  be 
taken  from  me  more  than  my  proportion  of  ye  Ballance  being  about 
£200.  State  notes  for  which  there  is  not  the  least  Obligation  to  the 
State  or  otherwise  that  I should  pay  it,  Notwithstanding  it  passed 
the  house  very  Soon ; and  notg  I offered  to  pay  my  just  debt  till  I 
did  pay  more  than  I owed ; the  Memorial  was  dated  ye  1 2th  day  of 
December  and  the  prayer  thereof  granted  by  the  House,  on  Saturday 
ye  15th  day  of  that  month,  without  notifying  me  either  of  the  memo- 
rial being  preferred,  or  a day  given  me  to  be  heard  upon  it,  to  shew 
Cause  why  the  Prayer  should  not  be  granted — upon  notification  of  a 
memorial  presented  and  an  Opportunity  of  being  heard  upon  it,  be- 
ing the  practice  of  the  general  Court,  when  a petition  is  preferred  to 
them  by  one  party  against  another — but  in  my  Case,  that  practice 
was  laid  aside  ; a resolve  passed  without  allowing  my  being  heard ; 
& ex  parte,  to  take  from  me  about  £200.  State  notes,  to  pay  the 
Debts  of  others  the  memorialists — by  which  proceedure  of  the  House, 
I was  denied  the  privilidge  of  a Citizen  of  the  State,  and  my  property 
taken  from  me,  for  the  benefit  of  private  persons,  and  eventually 
deprived  me  for  a time  of  my  paying  a debt  to  the  State,  when  I 
would  have  paid  it,  & which  was  upon  Interest,  which  Proceeding 
by  the  house,  in  a case  of  private  Right  and  Property,  where  the 
State  is  no  way  interested,  but  only  private  persons,  is  a proceeding- 
very  abitrary,  as  it  was  unjust  especialy  when  other  Courts  are  pro- 
vided in  the  State  to  determine  Such  private  matters,  when  disputed ; 
& no  Precedent  can  be  found  in  this  State,  if  in  any  other  in  the 
Union,  where  private  Property  has  been  so  treated  as  mine  in  this 
Case  ; and  if  this  Proceeding  should  be  made  a precedent  I think  the 
Property  of  the  Citizens  of  this  State  has  but  little  Security,  and 
held  very  precariously,  if  to  be  taken  from  the  owner  for  ye  benefit 
of  others  by  their  memorial  only  desiring  it,  and  that  without  an 
opp°  of  being  heard  upon  the  case — but  so  it  was  determined,  upon  a 
Memorial  only  on  which  Memorial  I would  make  Some  observations — 
The  first  Paragraph  of  the  memorial  is — “ The  general  Court  passed 
“a  Resolve  in  their  Session  in  December  1T91  allowing  Said  Propri- 
etors who  owed  State  Notes  on  their  Several  bonds  to  the  State, 
“to  pay  the  Same  in  Specie  at  Seven  shillings  in  the  pound,  after 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


869 


‘‘paying  a Specifyed  Sum  in  said  Notes,  was  made  up  of  the  Several 
“ Sums,  which  Several  Propritors  had  on  hand  which  they  gave  ac- 
“ count  of,  and  were  ready  to  pay  ” The  Application  of  the  Propri- 
etors to  the  general  Court  to  Reduce  their  Debt  to  the  State  in  State 
Notes  was  reffered  to  a Committee,  what  their  Report  was  I never 
knew,  but  presume  the  Resolve  was  founded  upon  it — And  upon 
what  principle,  the  Specifyed  Sum,  or  balance  to  be  paid  by  those 
Proprietors,  Who  had  not  paid  State  Notes,  should  be  made  up  of 
the  Several  Sums,  four  of  the  Proprietors  had  on  hand,  and  rendered 
an  Account  of;  lam  at  loss — I can  Scarcely  conceive  the  general 
Court,  would  arbitrarily,  determine,  because  those  Proprietors,  acci- 
dentally had  those  State  Notes  on  hand,  they  Should  be  Applyed  to 
the  payment  of  the  debts  of  the  other  Proprietors — And  that  they 
were  all  ready  to  pay  those  State  Notes  they  had  on  hand  is  an  alle- 
gation not  true  in  respect  to  me — what  was  the  Inducement  of  mr 
Penhallow,  peremptorily  to  give  the  Sum  of  £110-5-8  in  Notes 
toward  the  ballance  due  from  the  Proprietors  who  had  not  paid 
State  Notes,  I know  not — as  to  mr  Jo.  Peirce  paying  the  £5-  he  had 
on  hand,  and  mr  Humphries,  for  mr  G.  Sparhawk,  £26-5-10  he  had 
on  hand,  they  being  ready  to  pay  those  Sums  for  their  respective 
parts  of  the  Balance  due  from  the  Proprietors  AVho  had  not  paid 
notes,  is  easily  accounted  for,  as  it  is  but  a Small  part,  of  Peirce’s 
proportion  of  his  part  of  the  ballance,  and  I beleive  not  half  of  mr 
Sparhawk’s  part  of  that  balance  in  notes — and  as  to  ye  Sum  of 
£ 279-2-in  State  Notes  I rendered  an  Account  I had  on  hand,  I 
never  was  ready  to  pay  any  more  of  that  Sum  than  my  proportion  of 
the  balance  due  to  the  State,  in  State  Notes  agreable  to  the  Resolve 
of  the  general  Court  pass’d  at  their  Session  in  December  1791 — in 
which  it  is  neither  expressed  or  implyed  that  I should  pay  that  Sum 
in  Notes — what  had  been  paid  in  State  notes  by  Some  of  the  Propri- 
etors, was  their  individual  Debts  in  whole  or  in  part,  & had  no  rela- 
tion or  connection  with  ye  other  Proprietors  debts 

The  next  paragraph  “ That  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  then  gave  in 
“what  he  had  on  hand  the  Sum  of  £279-2-0  in  Said  Notes,  but 
“ hath  ever  Since  refused  to  pay  the  same ; that  of  the  others,  those 
“ possessed  of  the  remaining  State  notes,  have  always  been  ready 
“ and  desirous  to  pay  them,  and  are  now  ready  to  do  it ; and  all  have 
“wished,  as  far  as  was  in  their  Power,  to  pay  off  or  lessen  their 
“ Several  debts,  by  making  payments  of  the  Specie  part,  But  the 
“ Treasurer  hath  not  conceived  himself  at  liberty  to  receive  partial 
“payments  nor  indeed  any  payments  at  all  in  Specie,  untill  the  pay- 
“ merit  in  Said  notes  were  completed  ” I did  give  an  Account  of 
having  £279.2.  State  notes  I had  on  hand  in  December  1791.  at  the 
24 


370 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


request  of  mr  Humphries,  for  no  other  purpose  hut  removing  an 
Objection,  disadvantageous  to  the  obtaining  of  the  general  Court, 
ye  liberty  of  discharging  the  Proprietors  debts  to  the  State,  to  be 
paid  in  Specie  instead  of  State  Xotes ; but  with  no  design  of  making 
any  payment  of  them  on  my  own  Account  or  of  any  others — at  the 
time  I told  him  I had  that  sum  in  State  notes  on  hand  and  that 
those  others  who  posessed  State  notes,  there  is  no  doubt,  but  the 
Treasurer  would  have  received  them,  Since  the  resolve  of  the  gen- 
eral  Court  at  their  Session  in  December  1791.  to  the  passing  of  the 
Resolve  in  December  1792.  and  also  payments  in  Specie,  in  whole  or 
in  part  of  the  Memorialists,  for  their  Respective  debts,  by  their  bonds 
to  the  State — which  they  Say  in  their  memorial  they  were  wishing: 
and  desirous  of  paying  and  ready  to  do  as  far  as  was  in  their  power 
to  lesson  their  debts — to  which  payments  I conceive  there  was  no 
hindrance  by  the  Treasurer  not  receiving  ye  whole  or  part  of  their 
respective  debts  in  State  notes  or  in  specie  from  Jany  3d  1792  to 
December  21st  1792  which  conception  or  assurance  I ground  upon 
the  Experience  of  payment  I had  made  in  part  of  my  Debt  at  the 
Treasury.  Since  my  disapointment  of  receiving  <£800.  in  State 
notes  in  1790,  and  ever  Since,  have  been  anxious  about  discharging 
my  bond  to  the  State,  and  Since  the  Resolve  of  the  general  Court  of 
paying  Specie  instead  of  State  notes,  except  my  part  of  ballance  in 
State  notes  I “wished  and  was  desirous  of  paving'  mv  Debt  to  the 
State,  and  lessening  it  when  in  my  power" — I was  at  Exeter  the 
latter  of  September  1793.  and  fearing  my  bond  would  be  put  in  Suit. 
I waited  upon  the  Treasurer,  to  know  if  it  was  Soon  intended  : or  if 
he  would  receive  part  of  ye  Debt  without  the  whole  ; he  readily  told 
me  he  would  : in  the  beginning  of  October  I sent  him  £159 : 14. 8 in 
Specie  which  he  received  and  advised  me  he  had  endorsed  it  on  my 
bond — by  which  Instance,  the  Treasurer  then  conceived  himself  at 
liberty  to  receive  partial  payments  before  ye  payment  in  State  Xotes 
were  completed — wherefore  the  alegation  in  the  memorial  was  not 
true,  but  a false  Isinuation  of  a dificulty  of  their  discharging  their 

o o 

Debts,  in  whole  or  in  part,  to  the  State  between  Jany  3d  1792.  A Decr 
215t  1792.  which  false  Insinuation  made  to  obtain  the  grant  of  their 
petition  to  take  from  me  in  State  Xotes  about  £200 — more  than  my 
proportion  of  debt  to  discharge  their  respective  debts  in  said  Xotes  : 
A which  in  fact  appears  to  be  an  assertion  of  falsehood  though  proved 
Successfull  to  their  purpose — I continued  my  Intention  of  discharg- 
ing my  bond  to  ye  State  : by  collecting  money  for  that  purpose  ; in 
the  Month  of  May  1793.  I received  the  principal  part  of  the  Sum  I 
recovered  of  Ranch  with  which  and  other  money  I procured,  I had  it 
in  mv  Power  to  discharge  mv  bond  to  the  State,  and  mentioned  mv 
Intention  to  the  Treasurer,  he  said  that  he  could  not  receive  it.  being 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


371 


restrained  by  the  Resolve  of  the  general  Court  in  December  1792, 
unless  I paid  £ 279-2-0  in  State  notes — from  that  time  to  my 
Tender  made  to  the  Treasurer  in  February  last,  I had  the  full  Sum 
of  my  Debt  in  hand,  to  discharge  my  Debt  to  the  State — but  it 
could  not  be  received  by  the  Treasurer 

The  Prayer  in  the  memorial  is  Similar  to  the  memorial,  at  any 
rate  to  wrest  from  me  a Sum  in  state  notes,  to  pay  the  debts  of 
the  memorialists  in  those  notes,  and  to  prevent  me  from  discharg- 
ing my  bond  to  the  State  which  is  as  malicious  as  injurious  ; but 
how  the  matter  passed  in  the  house,  in  every  Respect,  I am  to  con- 
jecture, and  that  any  men  however  esteem’d  for  their  Importance 
and  Influence,  Should  obtain  Such  a Resolve  in  the  way  and  manner 
it  was  effected,  without  my  having  an  opp°  of  being  heard  especialy 
upon  So  Slender  a pretence  as  my  Saying  I would  pay  my  State 
Notes  in  hand  to  discharge  my  own  Debt  to  the  state,  and  pervert- 
ing that  equivocal  expression  to  a purpose,  there  was  not  any  ground, 
in  reason,  Circumstance,  or  common  Sense  to  Support — but  if  that 
expression  was  obtained,  with  the  insiduous  design,  to  be  improved 
to  the  purpose  it  is  used,  deserve’s  epithets,  I will  not  mention,  and 
what  I had  not  the  least  Suspicion  of,  upon  many  accounts,  from 
those  who  authorize  Such  a Design  of  taking  my  property  from  me 
in  that  manner — As  you  intend  to  be  at  Amherst  next  week — I 
think  it  probable  the  affair  of  my  tender  to  the  Treasurer  may  be 
Considered  by  the  general  Court  this  Session,  I desire  you  will 
appear  for  me  as  the  matter  will  be  only  in  Respect  to  the  state  and 
my  Self ; as  I had  not  the  oppertunity  of  being  heard  upon  the  mem- 
orial I hope  I may  at  this  Session  upon  the  Tender — I now  Send  you 
a true  State  of  the  facts  before  the  last  memorial  and  the  resolve 
thereon  pass’d  the  general  Court,  and  Some  Sentiments  respecting 
the  affair  as  they  occur  to  me  ; but  depend  upon  your  Judgement  on 
the  Validity  and  propriety  of  the  whole  Process — and  hope  you  will 
have  Oppertunity  to  be  heard  in  my  behalf — I am  not  able  to  attend 
the  general  Court  in  person,  or  I would  take  the  Oppertunity  of  the 
pleasure  of  waiting  upon  them — As  th$  Affair  has  been  vexatious  to 
me — I wish  it  may  be  now  determined  at  this  Session,  and  wish  it 
may  be  bro’t  to  a final  issue  ; tho’  the  present  Case  is  mine  a prece- 
dent may  be  made  of  it,  where  every  citizen  in  Respect  to  Right  & 
privelege  may  be  affected  by  ye  Determination  of  it — I hope  you  will 
be  able  to  read  what  I have  wrote,  and  when  you  made  use  of  it  for 
your  own  perusal ; pray  return  it  to  me,  being  a rough  draft — 

I am  with  Respect — 

Your  most  Obed1  Serv* 

Portsmouth  June  5th  1794  Geo:  Jaffrey 

William  Plummer  Esqur 


372 


i 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Oliver  Peabody  to  Greorge  Jaffrey , July  12,  1792f.~\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  62.] 

Exeter  July  12th  1791. 

Sir/ 

I send  you  enclosed  a Copy  of  a Vote  passed  at  the  Session  of  ye 
General  Court  in  June  last — you  will  see  by  that,  that  your  Bond  is 
to  be  sued  unless  you  pay  agreable  to  the  resolve  you  once  shewed 
to  me — If  you  are  disposed  to  settle  it  may  now  be  done,  if  not,  I 
must  as  a public  Officer  cause  a suit  to  be  commenced  by  the  21th 
day  of  the  present  Month 

I am  Sir  with  respect  with  very 
' h’ble  Serv1 

Oliver  Peabody 

P.  S.  I expect  to  be  from  Home  from  this  day,  to  the  20th  of  ye 
Month,  & if  you,  should  conclude  to  settle,  I wish  you  would  not 
call  on  me  before  the  21st — 


[Deed,  Woodbury  Langdon  to  Proprietors , Aug.  15,  1795. ] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  61.] 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents  that  I Woodbury  Langdon  of 
Portsmouth  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  & State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Esquire  for  and  in  consideration  of  Twenty  Cents  & Compen- 
sation made  me  by  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esq  otherwise  called  the  Masonian  Proprietors  lying 
within  the  State  aforesaid  Commonly  called  Masons  Patent  Have 
remised,  released  & forever  Quit  claimed  & by  these  presents  do 
remise  release  & forever  Quit  claim  unto  George  Jaffrey  Esquire  of 
Portsmouth  aforesaid  Clerk  of  said  Proprietors  and  to  each  and 
every  other  of  the  said  Proprietors  myself  only  excepted  to  be  held 
by  them  in  the  same  manner  as  they  now  hold  Common  Lands  in 
said  Patent  and  according  to  their  several  & Respective  shares  and 
Interest  therein  and  to  his  & their  heirs  & Assigns  forever  in  the 
manner  & proportions  aforesaid  all  my  Right,  Title,  property  claim 
& Demand  of  in  & to  all  the  Lands  now  held  in  common  & Undi- 
vided among  said  Proprietors  within  said  Patent  which  I hold  by 
purchase  from  Michael  Wentworth  Esq.  in  the  Right  of  John  Went- 
worth Deceased  be  the  same  more  or  Less — 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  granted  Premises  with  the  priviled- 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


378 


ges  and  appurtenances  thereof  to  the  said  George  Jaffrey  and  all  the 
other  Proprietors  of  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  other- 
wise called  the  Masonian  Proprietors  exceping  only  myself  in  the 
Right  of  said  John  Wentworth  as  aforesaid  & to  their  Heirs  & 
Assigns  to  enure  to  their  use  according  to  their  several  & respective 
Rights  & parts  therein  & to  their  only  use  and  benefit  forever — 

In  Witness  whereof  I have  hereunto  set  my  hand  & Seal  this 
Fifteenth  day  of  August  1795. — 

Signed  Sealed  & De-  Wy  Langdon  [seal] 

liverd  in  Presence  of  » 

Joshua  Brackett 
Daniel  Harden 

Rockingham  ss  August  15th  1795  Then  Woodbury  Langdon  Esq 
personally  appearing  acknowledged  this  instrument  to  be  his  free 
act  and  deed — 

before  George  Gains  Jus  Peace 


Strafford  Records  Recd  October  1st  1795 — 

J.  P.  Gilman  Recorder 

Recorded  Lib  20,  Fol  353  Examin’d  by 

J.  P.  Gilman  Register 


[Ar.  Dane  to  George  Jaffrey , Feb.  5 , 1798.'] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  65.] 

Beverly  February  5.  1798 — 
Sir 

I enclose  to  you  at  the  request  of  the  Hon0  Israel  Hutchinson 
Esqr  his  application  to  your  propriety  in  which  his  case  is  So  fully 
stated  that  I need  not  add  any  Observations  ; but  only  Request  of 
you  the  favour  to  have  a meeting  of  your  propriety  to  consider  this 
application  and  to  inform  him  or  me  by  post  when  and  where  he  may 
attend  Such  meeting  or  a Committee  of  your  propriety,  to  explain 
to  them  more  fully  his  Case,  with  his  papers,  evidence,  and  particu- 
lar Accounts — 

I am  Your  OH  Servant — 

N.  Da  [torn] 

George  Jeffrey  Esqr 

[Note  in  another  handwriting] 

Suppose  to  be  N Dane 


374 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Jeremiah  Smith  to  G-eorge  Jaffrey , April  29,  1800.~\ 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  66.] 


Exeter  29  Ap1  1800 


D Sir 

I have  made  a Mem0  which  I enclose  of  the  state  of  the  Case  ag* 
Hartwell  in  the  County  of  Cheshire  which  you  may  peruse  & with 
the  depositions  in  perpetuam  & the  Copy  of  Capfc  John  Masons  Will 
in  your  possession  lay  before  Mr  Mason  or  Mr  Livermore  & take  their 
advice  respecting  the  queries  I have  made  & anything  else  that  may 
occur — I shall  be  at  the  Circuit  Court  19  May  at  Portsmouth  & can 
confer  with  them  if  not  convenient  to  forward  their  Opinion  before 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  attend  at  the  first  week  of  the  Court  in 
Cheshire  County  & therefore  unless  you  can  procure  other  Counsel 
to  supply  my  place  the  causes  must  be  given  up  & reviewed 

If  you  cannot  get  other  Counsel  to  attend  I will  make  an  attempt 
with  Hartwell  who  acts  for  Stickney  as  well  as  for  himself  to  post- 
pone til  the  2d  Week  or  continue  but  have  not  much  hopes  of  suc- 
ceeding He  that  would  agree  to  take  your  land  away  unjustly  will 
hardly  be  induced  to  grant  any  favor  that  you  may  have  a fair  Trial 
The  Cause  in  Hillsborough  as  to  the  Deering  lands  I think  Must 
be  further  continued  as  I have  not  been  able  to  go  upon  the  Ground 
with  the  Referees — very  respectfully 


Yours 

Jeremiah  Smith 


Geo  Jaffrey  esquire 


[Act  for  Holding  Meetings  in  Portsmouth , June  10,  1803.1 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  68.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire 

In  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
three 

An  Act  authorising  the  Masonian  Proprietors  to  hold  tlieir  Propri- 
etary Meetings  in  the  toivn  of  Portsmouth — 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in 
General  Court  convened,  that  the  owners  of  the  common  and  undi- 
vided Lands  in  this  State  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  deceased, 


[L  S] 


MAS  ONI  AN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


375 


commonly  called  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  be  and  they  hereby  are 
authorised  and  empowered  to  hold  their  Proprietary  meetings  in  the 
town  of  Portsmouth  in  the  County  of  Rockingham  for  transacting 
any  and  all  business  relating  to  said  Proprietary,  and  that  all  votes 
acts  and  doings  of  said  Proprietors  passed,  done  or  transacted  at  any 
meeting  or  meetings  so  to  be  holden  in  said  Portsmouth,  shall  have 
the  like  force  effect  and  validity  as  the  same  would  have  if  passed, 
done  or  transacted  at  a meeting  or  meetings  of  said  Proprietors  duly 
holden  in  the  respective  towns  & Counties  where  the  Lands  to  which 
such  votes,  acts  or  doings  may  relate  are  situate.  Provided  that  such 
meeting  or  meetings  so  to  be  holden  in  said  Portsmouth  shall  in  all 
respects,  except  the  place  of  holding  the  same,  be  holden  agreeably 
to  the  provisions  of  the  Laws  regulating  proprietors  meetings — 

State  of  New  ) In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  8th  1803 
Hampshire  ) The  foregoing  Bill  having  had  three  several  read- 
ings passed  to  be  enacted 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

John  Prentice  Speaker 

In  Senate  June  9th  1803  This  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time 
was  enacted — 

Amos  Shepard  President 

Approved  June  10th  1803  J T Gilman  Gover — 

A True  Copy  Attest  Nath1  Parker  Depy  See? 


[ Joseph  Blanchard  to  John  Peirce , April  15,  180Ifl\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  69.] 

Aprel  15  1804 — 

Sr  Should  I pretend  to  excuse  a delay  you'd  Hardly  believe  me 
the  affidavits  you’l  please  to  Examin  if  wrong  they  Shall  be  made 
Right  Squire  Raymond  is  dece'1  I mentioned  your  Debt  to  him 
he  readily  acknowledged  it  and  Said  it  was  Secured  by  a Mortgage 
Intend  to  be  at  Concord  Election  ^9  haps  you  will  be  there  So 
Rest  your 

Ob1  Serv1 

Jos  Blanchard 


John  Peirce  Esq 


376 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Deposition  of  Ebenezer  Toirte , Oct . 6 , J<50&] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  73.] 

I Ebenezer  Toal  of  Fishersfield  aged  Forty  Seven  years  Testify 
and  Say  that  I have  liv'd  in  the  Lower  part  of  Said  Town  ever  Since 
excepting  two  winters  I was  Seventeen  years  old  That  the  Next 
Fall  after  1 was  in  Said  Town  I assisted  Zephaniah  Clark  Esqr  to  lay 
ont  Sundry  five  hundred  acre  lots  on  the  Curve  line  of  Masons 
Patent,  and  that  I proceeded  on  Said  Line,  in  the  Fall  of  the  year 
1773,  from  Unitv  road  to  the  south  west  Corner  of  Said  town  which 
was  a Small  beach  tree  on  the  Curve  line  marked  J P 1771  and  we 
marked  the  Same  time  a large  beach  near  it  Z C,,  J C,  E T„  P T : 
& 1773  which  were  the  Initial’s  of  Zephaniah  Clark  the  Surveyor 
Joseph  Chandler  Paul  Toal  and  my  Self — we  then  turn'd  off  & run 
the  Southerly  side  line  of  the  Said  Town  so  Far  as  to  lay  out  five  500 
acre  Lots  on  that  Line,  afterwards  we  return’d  to  the  west  line  of  the 
Town  being  the  Said  curve  line  and  then  laid  out  five  500  acre  Lots 
numbered  Six — Seven — eight — nine  & ten — and  we  finished  this 
work  on  the  last  day  of  September  which  I shall  always  rember 
being  a very  cold  Storm  of  Sleet  and  rain  and  was  so  Severe,  that 
Ice  succles  several  inches  long  hung  to  the  Trees — the  Next  Fall  1774 
I was  emplo}’’d  by  the  Proprs  of  Fishersfield  to  Cut  a Road  from 
Unity  road  by  the  curve  line  and  my  Self  and  Others  Cut  a road  in 
Fishersfield  near  the  curve  line  more  than  one  mile  and  an  half  which 
went  to  Lot  Number  Six,  that  I then  well  Knew  the  curve  line  being 
the  west  line  of  Fishersfield  and  that  part  of  it  I have  known  ever 
Since  and  was  always  Call’d  and  Known  to  be  the  west  Line  of 
Masons  Patent — I further  testify  & Sav  that  at  the  request  of  John 
Puree  Esq  on  monday  the  3d  of  this  octor  I Join'd  in  Washington] 
Joseph  Blanchard  Jeremiah  Bacon  Esqrd  Cap*  Samuel  Gunnison  and 
proceeded  with  them  to  perambulate  the  Said  Curve  line  and  began 
on  the  Turnpike  road  about  Sixty  rods  from  Mr  Binghams  Turnpike 
gate  we  then  proceeded  on  the  Line  found  it  well  marked  for  near 
half  a mile  and  there  were  trees  marked  & Chop’d  into  which 
appeared  to  be  antiantly  marked,  we  then  came  to  Clear'd  land  which 
we  Cross'd  and  found  the  line  as  Soon  as  we  came  into  the  woods 
which  we  foil’d  up  a Brushey  hill  to  the  top  where  we  Soon  found  the 
line  and  on  Following  it  came  to  a beach  tree  marked  3,  &,  4 which 
We  Supposed  to  be  the  corners  of  two  360  acre  Lots  in  Washington — 
then  came  to  an  ash  tree  marked  for  the  original  Corner  of  Camden 
as  we  Suppos'd — which  we  Marked  J,  B,  1803  S G,  E T,  proceeding 
on  the  Same  line  thro  clear'd  land  in  the  Possession  of  Carys  heirs, 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


377 


and  partly  thro  the  woods  by  old  marks  to  the  original  Corners  of 
Fishersfield  and  Washington  being  a beach  tree  Fallen  down  with  a 
heap  of  Stones  round  the  Stump  the  tree  was  marked,  J,  P 1771  we 
marked  a beach  Tree  by  it  S G.,  E T,  the  old  marks  on  it  were  Z C„ 
E T & 1773  and  then  Cut  into  an  old  Mark  and  found  the  granes 
to  be  Grown  over  the  Spot  as  many  as  fifty  proceeding  on  the  Fine 
found  a Beach  tree  marked  45,  a Corner  of  a Lot  in  fishersfield,  then 
came  to  Some  Clear'd  land  and  Some  woods  and  Found  the  Old  marks 
where  Trees  were  Standing  and  on  the  line  came  to  a beach  tree 
marked  1769,  37  miles  M P L R F J P — and  we  marked  it  S G 
E T„  & 1803,  we  then  proceeded  on  the  Same  line  we  found  the 
Stump  of  a tree  the  corner  of  Lot  N°  7,  a five  hundred  acre  Lot  in 
fisherfield  and  proceeded  a Little  further  we  marked  on  the  line  a 
large  maple  tree  we  marked  it  J B 1803,  S G E T and  proceeding 
further  on  the  Line  we  found  an  old  road  now  much  grown  up'with 
Brush  and  then  proceeding  further  on  the  line  being  well  marked 
where  there  were  trees,  came  to  a birch  tree  9 M P,,  & 10  INI  P.  being 
the  corners  of  two  500  acre  Lots  in  Fishersfield  the  said  old  road  going 
nearly  Parrellel  with  the  Said  Line  and  came  to  a large  Red  Oak 
tree  in  the  Line  antiantly  marked  which  we  marked  J B,  S,  G E T 
1803 — Proceeding  further  on  the  line  found  Gorham  corner  being  a 
beach  Tree  marked  B,  W S G,  and  we  marked  it  J B,  S G E T 1803 
going  on  the  Line  further  Came  to  the  road  leading  to  Unity,  by 
Deacon  Gunnisons  young  appletrees  being  on  the  Line  and  then  came 
to  a large  Maple  and  a hemlock  tree  we  mark  both  Trees  with  Several 
Spots  on  each  Tree  which  Stood  by  the  road  leading  to  Newport 
then  Proceeding  on  the  Line  which  we  found  well  marked  to  the 
Hill  which  was  Burn’t  over  and  near  the  top  of  the  Hill  on  the  Line 
found  a Beach  tree  marked  1769,  M P L 4,  2 R F we  marked  it 
J B,  S G,  E T,  1803  then  went  on  the  Line  to  Sunnepe  Pond  in  com- 
pany with  the  Said  Bacon  and  Gunnison 

Ebenezer  Fowl 

Dated  Octor  6,  1803 — 

State  of  New  Hampr  j ss — octor  6th  1803,  then  persoally  appeared 

Hillsborough  \ before  us  the  Subscribers  the  above  named 

Ebenezer  Toal  Subscriber  to  the  foregoing  depossition  and  after  being 
duly  Cautioned  to  Testify  the  Whole  Truth  and  nothing  but  the 
Truth  made  Solemn  oath  that  the  foregoing  deposition  as  by  him 
Subscribed  Contains  the  Truth  and  nothing  but  the  Truth  and  all  he 
knows  Concerning  the  Matters  it  relates  to  and  is  taken  in  perpetuam 
rei  memoriam  Before 

John  Duncan  } Justices  of  Peace 

Benjamin  Pierce  ( Unus  Quorum 


378 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Depositions  of  Jeremiah  Bacon  and  Samuel  Gunnison , Oct . 6 , 1803.~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  74.] 

1 Jeremiah  Bacon  of  Hancock  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire* 
aged  forty  nine  years  Testify  & Say  that  I resided  in  the  Town  of 
Washington  in  Said  State  about  Seventeen  years  and  then  and  ever 
Since  have  understood  that  the  curve  line  of  Masons  Patent  was  the 
west  line  of  Washington,  but  had  neaver  been  on  an}^  part  of  it  untill 
the  last  week  when  1 was  call’d  upon  by  Isaiah  Kidder  to  perambulate 
Said  curve  line  & the  west  Line  of  Washington — and  that  I together 
with  Joseph  Blanchard  Esq  & Cap1  Samuel  Gunnison  entered  on  the 
Service  on  friday  the  30th  day  of  September  last  and  proceeded  to 
the  south  west  Corner  of  Sd  Washington  which  was  the  N.  W.  cor- 
ner of  Stoddard  and  was  a Beach  tree  marked  on  the  South  Side,  7, 
and  on  the  north  Side,  8,  we  marked  a Beach  Tree  by  it  1803  & 
J B we  then  proceeded  northward  a Course  of  N.  28.  E and  Soon 
found  a well  marked  line,  many  of  the  trees  were  marked  at  three 
different  times  one  Set  of  Markes  appeared  to  be  very  antiant  & at 
the  distance  of  about  half  a mile  from  Said  corner  we  found  a Hem- 
lock tree  markd  H N,,  and  on  persuing  said  line  about  half  a mile 
further  we  found  a beach  tree  marked  J A H which  tree  we  marked 
J B & 1803  and  pursuing  the  Same  line  a Little  further  found  a 
beach  tree  marked  1769  M P L 27  miles  & 209  rods  we  markd  it 
1803  J K J B and  about  twenty  rods  further  we  found  a hemlock 
tree  marked  we  chop’d  into  the  mark  and  found  it  marked  at  least 
fifty  years  ago,  by  counting  the  Granes  which  had  grown  over  the 
Spot  after  it  was  made  and  persuing  the  Same  line  found  many 
Trees  Spotted  in  like  manner  of  equal  Antiquity — we  Soon  after,  on 
the  Same  line  found  a tree  marked  1772  we  also  mark  it  J B & 
1803  we  Still  pursu’d  the  Line  with  the  compas  the  Caurse  afore- 
said, over  Brussy  land  where  but  few  trees  were  Standing  and 
Crossed  Ashuwelot  river,  and  came  to  marlow  road  and  Sit  my  Com- 
pass and  found  the  line  wou’d  go  over  a burnt  Hill  on  Which  very 
few  trees  were  Standing  and  those  were  dead — But  beyond  that  Hill 
we  found  the  Same  Line  Marked  as  before  mentioned  and  Free- 
quntly  with  three  Spots  on  a tree  this  line  we  pursued  to  the  turn 
pike  road  (and  Just  before  we  came  to  the  road  we  marked  a Large 
Burch  tree)  and  Struck  it  by  a Small  bridge  Sixty  two  rods  east  of 
the  Gate  kept  by  Vina  Byngham,  on  the  last  mentioned  part  of  the 
Line  we  found  Several  of  the  markd  trees  Lately  Chop’d  into  on  the 
Spots  and  by  Counting  the  Granes  grown  over  the  marks  found  they 
had  been  Spotted  at  least  fifty  years  ago — we  then  proceeded  from  the 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


379 


Said  bridge  on  tlie  sd  line  found  it  well  marked  for  near  half  a mile  and 
there  were  trees  marked  Chop’d  into  as  aforesaid  whech  appeared  to 
be  as  antiantly  marked  as  those  on  the  other  Side  of  the  road,  we 
then  came  to  cleard  land  which  we  cross’d  and  found  the  line  as 
Soon  as  we  came  into  the  woods  and  follow’d  it  up  a Brushey  Hill 
which  we  assended  keeping  the  course  of  the  Line  till  we  came  into 
the  Woods,  on  the  top  of  the  hill  where  we  found  the  marks  again 
and  following  the  Line  Came  to  A beach  tree  marke  Number  3,  & 4, 
which  I suppos’d  to  be  the  corners  of  two,  360  acre  Lots  Lying  in 
Washington  then  came  to  an  ash  tree  marked  for  the  Original  Cor- 
ner of  Camden  as  we  Suppos’d — which  we  marked  J B 1803,  S G„ 
E T,  then  proceeded  on  the  Same  Line  tin  6 clear’d  land  in  the  Pos- 
session of  Carys  heirs — and  partly  thr6,  the  woods  by  the  old  marks 
to  the  original  Corners  of  Fishersfield  and  Washington  being  a beach 
tree  Fallen  down  with  a heap  of  Stones  round  the  Stump — the  tree 
was  marked  J P„  1771 — we  marked  a Beach  tree  Just  by  it  S G„ 
E T the  old  marks  on  it  were  Z C,  E T & 1773  and  Just  by  this 
mark  we  Chop’d  into  an  old  mark  on  the  Same  line  and  found  the 
Granes  which  had  grown  over  the  Spot  to  Count  at  Least  fifty — 
Proceeding  on  the  Same  line  we  found  a Beach  tree  marked  45,, 
which  we  Suppos’d  to  be  a Corner  of  a Lot  in  fishersfield  then  came 
to  Some  Clear’d  land  interspersed  with  woods  and  Always  found  the 
Same  line  & marks  where  the  Trees  were  Standing — and  Still  fol- 
lowing the  Same  line  about  one  mile  found  a beach  tree  on  the  Line 
marked  1769,  37,  miles  M P L,,  R F„  J P and  we  marked  it 
S.  G..  E T 1803,  then  proceeding  on  the  Same  Line  we  found  the 
Stump  of  a Tree  the  corner  of  Lot  N°  7 a five  hundred  acre  Lot  in 
fishersfield  and  proceeded  a Little  further  we  marked  on  the  Line  a 
Large  maple  tree  we  marked  it  J B..  1803.  S.  G.  T,  and  proceeding- 
farther  on  the  line  marked  as  afore  mentioned  we  found  an  old  road 
now  much  Grown  up  with  Brush — and  then  proceeding  farther  on 
the  line  Some  times  in  Clear  land  and  Some  times  in  the  woods  the 
Line  being  well  marked  where  there  were  trees,  came  to  a Birch 
Tree  Marked  M P 9,  &,  M P 10,  being  the  corners  of  two,  500  acre 
Lots  in  Fishersfield  the  Said  old  road  continuing  nearly  Parrellel 
with  the  Said  line — and  Still  continuing  thereon  came  to  a large  red 
Oake  in  the  Said  line  antiantly  marked  which  we  marked  J,  B,  S G,, 
E T„  1803  Proceeding  further  on  the  Same  line  found  Goshen  Cor- 
ner being  a Birch  tree  marked  B„  W,  S G,  and  we  marked  a beach 
tree  by  it  J B,  S G E T„  1803,  and  Still  proceeding  on  the  Same 
Line  to  the  road  Leading  from  Fishersfield  to  Unity  by  Deacon  Gun- 
nisons  young  apple  trees — being  on  the  Said  Line  and  Still  proceed- 
ing on  the  same  line  to  a large  maple  tree  & a Hemlock  Growing 


380 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Just  by  new  port  road  which  we  marke  with  Several  Large  Biases — 
then  Proceeded  on  the  Same  Line  which  we  found  well  marked  till 
we  came  to  a Burnt  Hill  and  near  the  top  of  the  Hill  on  the  Line 
found  a Beach  Tree  marked  1769  M P L 42  R F which  Tree  we 
marked  J B,  S G„  E T,  1803,  then  on  the  Line  to  Sunnepee  pond 
where  I Set  the  Compas  the  Course  of  the  Line  which  intersected  a 
Small  Island  in  the  pond  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a mile 

and  I the  Said  Jeremiah  Bacon  do  further  testify  & Say  that  in 
perambulating  the  aforesaid  Line,  I in  General  found  it  well  marked 
and  in  many  places  renew’d  and  the  line  and  the  Courses  first  run  so 
well  agreeing  with  the  Marks  (which  appeared  very  antiant)  that  I 
have  not  the  least  Doubt  of  it’s  being  the  Original  line  as  Run  by 
the  Said  Blanchard  for  Masons  Patent  Line  as  much  as  fifty  years 
ago— 

Jereb  Bacon 

Dated  octor  6,  1803 

I Samuel  Gunnison  of  Fishersfield  aged  forty  Six  years  Testify  & 
Say  that  I Attended  the  Whole  perambulation  of  the  Line  herein 
before  mentioned  from  Stoddard  N„  W,,  corner  by  Washington  & 
Fishersfield  to  Sunnepee  pond  and  well  remember  the  whole  procee- 
dure  and  can  fully  Attest  to  the  whole  truth  of  the  Same  in  every 
particular  matter  of  Fact  herein  before  related — I also  Further  testi- 
fy and  Say  that  I have  resided  in  fisherfield  for  more  than  twenty 
years  last  pass’d  and  have  heard  and  Known  the  Said  line  all  the  time 
well  against  the  Lots  from  N°.  7.  to  Sunnepe  pond  and  always  heard 
it  Called  Masons  Patent  line  as  run  by  the  before  named  Joseph 
Blanchard  many  years  ago — 

Samuel  Gunnison 

dated  octor  the  6th  1803 — 

State  of  New  Hampr  ) October  6th  1803 — then  Personally 

County  of  Hillsborough  ) appeared  Jeremiah  Bacon  and  Samuel 
Gunnison  Subscribers  to  the  foregoing  depositions  who  being  duly 
Cautioned  to  testify  the  Truth  the  Whole  Truth  and  nothing  but  the 
Truth — by  us  the  Subscribers — made  Solemn  oath  to  the  Truth  of 
the  forgoing  depesitions  as  by  them  respective  Subscribed  that  they 
respectively  Contain  the  Truth  the  whole  Truth  and  nothing  but 
the  truth  concerning  the  matters  they  respective  relate  to — (the 
Same  being  written  on  the  five  Preeceeding  pages  which  are  Each 
Subscribed  by  the  above  named  deponants) — these  depositions  are 
taken  in  Pepetuam  Rei  memoriam  Before — 

John  Duncan  j Justices  of  the  Peace 
Benjamin  Pierce  j Unus  Quoram 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


381 


[. Deposition  of  Joseph  Blanchard , April  7,  180I±7\ 
[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  75.] 

I Joseph  Blanchard  of  Thornton,  in  the  State  of  Newhampshire, 
aged  seventy  four  years,  testify  and  say,  That  about  the  year  1751, 
my  father,  Joseph  Blanchard  Esq1',  then  of  Dunstable,  now  Deceased, 
fitted  me  out  with  a party  of  men  to  run  and  mark  the  west  line  of 
Mason’s  Patent.  I sat  out  on  the  business  sometime  in  the  month  of 
October,  with  the  following  persons,  viz  James  Whitney,  Isaac  Patch, 
Oliver  Blodget,  Jonathan  Farwell,  Samuel  Butterfield,  Jonathan 
Snow  and  Josiah  Brown.  These  are  all  dead.  John  Renall  and 
John  Stearns  were  also  with  me,  and  are  now  alive.  I was  furnished 
with  a Map  of  the  Patent  made  by  the  late  Daniel  Pierce  Esqr,  as  I 
suppose  on  which  was  laid  down  the  Curve  Line,  and  the  three  first 
courses  I was  to  run  which  was  from  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
Patent,  and  from  thence  I calculated  the  rest. — I began  to  measure 
Westwardly  on  the  Province  Line,  at  the  South-West  corner  of 
Ringe,  the  distance  from  the  Sea  to  that  place  being  then  ascertained. 
I measured  from  thence  about  4J  miles;  then  went  Northwardly 
according  to  the  direction  given  me,  till  I run  measured  and  Spotted 
a Line  all  the  way  till  I came  to  the  West  side  of  Newfound  Pond, 
being  sixty  seven  miles  from  the  Southwest  corner  of  the  Patent, 
and  within  about  five  miles  of  Merrimac  River. — On  my  return  I 
made  a plan  thereof,  which  I suppose  was  returned  to  the  Proprietors 
of  the  Patent. — 

I further  testify,  that  about  four  years  ago  I was  called  upon  by 
the  Proprietors  of  Stoddard  to  see  if  I could  find  the  Line  I had 
formerly  run  for  the  Patent,  or  Curve*  Line.  They  shewed  me  the 
Southwest  corner  of  the  town  of  Stoddard.  A person  by  the  name 
of  Lock,  who  had  lived  there  many  years,  shewed  me  a Beech  tree, 
near  Stoddard  corner,  which  he  said  was  in  the  Patent-Line,  and  said 
it  was  the  20  mile  Mark.  The  tree  was  fallen  down,  and  on  exam- 
ining, I found  it  marked  J B,  and  the  figures  appeared  to  be  20  and 
1751.  Though  by  age  they  were  rendered  imperfect,  yet  I had  not 
the  least  doubt  of  their  being  made  by  me  when  I run  the  Line. — 
I then  being  satisfied  with  respect  to  the  Line,  proceeded  North- 
wardly with  a number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Stoddard,  and  set  mv 
Compass  the  course  of  the  Line  as  formerly  run,  which,  went  over 
cleared  land  for  half  a mile,  came  into  the  woods,  where  I found  the 
Line,  and  several  of  Fletcher’s  particular  marks  on  the  trees,  with 
the  date  of  1769,  and  the  initials  of  his  name  marked  thus  R F.  Be- 
tween Stoddard  Southwest  and  Northwest  corners,  several  trees  were 


t 


382 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


chopped  into  on  the  Marks  and  several  had  fifty  Growths  or  Granes 
over  the  spots  others  had  better  than  thirty  Granes  grown  over  the 
Spots,  which  seemed  to  agree  with  my  Running  the  Line,  and  Fletch- 
er’s renewing  the  Marks. — On  this  line,  and  near  Stoddard  North- 
west corner,  I found  a tree  fallen  down,  which  the  people  said  was 
formerly  marked  and  Lettered.  I examined,  and  found  it  marked 
thus,  J B,  and  several  figures  on  it,  but  age  had  made  them  unintel- 
ligible.— 

I further  testify,  that  I attended  a second  perambulation  of  the 
West  line  of  Stoddard,  with  Committees  from  Stoddard  and  Marlow, 
and  two  Surveyors  mutually  chosen  by  those  Committees  to  ascer- 
tain the  Line  run  bv  me  for  the  West  line  of  Mason’s  Patent:  and 
the  line  which  those  surveyors  should  report  to  have  been  run  by 
me,  was  to  be  considered  the  standing  line  between  those  towns  in 
future.  In  this  perambulation  more  antient  marks  were  found,  than 
the  first  time  I went  on  it. — 

I further  testify  and  say,  that  John  Pierce  Esqr  of  Portsmouth 
requested  me  to  meet  him  at  the  house  of  Esqr  Penniman  in  Wash- 
ington on  the  28th  day  of  September  last. — I met  him  at  one  Farns- 
worth’s, just  by  Penniman’s,  at  the  time  he  requested,  and  I, 
together  with  Jeremiah  Bacon,  Cap1  Samuel  Gunneson  and  Isaiah 
Kidder,  went  to  the  Northwest  corner  of  Stoddard,  which  is  the 
Southwest  corner  of  Washington,  which  appeared  to  be  a small 
Beech  tree  marked  7 on  one  side,  and  8 on  the  other.  I marked  a 
Beech  tree  just  by  it  J B and  1803,  and,  proceeding  Northwardly, 
found  a line  well  marked,  and  often  the  trees  had  been  marked  three 
times. — The  course  of  this  line  the  Surveyor  said  was  North  28 
Degrees  East. — About  half  a mile  from  the  corner  we  found  a tree 
marked  H„  N.* — A little  further  we  found  a Beech  tree  marked  J, 
A,  H,. — I marked  it  J B : 1803,  and  pursuing  it  a little  further  we 
found  a Beech  tree  marked  1769,  M P L 27  miles  and  209  rods. 
I marked  the  same  tree  J B,  1803.  Kidder  marked  it  I K. — About 
twenty  rods  from  this  tree  we  chopped  into  the  spot  on  a large  Hem- 
lock tree,  and  found  the  Growths  over  the  spot  to  count  more  than 
fifty,  and  in  pursuing  this  line  we  found  many  trees  were  marked  of 
equal  antiquity.  We  then  found  on  the  line  a tree  marked  1772.  I 
marked  J B & 1803. — The  Surveyor  followed  the  line  with  the  com- 
pass over  brushy  land,  and  crossed  Ashuelot  River,  and  came  to 
Marlow  Road. — The  line  run  over  a large  hill.  The  trees  were 
killed  by  fire  and  the  hill  almost  bare. — The  course  being  pursued, 
came  into  a thick  wood,  where  the  marks  were  found  again,  and  they 
continued  to  the  Turnpike  Road,  and  came  to  it  sixty  two  rods  east 


*for  H Neal 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


383 


of  Bingham’s  Gate,  at  a small  Bridge.  To  the  south  of  this  road, 
several  spots  on  trees  were  chopped  into,  and  the  Granes  over  the 
spots  counted  more  than  fifty. — 

Monday  the  3rd  day  of  October,  I,  with  the  said  Jeremiah  Bacon, 
Samuel  Gunneson  & Ebenezer  Toal,  proceeded  in  perambulating  the 
said  West  line  of  Mason’s  Patent,  begining  at  the  said  Bridge  on 
the  Turnpike.  And  on  advancing  Northwardly  through  uncleared 
land,  which  extended  half  a mile,  many  antient  marks  were  found 
and  lately  chopped  into,  and  the  spots  appeared,  by  counting  the 
Granes  over  them,  to  have  been  marked  at  least  fifty  years  ago : 
then  over  cleared  land,  and  on  entering  the  woods,  we  found  the 
marks  as  before  till  we  came  to  a brushy  hill.  I then,  being  unwell, 
could  not  proceed  with  the  perambulators  any  furthur  thad  day. 
The  next  day  I pursued,  came  to  them,  and  went  with  them  to  the 
line  which  they  had  followed,  renewing  it  and  marking  as  they  went ; 
and  on  my  following  it  after  them  I found  where  they  had  marked 
a tree  near  the  Original  Corner  of  Fishersfield,  and  there  they 
chopped  into  a spot  on  a Spruce  tree.  The  Growths  over  the  spot 
counted  upwards  of  fifty.  The  Chopping  I saw,  and  the  Block  they 
said  they  brought  from  the  tree. — I proceeded  with  these  men  on 
the  line  from  that  place.  I went  with  them  to  it,  which  was  just  by 
one  Stearns’,  who  lived  on  the  West  line  of  a lot  once  owned  by 
Thomas  Wallingford.  On  this  line  the  old  marks  were  plenty.  I 
there  marked  a large  Maple  1803  and  J B — laid  several  stones  round 
the  tree,  and  proceeding  on  that  line,  came  to  Penliallow*s  lot,  and 
marked  a Beech  J B 1803  ; it  was  then  marked  with  several  other 
letters. — 

The  men  then  went  on  without  me  about  a mile  ; I then  went 
with  them  to  the  line,  and  came  to  it  by  the  road  leading  to  New- 
port, and  marked  a large  Maple  with  several  spots,  and  also  a large 
Hemlock  just  by  it.  Both  trees  were  on  the  North  side  of  the  road. 
I pursued  the  line  with  them,  and  found  it  well  marked  for  more 
than  a mile  ; it  then  came  to  a hill  that  had  been  burnt  over  and 
the  brush  grown  up,  and  no  marks  appeared.  The  men  proceeded 
forward  till  they  came  to  Sannepee  Pond,  as  they  have  deposed. — 

Dated  Apr1  the  7th  1804 — 

Joseph  Blanchard 

Apr1  7th  1804- 

State  of  New  Hampshire  ) 

County  of  Hillsborough  \ SS 

Then  personally  appeared  the  above  named  Joseph  Blanchard  Sub- 
scriber to  the  above  and  the  Seven  foregoing  leaves  and  made  Solemn 
Oath  that  the  Said  leaves  contain  a Just  and  true  Account  of  the 


384 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


running  marking  and  renewing  the  line  he  formerly  run  for  the  west 
bounds  of  Masons  Patent  (So  called)  according  to  the  best  of  his 
Judgement  & rememberance  this  Affklav1  is  taken  in  pepetuam  Rei 
memoriam 

Before  Timo.  Taylor  & ) Justices  of  the  Peace 

Abel  Goodridge  ) Quoram  Unus 


[. Deposition  of  John  Stearns , April  13,  1804-~\ 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  76.] 

I John  Starnes  of  Amherst  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  Testify 
and  Say,  that  about  fifty  years  ago  I together  with  a Number  of  other 
Persons  went  with  Joseph  Blanchard  (who  now  resides  in  the  Town 
of  Thornton)  to  run  and  mark  the  west  line  of  Masons  Patent  as  it 
was  then  Called,  we  were  employ’d,  as  I then  understood  by  his 
Father  Col0  Blanchard  late  of  Dunstable  decd  the  Company  met  at 
Dunstable  and  Proceeded  westerward  till  we  made  the  Southwest  cor- 
ner of  Said  Patent  which  was  in  a place  called  Rowley  Canady  and 
not  far  from  a large  mountain  Called  GRAND  Manadnock  after  we 
had  made  that  Corner  we  proceeded  Northerly,  the  Said  Blanchard 
Running  a line  All  the  way  and  Some  of  the  company  measured  it 
& marked  it  all  the  way  & I remember  that  trees  were  marked  with 
Letters  & Figures — I Suppose  for  mile  markes  this  Line  we  Contin- 
ued measuring  and  marking  for  many  days  Crossing  a larg  pond 
then  Called  Sunnepee  Pond  and  I well  remember  going  to  the  west 
of  what  the  men  that  were  with  me  called  Sunnepee  Mountain,  when 
we  came  to  the  pond  we  made  a Raft  of  Logs  and  went  over  the  Pond 
how  the  Said  Blanchard  Kept  the  line  over  the  pond  I do  not  remem- 
ber but  I well  remember  beginning  to  mark  & measure  after  we 
crossed  the  pond  and  so  continued  for  Several  days  till  we  came  to 
another  very  large  pond  the  number  of  miles  from  the  corner  to  the 
last  mentioned  pond  I remember  to  be  Sixty  Seven  the  time  we  were 
on  that  Line  was  not  Far  from  a Fornight — 

I Also  further  testify,  that  about  one  year  ago  I was  employ’d  by 
Some  Persons  belonging  to  Stoddard  to  go  there  and  See  if  I had 
any  Remberance  of  that  line  & when  I came  to  the  place  where 
thy  Said  the  line  was  I found  a Line  well  marked  which  appeared 
very  antiant  and  about  where  I Suposed  we  went,  this  line  I follow'd 
by  the  old  marks  Some  Considerable  way  and  on  it  found  a tree 
marked  with  the  Letters  J B which  I Suppose  was  made  by  the  Said 


MASONIAN  PAPEES  GENEEAL. 


385 


Blanchard  when  he  run  the  aforesaid  Line  I Also -further  Testify  & 
Say  that  I was  employ’d  by  John  Peirce  of  Ports0  Esq  to  go  on  that 
Line  with  Some  other  persons  who  he  had  hired  to  perambulate  it 
against  the  Towns  of  Washington  & Fishersfield — this  was  Some  time 
in  the  month  of  Octor  last — I accordingly  went  and  Was  Shewn  the 
Line  which  I Follow’d,  with  the  other  men  Some  ways  and  the  Line 
appeared  to  be  the  Same  which  I had  formerly  helpd  the  Said 
Blanchard  to  measure  and  mark  and  in  this  perambulation  I came  to 
Sunnepe  Mountain  which  I well  Remember  and  Remember  being  on 
the  Same  Side  of  it  that  I was  when  I was  markenge  the  line  with 
the  Said  Blanchard  which  was  on  the  west  Side  of  it  and  not  Far 
from  it  John  Stearns 

County  of  Hillsborough  ) then  personally  appeared  the  above 
April  13th  1804 — j named  John  Starnes  and  After  being  duly 

cautioned  to  Testify  the  Truth  made  Solem  oathe  that  the  foregoing 
Deposition  as  by  him  Subscribed  is  Just  and  True  and  contains  the 
Truth  and  nothing  but  the  Truth  according  to  the  best  of  his  remern- 
berance  and  Judgement  and  remberance,  this  affidvet  is  taken  in 
perputuam  rei  memoriam 

Justices  of  the  peace 
Quoram  Unus 


Before  Timo.  Taylor  ) 
Jos  Farwell  j 


\Jotham  Rindge  s Journal .] 
[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  90.] 


David  Varney 

Wife 

one  Child 

Nath11  Varney 

Wife 

Silas  Varney 

Wife 

1 Child 

LIezeky  Varney 

Wife 

5 Children 

Jn°  Drew — 

Wife 

1 Child 

Aron  Drew 

d°— 

1 d° 

Isaac  Drew — 

d° — 

3 d°— 

John  Ivinnestone 

d° — 

2 d°— 

Wm  Buzzell 

d° — 

4 d° — 

Wm  Clark — 

d° — 

2 

Job  Allard — 

d° — 

James  Briant 

d° — 

4 d° 

Nath1  Wentworth 

d° — 

3— 

Clement  Steel 

Wife 

1 Child 

Jn°  Gillman 

d°— 

4 d° 

JernTh  Gillman 

d°— 

5— 

25 


386 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Benj  Perkens — d° — 2 

Thos  Perkens — 2 

Simeon  Dearburne — 5 

Sam1J  Willey — 1 

Sam11  Shervurn — 3 

Jn°  Wentworth — 5 

Jacob  Welch — 1 

Wm  More — 1 

Elph4  Quimby — 1 

Jn°  Gilman  Junr — 1 

Benj  Horn — 4 

Jos  Abbot — d° — 0 

Jn°  Horn — d°  0 

Jo3  Malum  d° — 0 

David  Copp — d° — 1 

1 Boy 

Noah  Kimble  1 — 0 

Nottingham  Decbr  19th  1769 

Survd  Lotts  N.  13th  8 Range 
Survd  Lott  N°  7.  Range 

Wm  Langeson  Orig1  propriete  Some  sapling  & a few  Dead  Mast 
pines  non  worth  Reserving  for  the  King 
Employd  by  Colo11  Hilton  of  Newmarket — 

Survd  Lott  N°  15  — 9th  Range 
No  timbers  for  Kings  use 
Mrs  Piper 

Chichester  Decr  19  1769 

Survd  Lotts  N 56.  57.  58.  3 divis11  4 Range  & mill  Grant  but  little 
timber  for  the  King  a good  many  Saplings 
Capfc  Cram 

Survd  Lott  33.  in  3d  Range 
d°  d°  27-d°  d°  d° 

Cap*  Cram 

Chichester 
Decembr  19  1769 

Survd  Lotts  N°  39  40.  41 — 2 Devision  & 2d  Range 
Cram 

Survd  Lotts  N°  32  3d  Divis  2d  Range — Frosts  Heirs — 

Survd  Lott  N°  4th  Range  2d  Division  Frost  Origin1 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


387 


Survd  Lotts  N°  42.  43.  44  3d  Range  2 Division 
Ran  & Moulton 

the  above  Land  hath  but  Little  Kings  Timbers  Some  saplings 
which  they  were  to  Cutt  for  the  Buildings 

Gillmanton  Decbr  20  1769 

Survd  Lott  1L.  12  2d  Range 
No  pine  fitt  for  Kings 
Flanders  Weed — 

Survd  Lott  16  2 Range 
No  pine  for  King 
Nieho1  Dudley 

Survd  Lott  11.  12.  3d  Range 
Cap*  Jona  Gillman 

Survd  Lott  N°  13.  3d  Range 
Stephen  Dudley 

Survd  Lott  N°  14  3 Ra 
Wm  Smith— 

Surd  Lott  N°  15. 

Antipas  Gillman 

Surd  Lots  N 16  17.  & 18 
Joseph  Bagger  Esq 

Survd  N°  13  2d  Range 
Dudley  Young — 

Lotts  Survd  in  Gillmanton 
Survd  no  White  pine 

Middleton  Decem’,r  26  1769 

Survd  Lotts  N°  41.  42.  43.  44 

Some  Good  Pine  Timber  for  the  Kings  use 

Em  ploy  d by  Job  Allard 

Survd  Lott  N°  49  no  pine  Trees  fit  of  the  King- 
Jam  es  B riant 

Survd  Lotts  N°  3.  4.  13.  67  very  little  White  pine  timber  fit  for 
Kings  for  Isaac  Drew 

survd  Lotts  N°  23.  46.  15.  14.  6 42.  17.  21.  19.  80.  22. 

East  Town  Decbr  29  1769 
no  timber  for  Kincr 


388 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


New  Durham  Jay  30  1770 

survd  Lott  N°  69  no  pine  fitt  for  Kings  use  for  Shadrack  Allard 
survd  Lott  N°  6 some  small  Saplings  done  by  shadra  Allard 
Survd  Lott  N°  63  some  small  Saplings  done  for  David  allard 
Survd  Lott  N°  27  some  small  saplings  done  for  Ebenez1'  Bickford 
Survd  Lott  N°  8 some  small  Saplings,  for  Money 
Survd  Lotts  9 & 10.  for  James  Berry  & no  Kings  Timber 
Survd  Lott  N°  11  no  Kings  Timber  for  Benja  Berry 
Survd  Lott  N°  64  no  Kings  Timber  for  Widow  Berry 

Middle  Town  Decbr  25.  1769 

David  Varney  on  Lott.  N°  62  ab*  2 Acres  Fell  \ Acre  Clear’d 
House 

✓ 

Nath1  Varney  63  abl  3^  Acres  Clear’d;  ab1  4 or  5 Acres  more  fell 
a House  Hovell  corn  house 

Andrew  Horns  Home  Lott  abl  1 Acre  fell  no  Building 

no  family  Ephraim  Ellis 

Saw  Mill  on  Wm  Wentworth  Home  Lott 

John  Drew  orig1  on  Lott  87.  10  acres  fell  & ab‘  1 Acre  Cleard 

House  & Barn  Frame 

Silas  Varney  (Noah  Cross  orig1)  Lott  N°  2 Acres  fell  ab*  i an 
Acre  Clear’d  House  no  Barn  family 

Aron  Drew  on  Lott  N 97  ab*  4 or  5 Acres  fell  & 1 Acre  Cleard 
House  no  Barn  family 

Lott  N°  100  2 Acres  fell  a small  Frame  done  by  Chas  Hilton 
no  family 

Hezeka  Varney  N.  (Isaac  Watson  Orig)  3 Acres  Clear’d  & 

two  Fell  House  & no  Barn  family 

Lott  N°  (Joseph  Cook  Orig1)  a few  Trees  fell  ab4  1J  Acre 

Moses  Whitehouse  Lot  N 70  a small  Frame  & 5 Acres  Trees  Fell 
none  Crear’d.  no  family 

Joshua  Guppy  Lott  N 12  part  of  Logg  House  very  little  Cleard  & 
no  family  one 

John  York  N°  10  part  of  Logg  House  ab1  3 Acres  fell  no  family 
none  Cld 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


889 


John  Kenniston  Lott  N 7 abfc  8 acres  Cleard  & 8 fell  House  & 
family 

Wm  Buzzell  Lott  N°  7 ab*  4 Acres  Clear’d  & 5 fell  House  & 

family — 

«/ 

Wm  Clark  N°5 — 2J  Acres  Cleard,  & 4 Acres  fell  House  & family — 

Lott  N°  (Tim0  Hanson  Orig1)  ab‘  2 Acres  fell  None  Clear’d — 
no  House 

Lott  N°  (Jn°  Roberts  Orig)  Elias  Crichet  a Small  frame  ab*  2 
or  8 acres  fell  none  Cleard  — 

26  Decembr 

Lott  N°  3.  a Small  frame  & abl  3 Acres  fell  Trees 

Wm  Elkins 

Lott  No  28  ab*  2 Acres  fell  Trees  done  by  Mr  French 

Lott  (Con1  Page  Orig1)  ab*  4 Acres  fell  & part  of  Logg 

House  no  family  done  by  Giddion  Johnson 

Lotts  N°  23  24  25.  26  abl  20  Acres  fell  & ab*  1.  Acre  Cleard.  done 
by  John  Tash 

Lott  N°  (Wm  Horn  Junr  Ori)  abl  6 Acres  fell  Trees — no  family 

Lott  N°  13  abl  1 Acre  fell  Trees  done  by  Jn°  Clark 

27  Decembr 

% 

Lott  N°  42  abl  5 Acres  fell  Trees  ab*  2 Acres  Cleard  done  by  Job 
Allard  House  & Barn  & family 

Lotts  N°  37.  & 38  ab*  4 fell  Trees  no  House — James  Bryant 

Lott  N°  49.  ab1  30  Acres  fell  Trees.  ab*  4 Acres  Clear'1  House  & 
family 

Lott  N°  41  abl  4 Acres  fell  & small  pole  House  done  by  Ebenz 
Perkins 

Lott  N°  50  abl  4 Acres  fell  & abo1  1 acre  Cleard  House  & no  fam- 
ily done  by  Benja  York 

Lott  N°  52  abl  5 acres  fell  Trees  3 acres  Cleard  a House  frame 

done  by  N.  Wentworth  no  family 

Lott  N°  (Orig1  Tho8  Wentworth)  abl  6 Acres  fell  H Acre 
Cleard  done  by  Nath  Wentworth 

House  & family 


390 


CHARTED  RECORDS. 


Lott  N°  30  ab4  5 acres  fell  & 1 Acre  Cleard  House  & no  family 
done  by  Jacob  Pike 

Lott  Riclid  Huzze  Orig1  ab4  4 Acres  Cleard  part  of  House  done 
Nath1  Stephens 

Lotts  N°  4 ab4  4 Acres  fell  done  by  Isaac  Drew 

Lott  N°  6 ab4  4 acres  Trees  fell  & ab4  2 acres  Cleard  House  & 
Barn  Isaac  Drew 

East  Town  Dee1*  30  1769 

Lott  N°  36  ab4  2 Acres  Cleard  ab4  2 fell  House  & family  Clement 
Steel 

Lott  N 29.  ab4  13  Acres  Cleard  & 7 d°  fell  House  & family  Jona 
Gill  man 

Jeremiah  Gillman  Lott  27  ab4  15  Acres  Cleard  & ab4  8 acres 
House  & family 

Noah  Kimble  Lott  N°  38  b4  6 acres  Cleard  4 Acres  fell  trees  House 
& family 

Benj  Perkins  Lott  25  ab4  6 acres  & ab4  6 Cleard  House  & famly 

Sam11  Willy  Lott  23  ab4  3 Cleard  5 Acres  fell  House  & family 

Sam1  Sherburne  Lott  23  ab4  1 Acre  Cld  ab4  4 acres  fell  House  & 
family 

Simion  Dearburne  Lott  42  ab4  10  Acre  Clear  & ab4  20  fell  House 
& family  & Barn 

Joshua  Edgerly  N°  76  ab4  2 acre  Cld  8 fell  House  & family 

Wm  More  N°  74  3 acres  Cld  3 fell  House  & family 

John  Gillman  n°  39.  8 Acrs  Cld  2 acrs  fell  House  & family 

Lott  N°  37.  ab4  10  acres  Cleard  House  & no  family 
4 acres  fell 

Andrew  Gillman  N°  24  ab4  1 Acres  Cleard  14  Acrs  fell  House 
building 

Thos  Perkins  N°  22  2 Acres  Clead  5 Acs  fell  family,  House  build- 
ing 

Jacob  Welch  N°  80  b4  3 Acres  Trees  fell  House  building,  family 
Jn°  Wentworth  18,  ab4  1 acres  Cld  ab4  4 Acres  fell  House  & family 
David  Copp  15  ab4  6 Acres  fell  1 Cleard  House  & family 
Joseph  Abbet.  52  ab4  6 Acres  Cld  ab4  4 acr  fell  House  & family 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


391 


John  Horn  50  bl  4 Acrs  Cld  4 Acrs  fell  House  & family 

Daniel  Hall  53  b*  4 Acres  fell  House  himsell 

Benj  Horn  60  at  3 Acres  Cld  abfc  3 fell  House  & family 

Jn°  Gillman  Junr  64  ab  2 acres  Clef  3 fell  House  & family 

Elpelet  Quinby  66  bl  1 Acre  Cld  3 Acrs  fell  House  & family 

Joseph  Malum  Lot  N 90  2d  Divis  ab1  3 Acre  Cld  3 d°  fell  House  & 
family 

Joseph  Perkins  86  1 acre  Cld  3 Acr  fell  House  & family  moving  up 

Men  thats  begining 


Names 

N° 

Tres  fell 

d°  Cld 

Barna  Palmer 

34 

6— 

4 

House  building 

John  Kimble 

40 

6— 

4 

House  frame 

Andrew  Gilman 

25— 

6— 

2 

San1  Sherburn  1 
Benj  Pickering  j 

20— 

6— 

4— 

Nch  York 

9— 

4— 

1 

Trewo’  Dudley 

43— 

2— 

2 

Ichabon  Kenny 

75— 

4 

James  Garvin 

67— 

8— 

Barna  Palmer 

44 

3— 

1 

Jn°  Gage — 

41 

3— 

Jn°  Wingate 

90— 

8— 

1 

San11  Hall  2d— 

71 

15— 

Robfc  McCrillis  N°  76  House  building  Family — 

Jn°  Gillman  62  ab1  4 Acrs  Trees  fell  House  building  he  living  in 
Town 


MoultonboroughFamilys 


Ezekiel  Moulton 
Stephen  Mason 
James  Mason 
WIn  Atkins 
Benj  Hilyard 
Ebenzr  Blake 
Nath11  Ambros 
Joseph  Richardson 


Sam11  Richardson 
Israel  Glines 
Daniel  Gilman 
Stephen  Sanburn 
Amose  Sanburn 
Jona  Choat 
John  Garland 
Saunders  Magoon 


392 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Bradbury  Richardson 
Richd  Alley 
David  Bean 
Stephen  webster 


Willa  Vetern 
John  Sanderson 
Chandler 
John  Inn  is 


Moultonborough  Jay  8 1770 

Ezekiel  Moulton  Lott  N°  6 8th  Range  ab*  10  Acres  Cleard  & inprd 

5 acres  Trees  fell  a small  Logg  House 

sd  to  be  Coll0  Moultons — Wife  4 Childr 

Stephen  Mason  Lott  7-8  Range  abt  6 Acres  Cleard  4 fell  a small 
Logg  House  a Barn  30  fett  ab*  3 L.  E H Cows  3 wife  2 Children  and 
woman 

James  Mason  Lott  2 9 Range  ab*  7 Acres  Cld  a small  Logg  House 
ownd  by  Col°  Moulton  wife  & Child 

Lott  3 9 Range  a House  abl  40  feet  Long  & 20  wide  abt  i Boarded 
ab*  13  Acres  Cleard  at  40  fell  trees 
no  family 

Lott  N°  1 9 Range  ab1  5 Acres  trees  fell  done  by  Wm  Tole 

Lott  3 10  Range  abl  3 Acres  fell  Coll0  Moultons 

Lotts  N°  4 & 5.  8th  Range  abl  8 Acres  Cld  2 fell  House  partly  bordd 
Coll°  Moulton 
no  family 

Wm  Atkins  Lott  5.  8 Range  Logg  House  1 Acre  fell  none  Cld — 

wife  1 child 

• 

Lott  N°  5.  7th  Range  2 Houses  30  fett  Long  20  fett  wide  Barn  30 

6 80 — Logg  House  — Benj  Hilyard  Moltons  Tennant  50  Acres 
Cleard  Land  6 fell  4 oxen  4 Cows 

Lott  N°  6 7 R abl  6 Acres  Cleard  30  Acres  Trees  fell  no  House  no 
Barn 

Coll0  Moultons 

Lott  N°  4 7 Range  10  Acres  Cld  ab1  7 Acres  fell 
Coll°  Moultons 

Lott  N°  2.  9 R abfc  2 Acres  fell  Trees  done  by  James  Mason 


Moultonborough  Jany  9th  1770. 

Ebene2  Blake.  Lott  N°  4 — 6 Range  abfc  20  Acers  Land  Cleard.  a 
frame  House  abl  25  feet  square.  Barn  30  feet  2 Cows  wife  & 2 Chin- 
dr  en 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


393 


Nath1  Ambros  Lott  N°  4.  & 5.  5 Range  ab4  15  Acres  Cld  Land,  15 
Acres  Trees  House  ab4  30  feet  Square  a Barn  wife  3 children 

Lott  N°  2.  & 3 3d  Range  2 Acres  Cld  6 Acres  fell  done  by  Joseph 
Richardson  wife 

lives  in  the  Town 

Jan*  10th 

Bradbury  Richardson  Lott.  N°  3 & 4 3 Range  12  Acres  Cld  4 
Acres  Trees  fell.  House  29.  & 36.  30  fet  Barn  wife  & 2 Children.  4 
Oxen  4 Cows  4 young  Cattle  1 apprentice 

Richa  Alley  Lott  4.  2d  Range  5 Acre  Cleard.  6 fell  Logg  House  20 
fett  1 Cow  Hovel  wife  1 Child 

Belong  to  Coll1  Moulton 

Moultonbo rough  Jany  10  1769  [1770] 

David  Bean  Lott  N°  5.  2d  Range  7 Acres  Land  Cleared  3 acres 
fell  Logg  House  Hovell  3 Cows  1 Yoak  Oxen  wife  3 Cliildron  20 
fett  House 

Stephen  Webster  Lott.  5.  2d  R 1 Acre  Cleard  2 fell  Logg  House 
ab4  20  fett : 1 Cow  wife  1 Child — 

Sam1  Richardson  Lott  5.  2d  R none  Cleard  Logg  House,  wife  4 
childron 

Lott  N°  Common  3d  Range  18  Acres  Cleard,  Logg  House  no  fam- 
ily Coll  Moutons 

8 acres  fell 

Israel  Glines  Lott.  1.  3d  Rang  7 Acres  Cld  Logg  House  20  30  feet 
Barn  partly  Boarded  wife  7 Childron  2 Oxen  3 Cow 

Lott  N 1.  6 Range  ab4  6 Acres  Clear’d  & not  improvd  6 acres 
Fell  all  grown  over  to  Busshes  a small  Logg  House  partly  to  peices 

Coll  Moultons 


Moultonborough  Jany  10  1769  [1770] 

Lotts.  2.  3.  4 Ra.  1 House  44  & 22  feet  wide  well  finished.  Daniel 
gillman  Wife  & 3 Childron  3 Hired  men  Logg  House  40  feet  Long 
20  feet  wide  Benja  Kimble  wife  & 2 Childron  Logg  House  ab4  30 
feet  Long  frame  addition  ab4  12  feet  Long.  22  feet  wide.  3 Logg 
store  Houses  1 Blk  smiths  shop.  Barn  75  feet  Long  32  feet  wide  an 
Addition  52  feet  Long  12  feet  wide 

70  Acres  Cleared  Land  60  Acres  fell  Trees — the  Building  on  N° 
2.  all  with  in  200  Yards 


394 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Lott  N°  1.  3d  Range  a Store  House  on  vvbarfe  30  feet  Long  20  feet 
wide  5 Acres  Cleard  Land 
Coll0  Moultons 

Lott  N°  2.  7 Range  N°  2.  6 Range  grist  mill  abfc  10  Acres  Cld  2 
Acres  Fell,  a small  Logg  House  25  & 20.  no  family 

Moultonborough  Jany  10.  1770 

Stephen  Sanburne  N°  3.  6 Range  abt  12  Acres  Cld  1 acre  fell,  Saw- 
Mill,  a small  Logg  House  at  15  feet 

(wife  no  Child  1 Y Oxen  3 Cows  Hovell  20  & 30 — 

Amos  Sanburn  N°  3.  6 Range  a frame  House  28  & 30.  this  family 
& the  above  carrys  on  to  geather.  wife  & 6 Children 

Jona  Choat.  Saunders  Magoon  3 Lott  5 Range.  2 Acres  Cld  18  fell 
House  40.  Long  20  fe  back  a Wife.  C.  3.  m 5 
Barn  30  fett  1 Y oxen  4 Cows 

John  Garland  Lott  N°  4..  6 Ra  House  no  land  Cld  wife  2 Child  1 
Cow 

William  Vetern.  Lott  N°  5.  6 Ra  ab4  20  Acres  Cleard.  10  fell  Logg 
House  ab4  30  & 20.  Hovell  Wife  & 8 Childron  2 Cows  3 Young  Cat- 
tle 

Lott  N°  4.  4 Range  ab4  9 Acres  fell  Trees  Coll0  Moultons 

11th  1770  Moultonborough  Neck 

Lott  N°  1.  2 Range  1 Logg  House  20  & 16. 

Lott  N°  1 4 Range  1 Logg  House  18  & 15 

Lott  N°  2.  8 Range  1 Logg  House  18.  12 — 

Lott  N 1.  3 Range  part  Logg  House  18.  & 12 

Lott  N°  11.  1st  Range  in  Addition  part  of  House  Built  ab4  8 Acres 
fell  ab4  4 Acres  Cld — John  Boynton  no  family 

John  Sanderson  Lott  1 2d  Range  3 acres  Cld  1 acre  House  ab4  25 

1 Cow  wife  2 Childron 

Sanburn  Chandlers  Lott.  N.  1..  9 4 Acres  Cld.  2 Acres  fell  Trees 
Logg  House  20.  24.  1 Y Oxen  2 Cows  Wife  2 Childron 

Jn°  Innis  in  Com11  Land  neigh  Red  Hill,  old  Town,  ab4  12  Acres 

2 fell  tres  Logg  House  Barn  29.  35.  Wife  6 Child11  1 Y Oxen  3 Cows 
2 Calves 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


895 


Moultonborough  Jany.  12.  1770 

In  Common  Land  Logg  House  24  5 Acres  Cld  6 fell  trees — 

no  body  on  the  Spot — 

by  side  of  Long  pond  ab1  8 Acres  Trees  fell  in  4 places  coud  not 
find  weither  they  were  on  Lotts  or  Common  Land 

done  by  Cap1  Lucas  & John  Snclear. 

Addition 

Leiut  Senter  Lott  N°  1.  Is  R Logg  House  ab1  22  & 42  ab1  10  Acres 
80  Acres  fell  Hovell  1 Y ox  3 Cows  2 Calves  wife  7 Children 

3d  Lott  2 Range  4 acres  trees  fell 

Ebenezr  Chamberlin  Lott  N°  1 1st  Range  Logg  House  18  feet  24. 
6 acres  Cld  4 Acre  fell  Wife  7 Childn  1 v Oxen  2 Cows  1 y 1 C. 
Hovell 

Elisha  Commins  Lott  2.  2d  Ringe  3 acres  Cld  3 fell  Logg  House 
35.  18,  2 Cows  1 steer,  wife  4 

New  Salem  Jany  15th  1770 — 

Sam11  Kimbel  ll  Division  N°  4 Point  Lott.  Frame  House  24  & 30 
ab1  13  Acres  fell  trees,  wife  3 Childron — 

Jona  Smith  N°  6 Point  Lott.  Frame  House  24  & 30. — 12  Acres 
Cleard  Land  10  acres  fell  Trees  gone  below  to  move  his  family 

Thos  Danford  N°  7 p1  Lott  Logg  House  ab1  20.  Barn  30  & 34. 
Clear’d  10  Acres  6 fell  trees  Wife  10  Childron 

Daniel  Morrison  N°  8 pl  Lott  Logg  House  20..  6 Acres  Cleard  2 

Acres  fell  trees  no  Wife  6 Childron 

Abraham  Folsom  N°  14  pfc  Lott  Frame  House  24  & 18  Logg  Barn 
20  ft  14  Acres  Cld  6 Acres  fell  trees  wife  1 Child  1 H man 

David  Watson  N°  1 6 Range  House  24  & 30  7 Acres  Cld  4 Acres 

fell  wife 

Job  Judkins  N 2 8 Range  6 acres  Cld  14  fell  F House  24  & 18  no 
body  on  Spot 

Point  Lott  N°  2.  12  Acres  fell  trees  done  by  Wm  Crockett 

George  Bean  Lott  N°  2 6 Range  16  acres  Cleard  8 Acres  fell 

frame  House  30  & 20  Hovell  wife  6 Childron 

Ruben  Mastin  Junr  Lott  N°  4 5 Range  Frame  House  18.  24  9 

Acres  Cld  6 Acres  fell  Wife  1 Child — 


396 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Wm  Meed  Lott  N 3 5 Range  F.  House  30.24  Barn  42  & 30. 
25  Acres  Cld  15  fell  wife  9 Childron 

a Small  Logg  House  no  family 

Jacob  Eatton.  Lott  N°  2 no  Range  Logg  House  20  feet  Logg 
Barn  30  & 20,  10  Acres  Cld  10  Acre  fell  trees  wife  9 Childron — 

Lott  N°  3 6 Range  abt  7 Acres  Cld  Land  3 acres  fell  done  by 

David  Laurance  Esq 

Ebenezr  Smith  Esq  N°  10  p*  Lott  frame  House  30.  24  Barn  30. 
34  abl  40  Acres  Cld  8 fell  trees  Lott  N°  11  4 Range  adja  abl  8 Acres 
Cld  3 fell 

wife  3 childron  2 apts  Boys 

Nichls  Carr  Foulson  Lott  n°  11  4 Range  F House  18.  24  3 acres 

fell  trees  wife  2 Childron 

Joseph  Roberts.  Lott  N°  10.  4 Range  6 Acres  Cld  10  Acres  fell 

trees  Frame  House  30  24  gone  to  move  family 

Jeremiah  Smith  Lott  N°  8.  4 Range  15  Acres  Cld  6 Acres  fell — 

F House  30  & 24  Barn  42  & 30 — wife  2 child  , 

Ruben  Mastin  Lott  N°7 — 4 Range  F House  18.  24  Hovell  wife  & 
4 Childron  4 Cld  4 fell 

Abraham  Swain  Lott  N°  8.  7 Range  F H 18.  24  Logg  Barn  20 
wife  1 Boy  12  Acres  Cld  2 fell 

Ebenz  Pitman  Lott  N°  5.  6 Range  no  House.  ab*  10  acres  fell 
trees 

wife  & 2 Child,  in  Town 

James  Quimby  Lott  N°  9.  3d  Range  Logg  House  abl  20.  25  n 
Barn  wife  6 Childron  8 acres  Cld  3 fell 

Sam11  Torry  Lott  N°  3 1st  Range  Logg  House  36  feet  Long  20  wd 
pole  Barn  wife  6 Childron  8 acres  Cld  4 fell 

Lott  N°  4 1st  Range  4 acres  trees  fell  done  by  Joseph  Conner 

Rob1  Bryant  4 Lott  3d  Range  F House  16.  24  Logg  Barn  20  wife 
2 Childron  ab1  10  acres  Cld  4 fell 

Lott  N°  4 3d  Range  12  Acres  fell  trees  done  Nath1  Robertson 

John  Boynton  Lott  N°  4.  4th  Range  Logg  House  Logg  Barn  abt 
20  wife  2 Childron  ab*  7 acres  Cld  4 fell 

Wm  Ray  Lott  N.  3 3d  Range  Logg  Hous  & L Barn  ab1  20  wife  2 
Childron  7 Cld  ab‘  5 fell 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


39T 


Lott  N°  5,  5th  Range  3 Acres  Cld  Land  3 fell  done  by  John  Pike 

Lott  N°  4 2d  Range  ab*  4 Acres  fell  done  by  Jona  Stephens 

Saw  Mill  on  Mill  Grant  on  main  River 

Grist  mill  on  mill  grant  Wequash  Brook  2d  Division 

All  the  work  done  in  1st  Division 

Leavitston  Jany  22d  1770 

Levi  Tole  Lott  N°  96,  2d  Divission  Logg  House  38  feet  Long  18 
feet  wid,  ab*  6 Acres  Cld  Land  15  Acres  fell  wife  7 Childron  1 Y 
oxen  2 Cow — 1 Horse — 

Lott  N°  95  2d  Divission  Benj  Hilton  Lott  N 95  (Belong  to  Tho3 
Parsons)  25  Acres  Cld  Land.  30  acres  fell  trees,  frame  House  26.  & 
24  wife  1 Ch 

James  Titcomb  Lott  97.  1st  Divission  ab*  17  feet.  ab*  5 Acres  Cld 
6 fell  wife  1 Child  1 Cow — 

Andrew  Hilton  Lott  93  d°  ab{  1£  Acres  Cld  10  acre  fell  trees  wife, 
3 Childron  Logg  House  16  & 18  feet 

Jeremiah  Avery  Lott  N.  92  d°  £ a Acre  fell  trees  Logg  House  38 
& 19.  £ Boarded  wife  3 Childron — 

Joseph  Palmer  Lotts  N°  78  & 79  House  on  Line  £ on  each  Lot  18 
& 16  Logg  abt  4 acres  Cld  10  Acres  fell  this  done  by  Capts  Drake  & 
Lovell 

Thos  George  Lott  92.  2d  Divission  Logg  House  abc  20  fett  abl  2 
Acres  Cld  15  Acres  fell 

wife  & 2 Childron 

Josiali  Mastin  Lott  95  £ an  acres  Cld  House  14  & 16  wife  & 4 

Child 

James  Dearburne  Lott  N°  41  1 acrd  Cld  4 acres  fell  wife  2 Child" 
no  House  Lives  in  the  House  with  Josiah  Robertson 

Josiah  Robertson  Lott  N°  40  1 Acres  Cld  3 Acres  fell  trees  House 
16  & 18  wife  & 2 Childron 

Saw  Mill  on  94  Grist  Mill  97 

Lotts  began  on 

Lott  N°  93  2d  Divis11  ab'  18  acres  fell  trees  in  differnt  spots  done 
by  setli  Fogg 

Lott  98  1st  Divis  2 acres  fell  bv  Seth  Foircr 


398 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Lott  96  l9t  Divission  1 House  16  by  18  done  by  Abner  fogg  Junr 

Lott  95  V Difit  1 House  frame  16  & 18.  done  by  Abner  ffogg  Jun 

Lott  98  2d  Divission  House  Logg  16  by  18  abl  3 acres  fell  trees 
Doc1  Deairburne 

Lott  93  1st  Divission  2 acres  trees  fell  done  by  Josiali  Mastin 

Lott  N°  37  1st  Di.  ab1  3 Acres  fell  trees  done  by  Jn°  Taylor — 

Lott  94  3 Acres  fell  done — [illegible]  Deaarburne 

Lott  N°  67  2d  Division  ab1  4 Acres  fell  House  building  done  by 
Sam11  Webb 

Lott  N°  5 1st  Divission  2 Acres  Old  5 Acres  fell  done  by  David 
Mastin — 

Lott  N°  91  1 Divission  ab1  3 Acres  Cld  1 fell  Logg  House  18  & 20 
done  by  Jeremiah  Avery 

Lott  N°  76  1 Divission  ab1  3 Acres  fell  done  by  Benj  Hilton 

Wolf  borough  Jany  29  1770 

Governor  Wentworth  Lott  N°  2 House  100  feet  40 — Saw  Mill  60 
Acres  Land  with  meadow  Cld  50  acres  fell 

Sam1  Woodess  Lott  N°  7 Logg  House  1 Acres  Cld  3 fell 

George  Wooddess  Lott  N°  7 4 Acres  fel  no  House — 

Jotham  Rindge  Lott  N°  8 House  10  acres  Land  Cld  40  acres  fell 
tres 

Aron  ffrost  Lott  N°  9 House  1 Acre  Cld  12  fell 

Thos  Trygs  Lott  N°  5 1 Acres  Cld  5 fell  tres  Logg  House 

James  Lucas  Lott  N°  1 Settles  Lott  Logg  House  Barn  30  feet  20 
acres  Cld  10  acres  fell 

Sam1  Tibbitts  Lott  N°  2 8 ares  Cld  6 Acres  fell  frame  House 
Joseph  Lary  Lott  N°  3,  Logg  House  6 Acres  Cld  7 acres  fell 
Thos  Taylor  Lott  N°  4 5 Acres  Cld  2 Acres  fell  Logg  House 
Thos  Piper  Lott  N°  5 2 Acre  Cld  1 Acres  fell  Logg  House 
Benj  Blake  Lott  N°  6 12  Are  Cld  3 Acres  fell  Logg  House 
M°  Fulerton  N°  7 Logg  House  14  Acres  Cld  8 acrs  fell 
Andrew  Wiggins  Lott  N°  8 Logg  House  5 acres  Cld  2 Acres  fell 
James  Hearsey  Lott  N°  Logg  House  4 Acres  Cld  6 Acre  fell 


MASONIAN  PAPERS  GENERAL. 


399 


Jona  Harsey  on  D Peirces  Lott  Logg  House.  5 Acres  trees  fell 
Thiel  Clifford  N°  21  Logg  House  30  20  4 acres  Cld  .5  Acrs  fel 
David  Haynes  21  Logg  House  3 Acres  4 acres  fell 
Wm  Haynes  Lott  N°  20  Logg  Hous  4 Cld  4 acres  fell 
20  Acres  fell  by  Mr  Meservy 

Lemuel  Clifford  Lott  N°  19  Logg  House  4 Acrs  Cld  3 acrs  fel 
Ruben  Libbey  Lott  N°  24  6 Acres  Cld  10  acres  fel  Logg  House 
Lott  N 24  8 Acres  Cld  50  ares  fell  done  by  Capfc  Parker 
Lott  N frame  House  4 Ares  Cld  11  feel  done  by  Chas  Rogers 
2 Cld  10  fell  Logg  Hous  done  by  Cooley  David  Sewells  Lott 
10  fell  by  Jn°  Sinclar 

Sam11  Tibbitts  Junr  N 17.  frame  House  2 Acres  Cld  5 acres  fell, 

Lott  N°  17  24  acres  fell  6 Cld  done  by  Cap1  Tory 

John  Sinclar  N°  14  frame  House  30  acres  fell  Trees 

Thos  Cap1  Lucas  N°  14  frame  House  20  Acres  fell 

James  Lucass  Junr  N°  14  House  Logg  30  Acres  fell  trees 

Lott  N°  13  10  Acres  fell  trees 

Lott  N°  15  Logg  House  17  Acrs  Cld  4 Acres  fell 

Benja  Folsom  N°  12  Logg  House  6 acrs  fell  trees 

Jacob  Segeal  N°  11  Logg  House  8 acre  fell  1 Acre  Cld 


PART  II. 


RECORDS 

OF  THE 


M EE  TINGS 

OF  THE 

| 

MASONIAN  PROPRIETORS. 


174:8-1846. 


I 


/ 


RECORDS 


OF  THE 

PROPRIETORS’  MEETINGS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  69.] 


Province  of  ) Notification  is  hereby  given  that  on  the  four- 
New  Hampshire  j teenth  day  of  May  Instant  at  the  Dwelling-house 
of  Sarah  Prust  in  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
Widow  at  ten  of  the  clock  in  the  forenoon  there  will  be  a meeting 
of  the  Proprietors  of  a Tract  of  land  in  New-Hampshire  aforesaid 
Containing  two  hundred  Thousand  Acres  more  or  less  purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  Esqur  by  Deed  dated 
the  thirty eth  day  of  July  1746 — 

(lly)  Then  and  there  to  choose  a Clerk  for  Said  Proprietors — 
(2ly)  To  choose  Such  Committee  or  Committees  as  Said  Proprie- 
tors shall  think  proper — 

(3ly)  To  do  or  transact  any  other  affair  as  shall  be  thought  proper 
for  the  Benefitt  of  Said  Proprietors — 

May  ye  12th  1748— 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
John  Moffatt 
J Odiorne  Jur 
Sam1  Moore 
Nath1  Meserve 


John  Wentworth 
Mark  Hs  Wentworth 
Josha  Peirce 
Thos  Packer 
Geo:  Jaffrey  jur 
Thos  Wallingford 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  ye  14th  1748 — 

New  Hampshire  \ At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  a tract  of 
land  in  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire  containing  two  hundred 
Thousand  Acres  of  land  more  or  less  purchased  of  John  Tufton 


404 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Mason  of  Portsmouth  aforesaid  Esqur  by  Deed  dated  the  thirtyeth 
day  of  July  1746,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  in  said 
Portsm0  Widow  pursuant  to  a Notification  Dated  at  Said  Ports- 
mouth ye  12th  Instant  notifying  Said  Meeting — voted — 

(1)  Voted  unanimously  that  the  Honbl  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur 
be  moderator  for  said  meeting 

(2ly)  Voted  that  mr  George  Jaffrey  junr  be  Clerk  of  the  Said 
Proprietors 

Province  of  \ Portsmouth  May  14th  1748 

New  Hampr  \ Mr  George  Jaffrey  Junr  made  oath  that  he  would 
execute  the  office  of  Clerk  of  the  Said  Proprietors  So  long  as  he 
shall  continue  in  the  said  office  according  to  his  best  Skill  Judgment 
and  understanding  agreeable  to  Law 

before  Matthew  Livermore 

JusiPac. 

(3)  Voted  unanimously  that  any  eight  of  the  said  Proprietors  be 
and  hereby  are  Authorised  and  impowered  to  call  a meeting  of  the 
Said  Proprietors  from  time  to  time  as  there  shall  be  occasion  unless 
when  a meeting  of  said  Proprietors  Shall  be  under  an  Adjournment — 

(4)  Voted  unanimously  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wens- 
day  the  eighteenth  day  of  May  instant  at  four  of  the  Clock  in  the 
After-noon  at  ye  said  Dwelling  House  of  Sarah  Prust  aforesaid — 
and  ye  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

Geo.  Jaffrey  jr  Pr  Cl 

The  above  Votes  passed  as  Entred  Attes*  Theodore  Atkinson 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  May  ye  18th  1748  at  four  of  ye 
New  Hampshr  j Clock  afternoon  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  widow  The  Proprietors  above  mentioned  met  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  That  Thomas  Packer  & Joshua  Peirce  Esqurs  and  mr  George 
Jaffrey  junr  be  a Committee  to  make  enquiry  into  and  get  such 
Copies  of  Papers  and  Records  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the 
Supporting  and  maintaining  the  title  to  the  lands  claimed  by  the 
above  mentioned  Proprietors  and  that  it  be  done  at  the  Charge  of 
the  Said  Proprietors. — 

Voted  that  John  Moffat  & Nathaniel  Meserve  Esqurs  be  agents  to 
prosecute  any  Person  or  Persons  that  shall  trespass  upon  any  of  the 
said  lands  claimed  by  the  Said  Proprietors  and  that  it  be  done  at 
the  Charge  of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


405 


Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wensday  ye  first  day  of 
June  next  at  nine  of  ye  Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
and  ye  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

Geo:  Jaffrey  jurProprs  Cler 

May  18th  1748 

The  foregoing  Votes  Passed  unanimously  as  Entred 

Attest  Theodore  Atkinson  Mod1’ 


Province  of  i Portsmouth  June  ye  first  day  1748  Wensday 
New  Hampshire  j at  nine  of  ye  Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors 
met  according  to  adjournment — 

Whereas  a Committee  from  ye  Assembly  of  this  Province  in 
august  last,  desired  a meeting  of  ye  Purchasers  of  mason’s  Right  in 
lands  of  this  Province,  at  the  house  of  mrs  Slayton,  and  at  Said 
meeting  offered  a Draft  of  a deed  of  Conveyance  of  their  Rights  to 
Said  lands,  for  them  to  Execute  ; which  Draft  of  a deed  not  being 
agreable  to  the  Proposals  before  made  by  any  Committee  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  Said  Province,  or  by  any  Purchaser  of  Said 
Right;  It  was  desired  of  the  Committee  who  presented  the  Said 
Draft,  that  they  would  leave  it  with  the  Purchasers  for  their 
Perusal,  and  that  they  would  return  Said  Draft  of  a Deed,  with  their 
Answer  to  the  Proposal  of  Said  Committee — 

Voted  that  the  Clerk  of  the  Proprietors  Sign  the  Answer  now 
read,  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  the  Proprietors  & deliver  the  Same 
to  the  Committee  aforesaid  together  with  the  Said  Draft  of  a Deed — 
Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  this  Place  on  wensday  ye 
8 Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon — 

Attes*  Theodr  Atkinson  Moderar 


Portsmouth  June  ye  8th  1748  at  ye  House  of  Sarah  Prust  Wensday 
five  o’clock  afternoon  Proprietors  met  According  to  Adjournment — 
Meeting  was  Disolved 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprrs  Clerk 


[Mason i an  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  73.] 

^ Province  of  j Pursuant  to  a Vote  of  the  Purchasers  of 
New  Hampshire  j Mason’s  Right  of  a Tract  of  Land  in  ye  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  on  the  14th  of  may  last  at  a Proprietors  Meeting 


406 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  any  eight  of  ye  Said  Proprietors  be  authorized  and  impowered 
to  call  a meeting  of  said  Proprietors  from  time  to  time  as  there  shall 
be  occasion — 

Notice  is  hereby  given  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  House  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  in 
Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  thursday  the  fifteenth  Ins*1  at  five  of 
ye  Clock  afternoon  then  and  there  to  vote  and  transact  such  matters 
as  shall  be  tho’t  Convenient  by  Said  Proprietors;  dated  at  Ports- 
mouth the  Eighth  day  of  September  anno  Domini  1748 — 

Josha  Peirce  Nath  Meserve 

J Odiorne  R Wibird 

Tho3  Wallingford  Thos  Packer 

Mark  Hs  Wentworth  Theodr  Atkinson 

Sam1  Moore 


Province  of  \ Portsm0  the  15th  Septr  1748  The  Proprietors 
New  HampslT  ( not  meeting  According  to  Notification  the  Meeting 
Drop’d  and  fell  thro 

Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Cl — 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  74.] 


Province  of  ) Pursuant  to  a Vote  of  the  Purchasers  of  Mason's 
New  Hampshire  ) Right  of  a Tract  of  Land  lying  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  pass’d  at  a Proprietors  meeting  held  at  Portsm0  in 
said  Province  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  may  last  past — “ that  any 
eight  of  the  Said  Proprietors  be  authorized  and  impowered  to  call  a 
meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  from  time  to  time  as  there  shall  be 
occasion — 

Notice  is  hereby  given  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  widow  in  Ports- 
mouth aforesaid  on  thursday  the  twenty  Second  Ins4  at  five  of  the 
clock  afternoon  then  and  there  to  Vote  and  transact  Such  matters 
as  shall  be  tho't  convenient  by  said  Proprietors,  dated  at  Portsmouth 
the  sixteenth  day  of  September  anno  Domini  1748 — 


Theodore  Atkinson 
John  Moffatt 
Nath1  Meserve 
Mark  H®  Wentworth 


R Wibird 
J Odiorne 
Sam1  Moore 
Thos  Packer 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


40T 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  Septr  ye  22d  1748 — at  a meeting 
New  Hampsh1’  j of  ye  Proprietors  of  Mason’s  Right  in  Lands  lying 
in  ye  Prove  of  New  Hampshire  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust 
widow  pursuant  to  a Notification  bearing  Date  ye  16th  Ins6 

Voted  That  The  Honble  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  be  moderator  of 
this  meeting — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Thursday  next  ye  29th 
Ins6 — to  meet  at  this  place  at  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon 
and  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ( Thursday  September  296b  1748  at  four  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  after  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  meet  at  this  Place  on 
wensday  next  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  ye  fifth  day  of  October 
next — and  the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  j Portsm0  Wensday  October  ye  5th  1748  four  of 
New  HampslT  ) the  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust — the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Voted  unanimously  That  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird 
Jotham  odiorne  Joshua  Peirce  Jn°  Moffatt  Thomas  Packer  Sam11 
Moore  Nath11  Meserve  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  John  Wentworth 
junr  Esqur8and  mr  George  Jaffrey  junr  be  a Committee  to  treat  & agree 
with  any  person  or  persons  relating  to  taking  possession  or  improve- 
ment of  any  of  the  lands  aforesaid,  that  may  apply  unto  them 
between  this  and  the  next  meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  and  that  the 
Said  Committee  or  the  major  part  of  them  be  and  hereby  are  author- 
ized and  impowered  So  to  do  and  make  Report  of  their  Actings  and 
doings  unto  the  next  meeting  of  Said  Proprietors — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Adjourn’d  to  this  place  on  Wensday 
ye  19th  instant  at  five  of  ye  clock  Afternoon — and  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  jur  Proprs  Clerk 


Wensday  October  ye  19th  1748  many  of  ye  proprietors  met  accord- 
ing to  adjournment  but  the  moderator  being  absent  the  meeting 
dissolv'd • 


attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprietor  Clerk 


408 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol  T,  p.  156.] 

At  a Private  Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Masonia  upon  Consid- 
ering what  method  & Terms  to  grant  out  Land  to  Setlers  it  was 
proposed  that  Townships  be  Laid  out  in  the  Extent  of  Six  Miles 
Square  or  So  much  as  is  Equal  thereto  and  that  each  Town  be  divided 
into  80  Shares  or  Lots  60  of  which  to  the  Setlers  or  Grantees  the 
other  20  Shares  as  follows  to  Each  Proprietor  one  a Lot  for  the  first 
Minister  a Ministerial  Lot  a School  Lot  & two  Law  Lots  and  the 
Settlers  & ve  other  Lots  that  is  all  to  take  an  Equal  Chance  & Draw 
for  their  Lots  the  60  Shares  to  be  at  all  the  Charge  of  Settling  & 
Also  of  Laying  out  &c 
October  28th  1748 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  75.] 


Province  of  ( Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr, 
in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire — That  there  will  be  a Proprie- 
tor’s Meeting  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  in  Ports- 
mouth in  said  Province  on  Wen’sday  the  Second  day  of  November 
next,  at  four  of  the  clock  after-Noon  then  and  there  at  said  Meet- 
ing.— 

(1st)  To  receive  the  Report  of  a Committee  of  Said  Proprietors 

Appointed  to  treat  & agree  with  Settlers  &ca 

(2ly)  To  receive  the  Report  of  certain  Persons  appointed  to  take 

Plans  of  lands  to  be  laid  out  in  Townships 

(3ly)  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  granting  of  lands  to 
Settlers — 

(4ly)  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety 

and  to  transact  any  other  matters  & things  relating  to  Said  Pro- 
priety, that  may  then  be  tho’t  proper  to  be  done, 

Portsmouth  October  ye  26th  1748 


R Wibird 
John  Moffatt 
Josha  Peirce 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Nath.  Meserve 


J Odiorne 
Sam1  Moore 
Theod1'  Atkinson 
John  Wentworth 


Province  of  ( At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands 
New  Hampshire  \ purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  at  the  Dwelling  House  of  Sarah  Prust 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


409 


Widow  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wen’sday  the  Second  day 
of  November  anno  Domini  1748 — Pursuant  to  a Notification  of  the 
26th  of  October  last  past 

Voted  that  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing-— 

Voted  that  Thomas  Packer  Jotliam  Odiorne  John  Moffat  & Joshua 
Peirce  Esqurs  be  a Committee  to  Consider  of  proper  methods  & 
Terms  of  granting  Townships  or  Lands  within  the  Propriety  and  to 
Make  Return  thereof  to  this  meeting  at  their  Adjournment  or  as 
Soon  as  may  be 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wensday  next  ye  9th 
Instant  to  meet  at  this  Place  at  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon — and  this 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn'd 

a true  Record  attest 

Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprrs  Clerk 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  November  ye  9th  1748  The  Propri- 
New  HampslT  i etors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 
Voted  that  the  Rights  of  the  original  Proprietors  of  Souhegan 
East  otherwise  called  Naragauset  N°  5 on  merimack  River  be  and 
are  hereby  confirmed  to  them  according  as  the  Lots  have  been  already 
Surveyed  & laid  out,  excepting  and  reserving  only  Seventeen  Shares 
or  Rights  as  according  to  Said  laying  out,  the  particular  Rights  or 
Shares  so  excepted  & reserved  to  be  determined  And  ascertained 
hereafter,  but  that  the  particular  Rights  and  Shares  of  Major  Edward 
White  & the  Revd  Doctor  Ebenezer  Miller  be  not  among  the  Excepted 
& reserved  Rights  as  aforesaid  but  that  their  Said  Rights  <&  Shares 
among  Said  Proprietors  Survey'd  as  aforesaid  be  hereby  granted  and 

confirmed  to  them  their  heirs  & Assigns 

Voted  that  the  abovesaid  Major  White  & his  Son  John  have  their 
names  put  in  among  the  Settlers  of  a Town  which  shall  hereafter  be 
granted  & laid  out  that  shall  include  that  land  in  Gorham  Town  so 
called  lying  a’cross  the  Crotch  of  Piscataquoag  River  which  the  said 
Major  White  purchased  of  Coll°  William  Dudley  deceased  & that 
they  have  & hold  to  them  their  heirs  & assigns  that  same  land  so 
purchased  as  their  parts  or  shares  in  said  Township  to  be  so  laid  out 
the  Same  being  four  hundred  Acres  to  hold  on  the  Same  Terms  of 
other  Settlers 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  further  Adjourned  to  Wensday  next 
y e 16th  Instant  at  this  Place  at  four  of  the  clock  afternoon — the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  Adjourn’d a true  Record 

attest  Geoi’ge  Jaffrey  junr.Proprs  Cl: 


410 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  ) Portsmouth  Wensday  ye  16th  November  1748 
Hampshire  j at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  many  of  ye  Propri- 
tors  meeting  but  the  Moderator  being  Sick  at  home  could  not  attend 
at  the  Adjournment  So  nothing  was  transacted  and,  the  meeting 
dissolv’d  a true  Record 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  jur  Proprs  Clerk 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  79.] 

Province  of  New  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Hampshire  j Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
the  Province  of  New-Hampshire  That  there  will  be  a Proprietors 
Meeting  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  in  Portsmouth 
in  Said  Province  on  wensday  the  twenty  third  Instant  at  four  of  the 
Clock  After-Noon  then  and  there  at  Said  Meeting — 

(1st)  To  receive  the  Report  or  Reports  of  Committees  of  Said 
Proprietors 

(2ly)  To  receive  the  Reports  of  Persons  Appointed  by  Proprietors 
to  take  Plans  of  lands  for  Townships,  and  to  layout  into  Townships, 
and  to  admitt  Settlers  &ce — 

(3dly)  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  granting  of  Lands  to 
Settlers — 

(4ly)  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety ; and  to  transact  any  other  Matters  & 
Things  relating  to  said  Propriety  that  may  then  be  tho’t  proper  to 
be  done  at  Said  meeting 
Portsm0  Novr  17th  1748 


R Wibird 
John  Moffatt 
Nath1  Meserve 
Josha  Peirce 
J Odiorne 


Theodore  Atkinson 
Th os  Packer 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
John  Wentworth 


Province  of  ) At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands 
New  Hampshire  j purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  Widow  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wen’sday 
the  twenty  third  day  of  November  at  four  of  the  clock  afternoon 
1748  pursuant  to  a notification  of  ye  17th  Instant 

Voted  That  John  Moffatt  Esqur  be  Moderator  for  this  meet- 
ing— 


EECOEDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


411 


Mr  John  Lovet  & Mr  Daniel  Marston  in  behalfe  of  the  Petitioners 
in  north-Hampton  Appearing  at  the  meeting  & desiring  to  know 
upon  what  Terms  the  Proprietors  will  grant  a Township  to  Said 
Petitioners — 

Voted  That  the  Number  of  Shares  or  Divisions  in  ye  Township  of 
Six  Miles  Square  be  one  hundred  shares  to  be  laid  out  equally 
wherein  y®  Petitioners  of  North  Hampton  are  to  be  placed,  twenty  of 
the  Said  hundred  shares  to  be  reserved  to  the  use  of  the  Grantors, 
& ye  use  of  ye  Town  as  Said  Grantors  Shall  direct,  and  that  within 
the  Space  of  three  years  after  a Conclusion  of  a Peace  between  Eng- 
land & France  twenty  Families  shall  be  Settled  in  ye  Township,  and 
within  five  years  after  ye  Conclusion  of  Said  peace  there  shall  be 
thirtv  Families  Settled  and  within  Seven  years  from  ve  Conclusion  of 
said  Peace  forty  Families  shall  be  Settled  and  within  eight  years 
from  the  Conclusion  of  said  Peace  a meeting  house  Shall  be  built 
and  a minister  Settled — to  be  Complyed  with  at  the  Expence  of  the 
Grantees — and  that  the  Land  Shall  be  granted  without  any  Sum  of 
Money  as  a Purchase  or  upon  any  Quit  Rent — and  that  the  Grantors 
Shares  so  reserved  in  the  Township  so  granted  Shall  be  at  no 
Expence  or  Charge  toward  the  Settling  ye  Township,  building  the 
Meeting  house  or  Support  of  a Minister  in  the  Town,  or  any  other 
Charge  till  improved  by  said  Grantors,  or  Sold  or  disposed  of  by 


them,  but  upon  their  Settling  their  Respective  Shares  by  themselves, 
or  by  any  person  or  persons  under  them — from  the  time  of  Such  Set- 
tlement then  Such  Share  or  shares  respectively  to  pay  a proportionable 

part  of  the  future  Town  Charge 

Voted  that  a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  be  appointed  to  wait 
upon  his  Excellency  to  acquaint  his  Excellency  that  many  of  the 
Principal  Inhabitants  of  the  old  Towns  & others  in  this  Province  of 
New  Hampshire,  have  petitioned  the  Purchasers  of  Cap1  John  Tufton 
Mason’s  Right  in  Land  in  Said  Province,  for  grants  of  Lands  for 
Townships  in  order  to  Settle  thereupon,  and  also  that  Said  Purchasers 
have  encouraged  Said  Petitioners  of  making  them  grants  accord- 
ingly, & that  many  of  them  are  gone  upon  the  Said  Propriety  to 
make  a Survey  of  Sundry  Tracts  of  land  to  Consist  of  Six  Miles 
Square,  for  a Township — and  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird 
Sam11  Solly  Thomas  Wallingsford  John  Moffatt  Jotham  Odiorne  & 
Nath11  Meserve  Esqurs  be  the  Committee  to  Wait  on  his  Excellency 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wensday  next  at  this 
Place  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon 
Adjourn’d  Accordingly 
a true  Record  attest 


Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Prop18  Clerk 


412 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  ) Portsmouth  Wensday  five  of  the  Clock  after- 
Hampshire  ) noon  November  30th  1748  at  the  House  of  Sarah 
Prust  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Mr  Daniel  Peirce  producing  a Power  of  Attorney  from  Sam11 
Moore  Esqur  dated  ye  11th  day  of  November  1748  impowering  him 
the  said  Daniel  Peirce  to  appear  for  him  the  Said  Sam11  Moore  Esqur 
at  any  meeting  of  the  Said  Proprietors  and  to  act  for  him  the  Said 
Sam11  Moore  Esqur  in  any  affair  that  may  be  transacted  at  any  Such 

Meeting  relating  to  Said  Propriety Voted  that  the  Said  mr  Daniel 

Peirce  be  and  hereby  is  admitted  to  act  in  the  room  and  Stead  of 
him  the  said  Samuel  Moore  Esqur  in  all  affairs  at  said  Meetings  he 
the  Said  Daniel  Peirce  paying  Such  Charges  as  shall  or  may  arise 
which  he  the  Said  Samuel  Moore  Esqur  should  or  ought  to  pay  in 
proportion  with  the  other  Proprietors,  if  he  the  Said  Samuel  Moore 
Esqur  were  present — 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn’d  till  to  Morrow  ten  of  ye 
Clock  before  noone  to  meet  at  this  Place — and  accordingly  is  ad- 
journ’d— 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


Pro vs  of  New  Hampslir  Portsm0  Decr  1st  1748  ten  of  the  Clock 
before-noon  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow — The  Proprietors 
meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  that  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  write  Answers  to  Coll0 
Blanchards  Letters  of  Novr  30th  1748  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors — 
Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  till  to  morrow  five  of  the 
clock  afternoon — the  Meeting  is  accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Proprs  Cler 


Pro vs  of  New  ) Portsmouth  friday  ye  2d  day  of  December  1748 
Hampshire  j at  ye  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  five  of  the  clock 
afternoon 

The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 
Voted  that  Sam11  Solly  Esqur  and  mr  Daniel  Peirce  and  mr  George 
Jaffrey  junr  be  a Committee  to  examine  ye  Petitions  that  have  been 
preferr’d  to  this  Propriety  for  Lands  within  Mason’s  Grant  and  pre- 
pare a plan  Of  said  Petitions  with  y®  number  of  Subscribers  in  Said 
Petitions 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  till  to  morrow  at  this  place 
at  twelve  of  ye  Clock  at  noon 

the  Meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourn’d 

a true  Record  Attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Clerk 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


413 


Portsm0  Saturday  3 December  1748  at  ye  House  of  Sarah  Prust 
Widow  twelve  of  ye  Clock  at  Noon  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
Adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Goffstown  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 

300-304.— Ed.] 

Voted  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn’d  to  ye  7th  Ins4  to  meet  at  this 

Place  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon 

The  meeting  was  Adjourn’d  Accordingly 

a true  Record  Attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  New  } Portsmouth  Wensday  December  ye  7th  1748 
Hampshire  ( five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Sarah  Prust  widow  The  Proprietors  Meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  that  Ebenezer  Stevens  Esqur  & Associates  have  a Township 
equal  to  Six  miles  Square  beginning  on  ye  north  of  Contoocook  in  ye 
most  convenient  Form,  without  interfering  with  ye  Township  called 
N°  1,  as  ye  Grantors  shall  think  proper  and  that  mr  Edmund  Brown 
& Associates  have  a Township  equal  to  Six  miles  Square  joining 
upon  the  north  Side  of  Steven’ss  & Associates  above  sd  tract  upon  ye 
west  side  of  Pemigawasset  River  upon  such  Reservations  & Limita- 
tions hereafter  to  be  agreed  upon 

The  Meeting  is  Adjourn’d  to  wensday  next  at  five  of  ye  Clock 
afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest  : Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  14th  1748  Wensday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  Widow 

The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 
Voted  that  mr  John  Sandburn  his  Petitioners  with  old  Hampton 
and  mr  Jn°  Knight’s  Petitioners  have  four  Townships  Six  miles 
Square  each  or  so  much  as  shall  Amount  to  Six  miles  Square  each 
eighty  Settlers  with  a Reservation  of  twenty  Shares  in  each  Town 
Said  land  to  be  and  lay  vizt — two  of  Said  Townships  to  lay  on  the 
Eastward  side  of  Pemigawassett  and  two  to  the  westward  the  Con- 
ditions & Limittations  to  be  hereafter  fixed  & settled 

Voted  That  Cap1  Veasy  and  Associates  & such  as  shall  be  added 
have  a tract  of  land  containing  Six  miles  Square  or  so  much  as  Shall 
amount  to  Six  miles  square  at  number  Six  so  called,  the  Settlers  to 


414 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


be  eighty,  and  twenty  shares  to  be  reserved  Conditions  & Limittations 
to  be  hereafter  fixed  and  Settled 

Voted  that  mr  Stark  & ye  Compa  to  be  his  Associates  have  ye  Tract 
of  land  adjoining  to  ye  land  Voted  to  Cap1  Jn°  Goffe  & associates 
to  consist  of  Six  miles  Square  or  equal  to  Six  miles  square  under 
Such  Conditions  Limittations  & Reservations  as  shall  hereafter  be 
Settled 

The  Meeting  is  adjourn’d  to  the  morrow  at  nine  of  ye  Clock  before 
noon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  New  } Portsmouth  Thursday  December  15th  1748  at 
Hampshire — ( the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  widow  The 

Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  on  ye  23d  day  of  November  last  at  a meet- 
ing b}r  them  then  held  at  Portsmouth  made  choice  of  a Committee 
of  said  Proprietors  to  wait  on  his  Excellency  ye  Governour  of  this 
Province  to  confer  with  him  concerning  the  Grants  they  were  mak- 
ing of  lands  within  said  Province  in  virtue  of  their  Purchase  from 
Captain  John  Tufton  Mason  which  Committee  by  reason  of  sundry 

Inpediments  have  not  Yet  so  done  Wherefore 

Voted  That  Richd  Wibird  Sam11  Solly  John  Moffatt  Jotham 
Odiorne  & Nath11  Meserve  Esqurs  be  a Committee  to  Wait  upon  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  aforesaid  to  conferr  with  him  concerning 
the  Said  Right  of  ye  Proprietors  & on  such  Matters  & Things  as  they 
shall  think  proper  and  to  inform  him  of  any  matter  he  shall  please 
to  inquire  of  them  relating  thereto  & to  Request  of  his  Excellency 
Such  favours  as  they  may  think  proper  for  the  Benefit  of  said 
Proprietors — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Saturday  next  to  meet  at 
this  place  ten  of  ye  Clock  before  noon 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Prop13  Clerk 


Province  of  New  ) Portsmouth  December  17th  1748  at  the  Dwell- 
Hampshire  j ing  House  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  on  Saturday 
ten  of  ye  Clock  before  noon 

The  Proprietors  meet  According  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Dunbarton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
193-197.— Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


415 


Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn’d  to  Wensday  next  to  this 
Place  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon 
the  Meeting  is  accordingly  Adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  jr  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of — } Portsmouth  December  21st  1748 — Wen’sday 
New  Hampshire  j five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted — That  Ephm  Marston  & those  to  be  his  Associates  have  A 
Township  as  mark’t  upon  Mr  Peirce’s  Plan  upon  such  conditions 
Restrictions  & Reservations  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  upon 

Voted  that  Mr  Weare  and  ye  Persons  to  be  his  Associates  and  the 
other  persons  agreed  upon  have  a Town  ship  equal  to  Six  miles 
square  at  a place  called  Hales  Town  upon  such  Conditions  Restric- 
tions & Reservations  as  shall  hereafter  be  agreed  upon 

Voted  That  Clem1  March  Esqurs  & ye  Persons  to  be  his  Asso- 
ciates & others  have  a Township  Equal  to  Six  miles  Square  bounded 
on  ye  North  East  side  of  a place  called  Gilman  Town,  northerly 
upon  winisipisiokee  pond  upon  such  Conditions  Restrictions  & Limit- 
tations  & Reservations  as  shall  hereafter  be  agreed  upon 

Voted  That  a tract  of  land  equal  to  Six  miles  square  bounding  at 
ve  southern  Corner  of  a Township  petitioned  for  by  Dover  joining 
upon  ye  Province  line — and  running  upon  ye  Province  line  so  far  as 
to  make  Six  mile  Square  near  ye  figure  of  a Triangle  for  a Town- 
ship be  for  Mr  Dan11  Marston  and  ye  Persons  to  be  his  Associates 
upon  such  Conditions  & Restrictions  & Reservations  as  shall  here- 
after be  agreed  upon 

Voted  that  John  Gage  Esqur  and  the  persons  to  be  his  Associates 
have  a Township  equal  to  six  miles  Square  in  or  near  a triangular 
form  joining  & running  upon  ye  Province  line  beginning  at  ye 
northern  Corner  of  ye  land  granted  to  Dan11  Marston  & his  Associates 
upon  Such  Restrictions  Reservations  & Conditions  as  shall  hereafter 
be  agreed  upon 

[In  margin,  “ N.  Emery  to  be  a grantee.”] 

Voted  That  John  Gage  Esqur  & ye  persons  to  be  his  associates 
have  two  Townships  joining  upon  ye  head  of  Rochester  extending 
westerly  from  Salmon  falls  river  and  ye  Prov9  line  & so  northerly  to 
contain  Six  miles  Square  each  or  so  much  as  to  make  six  miles  square 
each — upon  such  Conditions  Reservations  & Restrictions  as  shall  be 
hereafter  agreed  upon 

[In  margin,  UN.  Emery  one  share  in  each"] 


416 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  Jonathan  Chesley  & the  Persons  to  be  his  Associates 
have  a Township  of  six  Miles  Square  or  So  much  as  shall  amount  to 
six  Miles  Square  joining  upon  the  head  of  Rochester  and  to  a Town- 
ship granted  to  John  Gage  Esqur  and  the  Persons  to  be  his  Asso- 
ciates upon  such  Conditions  Reservations  & Restrictions  as  shall  be 
hereafter  agreed  upon — 

[In  margin,  “Nich0  Perryman  Esqur  to  be  a grantee”] 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Fryday  next  to  meet  at 
this  Place  at  five  of  ve  Clock  afternoon 
Accordingly  ye  meeting  is  Adjourn’d 

a true  Record  Attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Prop1’8  Clerk 


Province  of  New  ) Portsmouth  December  23d  1748  Fryday  five  of 
Hampshire — \ the  clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 

Sarah  Prust  widow — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  That  two  tracts  of  land  near  Winipissiokee  Pond  for  two 
Townships  of  six  miles  square  or  equal  to  six  miles  square  joining  • 
upon  ye  Westerly  side  of  ye  tracts  of  land  voted  to  Dan11  Marston 
and  ye  Persons  to  be  his  associates  and  one  of  ye  Sd  tracts  to  join 
Southerly  upon  ye  Township  voted  Jn°  Gage  Esqur  &c  ye  other  to 
join  upon  ye  head  of  sd  Tract  hereby  voted  Southerly  containing  Six 
miles  Square  or  equal  to  six  miles  Square  and  also  a Township 
called  N°  5 in  ye  line  of  Towns  laid  out  by  ye  Massachusetts  which 
three  Tracts  to  be  for  Such  Petitioners  of  ye  Town  of  Portsmouth 
and  ye  Persons  to  be  their  associates  under  Such  Conditions  Restric- 
tions and  Limittations  as  shall  hereafter  be  agreed  upon 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  wensday  next  at  five  of 
the  clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  meeting  is  adjourn’d  accordingly 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  jun  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of — \ Portsmouth  December  28th  1748  Wensday  five 
New  Hampshr  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Application  being  made  by  mr  Henry  Mellen  in  behalfe  of  Sundry 
Settlers  at  a place  called  N°  5,  or  New  Hopkinton  for  a grant  of  their 
Improvements  in  the  Said  Place  it  being  a tract  of  land  formerly 
Surveyed  of  the  Contents  of  six  miles  square  which  Request  being 
Considered,  and  in  Consideration  of  the  Improvements  made  by  the 
said  Settlers — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


417 


Voted  That  the  Said  Tract  of  land  be  (under  such  conditions  as 
may  hereafter  be  agreed  upon)  granted  to  seventy  of  the  said  Settlers 
if  so  many  apear  that  have  made  any  Considerable  Improvements 
together  with  a share  for  ye  first  minister  one  for  the  Ministry  and 
one  for  the  School  reserving  also  Eighteen  shares  for  the  Use  of  this 
Propriety 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  meet  at  this  place  Satur- 
day next  at  Eleven  of  ye  Clock  before  noon 

The  meeting  is  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  jun  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  December  31st  1748  Saturday  Eleven 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  Widow — The  Proprietors  Meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

[Then  follow  the  grant  of  Sanbornton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
234-238.  and  the  grant  of  Meredith  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  478- 
482. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wen’sday  next  at  five  of 
the  clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

The  Meeting  is  adjourn’d  accordingly 

a true  Record  attest.  George  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Jan.  4,11,  18, 
and  25,  1748-9,  and  in  each  case  adjourned  without  the  transaction 
of  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  January  ye  26th  1748  Thursday 
New  Hampshire  f three  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  in  the  grant  of  land  made  by  the  Said  Proprietors  to 
Thomas  Parker  & others  there  were  two  shares  or  rights  reserved  by 
the  Proprietors  with  an  Intention  to  grant  the  Same  to  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Medford  in  ye  County  of  Middlesex  in  the 
Province  of  the  Massaclmsets  Bay  in  Case  of  their  Application  to 
this  Propriety  for  the  same  and  whereas  the  Said  Town  have  since 
27 


418 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


by  their  Agents  Lieutenant  Stephen  Hall  junr  & Cap1  Samuel 
Brooks  tlio’t  fit  to  Request  a grant  of  that  Tract  of  land  which  was 
granted  to  the  Said  Inhabitants  by  the  Government  of  the  said 
Province  of  the  Massa  which  lies  within  the  Bounds  of  the  said 
Tract  of  land  granted  to  said  Parker  & others,  they  the  Said  Inhabi- 
tants having  made  Considerable  Improvements  thereon  and  the  Pro- 
prietors being  willing  to  Serve  the  Said  Inhabitants  Especially  Con- 
sidering the  Expence  they  have  been  at  in  making  the  said  Improve- 
ments but  not  having  Reserved  the  Said  Shares  in  any  particular 
place  but  under  the  Same  Circumstances  of  other  shares  to  be  drawn 
for  by  Lot  cannot  now  grant  them  as  requested,  wherefore — 

Voted  that  the  two  nineteen  Shares  or  Rights  Reserved  in  the  said 
grant  to  Said  Parker  & others  not  Exempted  from  performing  the 
duty  of  Settling  be  and  hereby  are  granted  unto  the  Said  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Medford  & their  Successors  for  ever  they  being 
hereby  obliged  to  do  the  duty  & perform  their  proportionable  part 
of  Carrying  on  & making  the  said  settlement  as  the  owners  of  Other 
shares  within  ye  Said  grant  exclusive  of  the  Seventeen  exempted 
and  also  voted  that  the  grantees  above  referred  to  (viz1)  the  Said 
Parker  & others  be  & hereby  are  desired  to  lay  out  the  said  two 
shares  granted  to  the  said  Inhabitants  as  aforesaid  upon  the  Said 
Tract  of  land  formerly  granted  by  the  Provce  of  the  Massa  Bay  as 
aforesaid  taking  in  the  Said  Improvements  & be  not  drawn  for  as 
other  shares  which  this  Propriety  hereby  Consent  & agree  to  as  far 
as  they  are  concerned  in  the  tract  of  land  granted  to  the  Said  Parker 
& others 

[Then  follow  the  quitclaims  of  Hillsborough  and  Peterborough  to 
John  Hill  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  351,  and  vol.  28,  p.  186. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wens’day  next  the  first 
day  of  February  at  five  of  the  clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 
The  meeting  is  accordingly  Adjourn’d 
A true  Record 

Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Feb.  1 and  8, 
1748-9,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Prove  of  New  ) Portsm0  Febr  15th  1748  Wednesday  five  o’Clock  after- 
Hampshire  } noon  at  ye  Dwelling  House  of  Sarah  Prust  Widw  The 
Proprietors  met  according  to  adjourn1 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


419 


Voted  That  Daniel  Peirce  be  Clerk  pro  Tempore 
Said  Peirce  immediately  took  an  oath  for  ye  faithful  discharge  of 
Sd  office  accordingly — 

Voted  That  John  Goffe  Esqr  & James  Walker  possess  & improve  a 
Quantity  of  Land  not  exceeding  Eighty  Acres  begining  about  Six 
Rods  to  ye  South  of  Cohass  Brook  & runing  Northward  between 
Londonderry  Line  & ye  Great  River  ’til  Sd  Eighty  Acres  are  corn- 
pleated  until  further  order  of  Sd  Proprietors 
Memorandm  but  not  Voted — 

That  Coll  Joseph  Blanchard  be  desired  & impower’d  to  confer 
Coll  Rob1  Hale  a principal  Proprietor  in  Hale’s  Town  so  called  & 
adjust  ye  Setlement  of  Sd  Hales  Town  with  Said  Coll  Hale  upon 
Such  Terms  & Conditions  as  have  been  or  Shall  be  agreed  upon  by 
& between  Sd  Hale  & ye  Proprietors  of  Masons  Right 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wednesday  next  ye 
twenty  Second  instant  at  five  o’Clock  afternoon  & then  to  meet  at 
this  Place — The  Meeting  is  adjournd  accordingly — 

A true  Record — 

Attfc  D Peirce  Proprs  Ck  pro  Temp® 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Feb.  22,  March 
1,  8,  15, 16,  22, 1748-9,  and  March  29,  April  5,  12,  13, 17,  19,  and  26, 
1749,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  27th  1749  Thursday  at  Eight 
New  Hampshire  ( of  y®  Clock  before  noon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  Widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

[Then  follow  the  grant  of  Wakefield  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
355-359,  and  the  grant  of  Middleton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  493- 
497.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn'd  to  Wens’day  next  the  third 
day  of  may  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 
a true  Record,  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  jur  Prop18  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  May  3 and  4, 
1749,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


420 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  May  ye  5th  1749  Fryday  three  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  New  Durham  as  printed  in  vol.  28, 

pp.  98-102. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wen’sday  next  the  tenth 
Inst1  at  Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  meeting  is  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  junr  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  May  10,  17,  24, 
81,  June  7,  and  15,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


Province  of  J Portsmouth  June  ye  16th  1749  Eight  of  ye  Clock 
New  Hampshire  ) beforenoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust 
Widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  mr  Tim0  Fuller  may  have  one  half  of  the  Tract  of 
land  containing  abl  500  Acres  called  Duxbury  School  lot  ye  whole  of 
which  the  Proprietors  employed  Cap1  John  Shepperd  to  enclose  for 
them:  upon  Condition  that  Said  Fuller  pay  the  Proprietors  fifty 
Pounds  old  Tenr  and  have  a house  built  and  Settle  a Family  on  Sd 
half  part  of  Said  Tract  within  three  years  from  this  Time 

Voted  that  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  impowered 
and  Authorized  to  grant  to  William  Lawrence  Esqur  and  others,  as 
he  the  Said  Blanchard  Shall  admitt  the  Tract  of  Land  marked  on  ye 
general  Plan  N°  1 and  to  Thomas  Read  Esqur  and  others  the  Town- 
ship marked  N°  2 on  Said  Plan  & to  Cap1  Peter  Powers  & others  ye 
mile  Slip  of  Land  as  plann’d  between  ye  said  New  Towns  and  the 
Lines  of  Holies  & Monson,  also  the  Lands  lying  between  Peterbor- 
ough on  ye  north  the  Said  new  Towns  on  ye  East  and  so  far  South 
as  to  leave  a Town  on  Square  lines  joining  ye  Province  line  of  Six 
miles  Square  in  and  adjoining  to  new  Ipswich  and  to  Extend  westerly 
even  with  ye  west  line  of  Peterborough — all  the  Right  Title  Estate 
Interest  and  Property  of  the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  all  ye 
Said  Tracts  and  parcels  of  lands,  on  Such  Terms  conditions  & Limit- 
tations  as  he  shall  judge  proper  for  the  Interest  of  Said  Proprietors 
& to  Execute  proper  Instruments  of  Conveyance  in  ye  name  and 
behalfe  of  Said  Proprietors  of  their  Right  as  aforesaid  taking  for 
each  Town  Respectively  Counter  Parts  of  such  Instruments  Signed 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


421 


& Executed  by  the  Grantees  whereby  they  may  be  obliged  to  per- 
form the  Terms  of  Settlement  & all  matters  and  things  to  be  done 
by  them  according  to  the  Tenor  of  his  Agreement  Respectively  with 
them  and  returning  the  said  Counterparts  to  the  said  Proprietors  as 
soon  as  may  be  with  a Plan  of  each  of  the  Said  Towns  and  the  Lotts 
of  each  Town  as  he  shall  agree  with  the  Said  Settlers  to  lay  them 
out — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wen’sday  next  ye  21st 
Ins4  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjournd 

a true  Record  attest:  George  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 

[In  margin]  vid.  Vote  pasd  ye  23d  Nov1’  1750 — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  21st  1749  Wen’sday  Six  of  ye 
New  HampslT  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  widow  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wensday  next  the  28th 
Ins4  at  three  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

attest:  John  Moffatt  Modr 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  28th  1749  Wens'day  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ) ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  Widow  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Effingham  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
237-241.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wen’sday  next  the  fifth 
day  of  July  1749  at  three  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
Place — 

a true  Record  att:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  5th  1749  Wen’sday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  Widow  the  Proprietors  Meet  according  to  adjournment 

Whereas  the  Moderator  is  Confin’d  at  his  house  by  Sickness — 
Therefore  Voted  That  ye  Honb1  Theodore  Atkinson 
ator  for  ye  Meeting  this  day 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wens’dav  next  ye  12  Ins4 
at  Six  of  vc  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — and  yc  meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 
a true  Record  attest. 


Esqur  be  Moder- 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop"  Clerk 


422 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  July  12,  13,  19, 
26,  Aug.  2,  9,  16,  and  23,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  30th  1749 — The  Meeting  is 
New  Hampshr  j Dissolv’d — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  87.] 


Province  of  \ Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire — That  there  will  be  held  a Meet- 
ing of  the  Said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust 
Widow  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wensday  the  twenty eth 
day  of  September  Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  Then  and 
there  at  Said  Meeting — 

(1)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Com’ittee  or  Person  Appointed 
to  Treat  with  Settlers 

(2ly)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  Persons  Appointed  to  take  Plans 
of  Lands  to  be  laid  out  in  Townships — 

(3ly)  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of  Lands 
to  Purchasers  or  Settlers 

(4ly)  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety  & raising  of  money  to  defray  the  same  and 
to  Vote  & Transact  any  other  matters  or  things  that  may  be  tho’t 
proper  to  be  Done  at  Said  meeting — 

Portsmouth  September  the  Eleventh  day  1749 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
John  Wentworth 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Thos  Packer 
John  Moffatt 
Thos  Wallingford 


J Odiorne 
Nath  Meserve 
Jos  Blanchard 
Josh11  Peirce 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
D Peirce 


Province  of  ■)  Pursuant  to  a Notification  dated  the  Eleaventh 
New  Hampshire  \ day  of  September  1749  notifying  the  Proprietors 
of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


423 


Prust  Widow  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wens’day  the 
twentyeth  day  of  Said  September  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 
September  ye  20th  day  1749  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the 
Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow,  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands 
purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  meet — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  for 
this  Meeting — 

["Then  follows  the  grant  of  Weare  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 

427-431.— Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meetingbe  adjourn’d  to  ye  morrow  ye  21st  Instant 
at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 
a true  Record — 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  ye  2 Ist  day  1749:  Six  of 
New  HampslT  j the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah 
Prust  widow — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 
Voted — That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired 
Authorized  and  impower’d  to  make  an  Entry  upon  and  take  Posses- 
sion of  any  Tract  Or  Tracts  of  Land  lying  and  being  within  a Cer- 
tain Tract  of  Land  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  called  and 
known  by  the  name  of  Souhegan  West — in  the  name  and  behalfe  & 
to  and  for  the  Use  of  the  Said  Proprietors — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wens’day  next  ye  27th 
Instant  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Sept.  27,  Oct. 
4,  and  11,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  ye  18th  1749  Wen’sday  Six 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Sarah  Prust  Widow 

The  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  being  absent  out  of  this  Town  No 
meeting  could  be  held,  the  Meeting  Dissolv’d — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Clerk 


424 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  1,  p.  90.] 


Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshr  j Lands  purchased  by  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur,  in 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire. — That  there  will  be  a Meeting  of 
the  Said  Proprietors,  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust 
Widow,  in  Portsmouth  within  Said  Province;  on  Wen’sday  the 
twenty  fifth  day  of  October  Instant,  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon. 
Then  and  there  at  Said  Meeting 

1st  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Committee,  or  Person  Ap- 
pointed, to  treat  with  Settlers;  and  the  laying  out,  and  drawing  of 
the  Lots  of  Lands,  laid  out  for  Townships — 

(2ly)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  Persons  appointed  to  take  Plans 
of  Lands,  to  be  laid  out  into  Townships — 

(3ly)  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of  Lands  to 
Purchasers,  or  Settlers — 

(4ly)  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety,  & raising  of  money  to  defray  the  Same — 
and  to  Vote  & Transact  any  other  matters  & things,  that  may  be 
thought  proper  to  be  done  at  Said  Meeting — 

Portsmouth  October  ye  20th  day  1749 — 


Theodr  Atkinson 
R.  Wibird 
J.  Odiorne 
Thos  Packer 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 


John  Wentworth 
John  Moffatt 
Nath  Meserve 
Josha  Peirce 


Pursuant  to  a Notification  of  a meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  ye 
Land  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  ye  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  to  be  held  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Widow  in 
Portsmouth  in  ve  Province  of  New  Hampshire  on  Wens'day  ye  25th 
day  of  October  1749  at  five  of  ye  clock  afternoon — 

Province  of  ) At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  ye  Land  Pur- 
New  Hampshire  j chased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  ve  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Sarah  Prust 
Widow  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wens’day  ye  25th  da}7  of 
October  1749  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  for  this 
Meeting 

Whereas  at  a Proprietors  meeting  held  on  the  thirty  first  day  of 
December  1748 — a certain  Tract  of  land  was  voted  & granted  unto 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


425 


John  Samborn  John  Dearborn  & others  to  the  number  of  Sixty  Per- 

*/ 

sons  Reserving  twenty  Shares  to  the  Proprietors  and  twenty  others 
thereafter  to  be  named  by  the  Proprietors  in  equal  Shares  and 
whereas  the  said  sixty  Persons  mentioned  in  ye  sd  Vote  have  Re- 
quested that  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  may  not  be  laid  out  into  one 
hundred  but  into  Eighty  shares  and  whereas  the  Said  Request  Ap- 
pears to  be  reasonable  in  part  Therefore  Voted  that  the  Said  Tract 
of  Land  be  laid  out  into  Eighty  two  Shares  and  no  more  shares  and 
that  the  Same  when  so  laid  out  belong  and  Appertain  unto  the  said 
Sixty  Persons  & the  Grantors — and  unto  John  Thomlinson  Esqur  of 
ye  City  of  London  in  great  Britain,  Unto  whom  is  hereby  voted  & 
granted  two  of  the  Said  shares  freed  & Exempted  from  any  Charge 
of  Settling  as  Seventeen  of  ye  shares  aforesaid  are  freed  & Ex- 
empted 

Whereas  at  a Proprietors  Meeting  on  ve  thirty  first  Day  of  De- 
cember 1748,  a certain  Tract  of  Land  was  Voted  and  Granted  unto 
Samuell  Palmer  Esqur  Jonathan  Shaw  & others  to  the  number  of 
Sixty  Persons  Reserving  twenty  shares  to  the  Proprietors  & twenty 
others  thereafter  to  be  named  by  the  Proprietors,  in  equal  Shares  and 
whereas  the  Said  Sixty  Persons  mentioned  in  the  Said  Vote  have 
Requested  that  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  may  not  be  laid  out  into  one 
hundred  but  into  Eighty  Shares  and  whereas  the  said  Request  ap- 
pears to  be  reasonable  in  part  Therefore  Voted  that  the  Said  Tract 
of  Land  be  laid  out  into  Eighty  two  shares  & no  more  shares,  and 
that  the  Same  when  so  laid  out  belong  and  appertain  unto  the  Said 
Sixty  persons  and  the  Grantors  & unto  John  Thomlinson  Esqr  of  ye 
City  of  London  in  great  Britain  unto  whom  is  hereby  Voted  & 
granted  two  of  the  Said  shares  freed  and  Exempted  from  any  Charge 
of  Setling  as  Seventeen  of  ye  shares  aforesaid  are  freed  & Ex- 
empted— 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Salisbury  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
217-220.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjour’d  to  Wen’sday  the  first  day  of 
November  next  at  Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Sarah  Prust  Nov.  1,  and  at 
the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Nov.  8,  9,  15,  22,  and  29,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


426 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  November  30th  1749  Thursday  Six 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  widow  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 


[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Sutton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  306- 
309.— Ed.] 


Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wens’day  next  the  Sixth 
day  of  December  at  ten  of  the  Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  this 
Place 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  6th  1749  wens’day  ten 
New  Hampshire  \ of  ye  Clock  before  noon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Widow — the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment 

Voted  that  Nath11  Meserve  Esqr  & mr  Daniel  Peirce  write  to  Coll° 
Blanchard  in  answer  to  sundry  Affairs  relating  to  ye  Propriety  and 
to  take  a Plan  of  a Gore  of  laud  betwixt  Londonderry  and  Merrimack 
River  and  to  ascertain  in  sd  Plan  the  Improvements  made  by  any 
persons  within  Said  Gore 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wens’day  next  the  thir- 
teenth Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn'd 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  December  ye  13th  1749  wen’sday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  ve  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  widow.  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wens’da}^  next  ye  20th 
Ins*  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 
a true  Record  Attest 

Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  December  ye  20th  1749  wen’sday 
New  Hampshire  j five  of  ve  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  Widow — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Ad 
journment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


427 


[Then  follows  the  grant  of  an  addition  to  Effingham  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  241. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  morrow  nine  of  ye 
Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  this  Place  ye  meeting  was  accordingly 
adjourn’d — 

A true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  21st  1749  Thursday 
New  Hampshire  j nine  of  Clock  before  noon  at  the  Dwelling 
house  of  Ann  Slayton  Widow  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
Adjournment — 

Voted  that  there  be  & hereby  is  granted  to  John  Goffe  Esqur  all 
the  Right  & Title  of  the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  & unto  Eighty  Acres 
of  Land  bounded  as  follow’s  (viz1)  Beginning  Six  Rods  Southward 
from  the  place  where  great  Cohas  Brook  crosses  Londonderry  Line 
thence  Running  west  to  Merrimack  River  thence  extending  north- 
ward between  Said  Londonderry  Line  and  the  said  River  joining  on 
both  till  eighty  Acres  be  Compleatecl  to  hold  to  him  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  the  north  Line  of  Said  Eighty  Acres  to  be  parrellell  to  the 
South  Line  thereof 

Whereas  at  a Proprietors  Meeting  held  on  the  ninth  day  of  Novem- 
ber 1748.  it  was  voted  that  Seventeen  Shares  or  Rights  in  Souhegan 
East  otherwise  called  Naraganset  N°  5 — should  be  reserved  unto  the 
Said  Proprietors  according  as  they  have  been  already  Surveyed  and 
laid  out  thereafter  to  be  determined  and  Ascertained  and  whereas  the 
Same  is  not  as  yet  done  — 

Voted — That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired  to 
Determine  & ascertain  the  Said  Seventeen  shares  or  Rights  as  afore- 
said 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wen’sday  next  ye  27th  Ins6 
live  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjournd 

A true  Record  Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Dec.  27,  1749, 
Jan.  3,  and  10,  1749-50,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Prove  of  New  i Portsmouth  17th  Janr  1749,  Wednesday  five  of 
Hampshire  \ Clock  afternoon  at  ye  dwelling  House  of  inr8  Ann 
Slayton  Widow  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 


428 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


George  Jaffrey  Esq1'  ye  Stated  Clerk  being  absent 

Voted  That  D Peirce  be  Clerk  pro  Tempore  who  took  ye  proper 
oath 


R Wibird  Moderr 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjournd  ’til  tomorrow  ten  o’Clock 
forenoon  to  meet  at  this  Place  The  Meeting  was  adjourn’d  accord- 
ingly 

a true  Record  attest  D Peirce  Proprs  Clk  pro  Temp 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Jan.  18,  24,  31, 
and  Feb.  7,  1749-50,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  ye  14th  1749  Wens’day 
New  Hampshire  ) five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  Widow  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment — 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  Authorized 
to  chuse  & appoint  any  Surveyor  or  Surveyors  & Chainman  or  Chain- 
men  as  occasion  may  require  or  as  he  may  judge  proper  to  run  mark 
& Settle  any  Line  or  Lines  with  any  proprietor  or  Proprietors  of  any 
lands  joining  to  any  lands  granted  by  the  Proprietors  holding  & 
claiming  under  Capfc  John  Tufton  Mason  or  by  their  Authority 
Power  or  direction  which  being  done  shall  be  as  effectual  as  if  done 
by  the  said  Proprietors  — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wens’day  nextye  21st  Inst1 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  February  ye  21st  1749  Wens’day 
New  Hampshire  j five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Widow  — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment — 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wen’sday  next  ye  28th 

Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


429 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  ye  28th  day  1749  wensday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  ve  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  Widow 

Many  of  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment  but  the 
Moderator  of  the  Meeting  being  absent  by  Sickness — the  Meeting 
Dissolved 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Clerk — 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  91.] 


Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  the 
Said  Proprietors  held  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  at 
Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wen’sday  the  fourteenth  day  of 
March  Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon — Then  and  there  at  Said 
Meeting 

(1)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Committee  or  Person  Appointed 
to  treat  with  Setlers,  for  laying  out  of  Lands,  Laying  out  Townships, 
and  drawing  Lots  of  Townships,  and  taking  of  Plans  — 

(2)  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of  Lands  to 

Purchasers  or  Settlers,  or  to  Sever  or  Improve  any  part  of  the 
Premisses 

(8)  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety,  & raising  of  money  to  defray  any  Charge 
of  the  Propriety  — 

(4)  To  Appoint  any  Committee  or  Committees  for  the  affairs  of  the 
Propriety,  & to  Vote  and  transact  any  other  matters  or  things  that 
may  be  thought  proper  to  be  done  at  Said  Meeting 

Portsmouth  march  ye  8th  day  1749 


Josha  Peirce 
Tho8  Packer 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
John  Moffatt 
R Wibird 


D Peirce 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Mark  IIg  Wentworth 
John  Wentworth 
J Odiorne 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  march  ve  14th  1749 — Pursuant  to  a 
New  Hampshire  ( Notification  of  the  8th  Instant  of  a Meeting  of  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  held  at  said  Portsmouth  at 
the  House  of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  on  Wenesday  the  fourteenth 


480 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


day  of  march  1749  at  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon — The  Proprietors 
meet  accordingly  and  then  and  there 

Voted  That  the  Honourable  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator 
of  this  meeting 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Warner  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
369-872.— Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wenesday  next  ye  21st 

Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  March  21, 
1749-50,  March  28,  29,  and  April  4,  1750,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  ye  11th  1750  Wen’sclay  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j ye  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  house  of  Ann  Slayton — 

The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  Thomas  Packer  Esqu1’  be  and  hereby  is  Chosen  & 
Appointed  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  to  grant  part  of  a Tract  of 
Land  belonging  to  Said  Proprietors  known  by  the  name  of  Allens 
Town  & ye  Gore  of  Land  lying  between  that  & Bow  to  Such  persons 
as  he  shall  See  Cause  on  Such  Conditions  Terms  & Limitations  as  he 
shall  think  best  for  the  Interest  of  the  Proprietors  provided  that  he 
give  no  more  to  the  Grantees  than  one  thousand  Acres  of  land  — 
Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wen’sday  ye  25th  Instant 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place,  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  25th  l7 50  — wen’sday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  ) ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Proprietors  met  according  to  adjournment  — 

Whereas  Thomas  Packer  Esqur  on  ye  Eleaventh  of  April  Instant 
was  appointed  in  behalf  of  this  Propriety  to  grant  part  of  a tract  of 
land  belonging  to  this  Propriety  at  a place  known  by  the  name  of 
Allens  Town  & ye  Gore  of  land  lying  between  that  tract  & Bow  So 
called  to  Such  persons  as  he  shall  see  cause  under  such  Conditions 
&ca  as  he  shall  think  best  for  ye  Interest  of  the  Proprietors  provided 


. 

. 


■ 


I 


V 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


431 


lie  gives  no  more  to  the  grantees  than  one  thousand  Acres  of  Said 
Land  — Voted  that  James  Cochran  of  Londonderry  be  one  of  the 
Grantees  & that  mr  Packer  be  desired  to  insert  his  name  in  the  grant 
he  Shall  make  by  virtue  of  ye  Vote  aforesaid 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  wen’sday  next  ye  2d  day 
of  may  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  — The 

meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d  a true  Record 

Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  May  2,  9,  16, 
18,  and  23,  1750,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  ye  30th  1750  wen’sday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ ye  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  absent  out  of  this  Town  The 
Meeting  Dissolv’d 

a true  Record — Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  92.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ij  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esq1  in 
Said  Province  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  the  Said  Proprietors 
held  at  the  House  of  Mrs  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  in  Portsmouth  in 
Said  Province  on  Wednesday  the  Sixth  Day  of  June  Inst1  at  Six  of 
the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  & there  at  Said  Meeting  — 

1st  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed 
to  treat  with  Settlers  for  laying  out  of  Lands  laying  out  Townships 
& Drawing  lots  of  Tounships  A taking  of  plans — 

2<lly  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of  Lands  to 
Purchasers  or  Settlers  or  to  Sever  or  Improve  any  Part  of  the 
Premises — 

3dly  rp0  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety  & Raising  of  money  to  Defrey  any  Charge 
of  the  Propriety — 

4thly  To  appoint  any  Committee  or  Committees  for  the  affairs  of 
the  Propriety  & to  Vote  & Grant  any  part  of  Said  Lands  to  Divide 
Sever  & Make  partition  of  any  part  thereof  that  may  be  then  Re- 


432 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


solved  upon  and  to  Transact  any  other  matter  or  tiling  whatsoever 
that  may  be  thot  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  June  4th  1750 


D Peirce 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Thos  Packer 
John  Moffatt 
Josha  Peirce 


J Odiorne 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
John  Wentworth 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  June  ye  6th  day  1750  : Wen’sday 
New  Hampshire  \ Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton’  the  Proprietors  meet  pursuant  to  a Notification  of  ye  4th 
Instant 

Voted  That  Daniel  Peirce  Esqur  be  Moderator  for  this  Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wensday  the  20th  Instant 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  ye  20th  day  1750  Wens’day 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  ye  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wen’sday  next  ye  27th 
Inst — to  meet  at  this  Place — the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  ye  27th  day  1750  Wen’sday 
New  Hampshire  j at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton  The  Proprietors 
meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Mr  Henry  Wallis  and  mr  William  Jones  have  made  a 
Motion  to  Said  Proprietors  of  importing  a Number  of  Families  from 
England  into  this  Province — if  Said  Proprietors  will  give  them  En- 
couragem4  of  a grant  of  a Tract  of  land  to  them  the  said  Henry  & 
William  and  to  those  Families  they  may  import  to  Settle  upon  the 
land  of  the  Said  Proprietors — Therefore 

Voted  That  Jotham  Odiorne  Nathaniel  Meserve  & Dan11  Peirce 
Esqurs  be  a Committee  to  treat  with  the  said  mr  Wallis  & Jones  upon 
ye  affair  and  make  Report  of  their  Proceedings  thereon  at  the  next 
meeting — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wen’sday  ye  4th  day  of 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


433 


July  next  at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  July  4,  11,  and 
18,  1750,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  July  ye  25th  1750  Wen’sday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann 
Slayton — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  whereas  the  Said  Proprietors  have  granted  Sundry  Tracts 
of  land  within  their  Claim  each  Tract  of  Sufficient  Extent  for  a 
Township  to  Such  persons  as  were  likely  to  Settle  and  improve  the 
Same  and  have  Reserved  in  each  of  Said  Tracts  Seventeen  or  more 
Shares  or  Rights  each  of  which  is  Supposed  to  be  of  equal  Extent 
and  Value  with  any  other  Right  or  Share  within  each  Respective 
Tract,  and  have  Confirme’d  the  Right  of  Sundry  other  Tracts  of 
land  of  Sufficient  Extent  for  Townships  to  the  Persons  claiming  the 
Same  who  had  entered  thereon  before  such  Confirmation  only 
Reserving  Seventeen  Or  more  Shares  or  Rights  as  aforesaid — And 
whereas  Mathew  Livermore  & William  Parker  both  of  Portsmouth 
in  Said  Province  Esqurs  have  been  advising  Aiding  & assisting  the 
Said  Proprietors  for  many  months  last  past  Relating  to  their  Pro- 
priety and  have  engaged  and  Promised  to  the  Said  Proprietors 
farther  to  assist  them  by  advising  aiding  & Conducting  any  Matters 
and  Things  wherein  the  Said  Proprietors  shall  need  their  Advice 
and  Assistance  Respecting  the  Said  Propriety,  and  also  in  granting 
Improving  and  Managing  the  Same — And  also  in  prosecuting  and 
defending  any  Action  wherein  the  Said  Proprietors  Shall  be  Con- 
cerned as  Plaintiffs  or  Defendants  (or  otherways)  touching  their 
Said  Propriety  or  any  part  thereof,  for  which  Service  and  as  an 
Encouragement  to  them  to  Continue  Such  Advice  and  Assistance  to 
the  Said  Proprietors,  and  on  those  Conditions  & Terms  the  Said 
Proprietors  do  hereby  give  grant  and  Convey  all  the  Right  title 
Inheritance  Estate  Interest  Property  & Demand  of  Said  Proprietors 
of  in  and  unto  two  of  the  Said  Reserved  Rights  or  Shares  to  the 
Said  Mathew  Livermore  & William  Parker  to  each,  one  of  the  Said 
Rights  or  Shares  to  hold  to  them  & their  Respective  Heirs  & Assigns 
in  manner  following  that  is  to  Say  where  the  Said  Rights  have  been 
divided,  & a draft  of  Such  Division  made  by  entering  the  number  of 
Each  Lot  of  Land  and  the  name  of  the  Person  to  whom  it  fell  by 
28 


434 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Lot  in  a Record  thereof,  the  Lot  of  Land  Represented  by  the 
Number  Set  against,  or  to  their  Respective  Names,  to  be  to  them 
and  their  Heirs  Respectively,  to  hold  in  Severalty  for  ever,  also 
where  some  of  the  Lots  of  Land  in  the  Draft  of  Such  Division  have 
been  called  Law  Lots  that  numbered  one  and  called  Law  Lot  Shall 
be  to  the  Said  Mathew  Livermore  to  hold  as  aforesaid  and  the  Law 
Lot  Numbered  two  to  the  Said  William  Parker  to  hold  as  aforesaid 
which  Grants  made  to  them  as  aforesaid  with  what  Shall  hereafter 
be  made  to  them  by  the  Said  Proprietors  shall  be  in  full  pay  and 
Satisfaction  to  them  & each  of  them  for  any  and  all  the  Service 
they  shall  do  for  the  Said  Proprietors  Concerning  the  Premises  so 
long  as  there  may  be  occasion  thereof  on  that  Business  if  they  the 
Said  Livermore  & Parker  Respectively  Shall  live — And  they  the 
Said  Livermore  & Parker  their  Heirs  Executors  Administrators  or 
Assigns  shall  bear  a proportionable  part  with  the  other  Owners  of 
the  Said  Reserved  Shares  of  any  Charge  & Expence  that  may  arise 
to  defend  the  said  Shares  or  Rights  granted  to  them  the  Said  Liver- 
more & Parker  as  aforesaid  against  any  Claim  that  shall  be  made  or 
Action  bro’t  for  any  of  Said  Shares  or  Rights,  or  any  part  thereof 
or  in  prosecuting  any  Action  for  any  Incroachment  that  shall  be 
made  thereon  according  to  what  they  hold  thereof  as  aforesaid — 
And  it  is  also  farther  agreed  And  Determined  and  Voted  y 1 the 
other  fifteen  or  more  Shares  Reserved  as  aforesaid  Shall  be  and 
hereby  are  Sever’d  Sett  off  & Appropriated  to  the  Person  or  Persons 
Respectively  whose  name  or  Names  are  Set  down  in  the  Draft  afore- 
said against  the  Respective  numbers  representing  the  Several  Lots 
of  land  belonging  to  the  Said  Shares  and  their  Partners  therein  by 
Purchase  to  hold -to  them  & their  Respective  Heirs  & Assigns  or 
Such  as  hold  under  them,  to  them  & their  Respective  Heirs  and 
Assigns  in  Severalty  for  ever — And  farther  that  notwithstanding 
Such  Severance  the  Defence  of  the  Said  Seventeen  or  more  Shares 
or  Rights  against  any  Claim  Suit  Action  or  Demand  that  Shall  be 
made  bro’t  or  prosecuted  for  any  one  of  the  Said  Shares  or  Rights  or 
any  part  thereof  or  any  Suit  or  Action  that  Shall  be  prosecuted  by 
any  Owner  or  owners  of  the  Said  Shares  for  any  Incroacliments  that 
shall  be  made  thereon  shall  be  at  the  joint  Charge  and  Expence  of 
the  owners  of  the  other  fifteen  or  more  Shares  with  the  assistance 
and  proportion  thereof  of  the  said  Livermore  & Parker  with  Respect 
to  their  own  Lots  as  aforesaid — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wen’sclay  next  Six  of  ye 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — ye  meeting  was  accordingly 
adjourn’d — a true  Record — 

attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


435 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Aug.  1 and  8, 
1750,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  1 Portsmouth  August  ye  9th  1750  five  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
— The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  the  Report  of  the  Committee  to  treat  with  mr  Wallis 
and  Jones  (as  on  file)  be  Received  Accepted  & Confirmed  and  that 
Grants  shall  be  made  agreable  to  the  Tenor  Intent  and  meaning 
thereof — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  wen’sday  next  ye  15th  In- 
stant at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourn'd  a true  Record 

Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Aug.  15  and 
23,  1750,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  30th  1750  Thursday  six  of 
New  Hampshire  j ye  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  Tract  of  land  known  by  ye  name  of  Allen’s  Town 
and  ye  Tract  of  land  called  ye  Gore  Adjoining,  be  Severed  to  and 
amongst  the  Proprietors  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Fry  day  the  Seventh  day  of 
September  next  at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn'd 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  ye  Seventh  day  1750 
New  Hampshire  j Frvday  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 
Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  thursday  next  ye  13th  Inst1 
at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d — 
a true  Record  attest: 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cler: 


436 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  13th  1750  Thursday 
New  Hampshire  j Six  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Joshua  Peirce  & Thomas  Packer  Esqurs  be  a Com- 
mittee to  employ  a Surveyor  &c  to  lay  out  and  make  a Division  of 
the  tract  of  land  called  Allens  Town  into  fifteen  equal  Shares  and 
only  two  Lots  to  a Share  to  be  couple’d  in  equal  value  as  near  as 
may  be,  and  planning  suitable  high  ways,  and  return  a Compleat 
Plann  thereof  and  then  the  Said  shares  to  be  drawn  for  by  Said  Pro- 
prietors— 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  desired,  and  hereby  is 
impowered  to  agree  with  any  or  all  those  persons  that  have  Settled 
or  improved  on  this  Propriety  at  a place  call’d  Tyngs  Town  between 
Londonderry  Chester  & merrimack  River  by  assigning  to  each  Per- 
son such  Quantity  of  said  land  under  Such  Rents  Reservations  or 
Duties  or  for  such  sums  of  money  as  he  may  think  Reasonable  & also 
lay  out  to  any  of  the  said  Proprietors  that  shall  be  upon  the  said 
Tract  of  land  between  this  day  and  the  fifth  day  of  November  next 
one  hundred  Acres  of  the  said  Land  in  Such  Place  and  form  as  he 
the  Said  Blanchard  shall  think  proper  the  Said  Proprietors  being  at 
the  Charge  of  the  Survey  and  each  Proprietor  who  shall  go  upon  ye 
Premises  declaring  upon  his  honour  that  he  had  no  other  Business 
but  Visitting  that  part  of  the  Propriety — also  that  Meshech  Weare 
Esqur  be  equally  entituled,  and  have  the  Benefitt  of  a grant  of  one 
hundred  Acres  of  Said  Lands  on  the  same  Conditions  and  in  the 
same  manner  as  either  of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid  by  Virtue  of  ye 
foregoing  vote — 

[In  margin]  See  ye  vote  of  Decr  6th  1751 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  tuesday  next  ye  18th  Insfc 
at  six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  ye  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Sept.  18,  20, 
24,  Oct.  4,  19,  23,  25,  31,  and  Nov.  9,  1750,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  ye  23d  1750  Fryday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  ) ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
— The  Proprietors  Meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Whereas  at  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid  held  on  the 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


487 


Sixteenth  clay  of  Jane  1749  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  was  Authorized 
and  impowered  by  the  Said  Proprietors  to  grant  all  their  Right 
Title  Estate  Interest  & Property  in  Sundry  Tracts  of  land  laying 
within  ye  Claim  of  Said  Proprietors,  Reference  being  had  to  said 
Vote  may  fully  appear,  and  whereas  the  said  Joseph  Blanchard  hath 
in  behalfe  of  Said  Proprietors  granted  all  their  Right  Title  Estate 
Interest  and  Property  in  four  Tracts  of  land  (viz1)  Number  one, 
Number  two,  New  Ipswich  And  Peterborough  Slip,  So  called  within 
and  being  part  of  Said  Tracts  of  land  mention’d  in  ye  Said  Vote 
referred  to  Reservations  excepted,  and  whereas  there  are  eighteen 
Shares  reserved  in  each  of  the  Said  Grants  and  in  as  much  as  the 
Said  Joseph  Blanchard  hath  been  at  much  trouble  Cost  and  Charge 
in  managing  carrying  on  and  Effecting  the  Said  Buisness  and 
whereas  in  each  of  the  said  Tracts  of  land  so  granted  one  of  the 
Said  Reserved  Shares  is  drawn  by  and  entered  to  the  said  Joseph 
Blanchard — Therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  and  Interest  of  the  Said  Proprietors  of 
in  and  to  each  of  the  said  shares  so  drawn  by  and  entered  to  the 
Said  Joseph  Blanchard  Shall  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  him  the 
Said  Joseph  Blanchard  to  have  and  to  hold  the  Same  unto  him  the 
Said  Joseph  Blanchard  his  heirs  & Assigns  in  Severalty  for  his  Ser- 
vice in  doing  the  aforesaid  Buisness. 

And  whereas  the  Said  Joseph  Blanchard  at  the  Special  Request  & 
Instance  of  and  being  thereunto  desired  by  the  Proprietors  aforesaid 
and  in  their  behalfe  as  aforesaid  hath  granted  all  their  Right  & title 
Estate  and  Property  in  three  Tracts  of  land  (namely)  South  Menad- 
nach  Middle  Menadnacli  & north  menadnach  so  called  within  the 
said  Claim  unto  Sundry  persons  mentioned  in  Sundry  Schedules 
returned  by  the  Said  Joseph  Blanchard  unto  the  Said  Proprietors  and 
filed  with  their  Clerk  and  drawn  for  by  the  Said  Persons,  to  whom 
granted — Therefore — 

Voted  that  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  & property  of  the  said  Pro- 
prietors of  in  and  to  the  Several  & Respective  Lots  in  the  Said  three 
tracts  of  land  last  mentioned  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the 
Said  Persons  respectively  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  as  drawn  for  and 
entered  in  the  said  Schedules  respectively  upon  the  Condi- 
tions entered  into  and  agreed  upon  by  and  between  the  Said  Joseph 
Blanchard  and  the  said  Persons  Respectively — and  be  it  further 
voted  that  all  their  Right  Title  Interest  and  Property  of  in  and  to 
one  of  the  Eighteen  Reserved  Shares  in  the  said  last  mentioned 
three  Tracts  of  land,  and  drawn  by  and  entered  to  the  Said  Joseph 
Blanchard  shall  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  him  the  said  Joseph 
Blanchard  to  hold  to  him  his  heirs  and  assigns  in  Severalty  for  doing 


438 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  aforesaid  Buisness — and  be  it  further  voted  that  the  other 
reserved  Seventeen  shares  in  each  of  the  Said  last  mentioned  three 
tracts  of  land  shall  be  to  the  Respective  persons  by  whom  drawn  and 
to  whom  entered  to  hold  to  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  Respectively 
in  severalty  in  the  same  manner  and  upon  the  same  Conditions  as 
they  hold  in  Severalty  the  Sundry  Tracts  and  parcells  of  land  voted 
to  be  held  in  Severalty  by  a Vote  passed  by  Said  Proprietors  at  a 
meeting  by  them  held  on  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  July  1750 — 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired,  at 
the  Charge  of  this  Propriety,  to  employ  a Surveyor  and  Chain  men 
with  other  assistants  to  run  out  measure  & mark  part  of  the  bounds 
of  this  Propriety  as  follow’s  to  begin  on  the  Province  line  at  the  South 
west  Corner  of  the  Township  called  ye  South  manadnach  & to  meas- 
ure upon  Said  Province  line  till  it  intersect’s  a curve  line  drawn 
from  a point  Sixty  Miles  west  from  the  head  of  Naumkeek  so  called 
as  the  Said  Curve  line  is  delineated  in  a Plan  Exhibitted  by  mr 
Daniel  Peirce  and  from  the  Said  Point  where  the  Province  line  is 
intersected  as  aforesaid  to  measure  five  miles  towards  the  north 
but  on  that  point  of  the  Compass  the  End  of  which  so  extended  will 
intersect  the  Said  Curve  line  And  from  thence  again  five  miles 
further  on  Such  other  point  as  will  intersect  the  said  Curve  line  & 
so  to  continue  at  five  miles  distance  to  intersect  the  Said  Curve  line 
till  at  least  it  intersects  the  Southern  Side  line  of  the  line  of  Towns 
so  called — & if  the  Said  Blanchard  shall  think  proper  to  measure 
from  Merrimack  River  on  the  Province  line  to  the  west  line  of  Dun- 
stable the  better  to  ascertain  the  above  mentioned  lines — 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  Revd  Mr  Thomas 
Parker  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  & Estate  of  the  Said  Proprietors 
of  in  and  to  the  Lots  Numbered  thirty  one  and  number  thirty  two 
as  they  were  laid  out  in  the  Second  Range  in  Tyng’s  Town  So  called 
and  that  the  Lot  Number  thirty  three  in  the  Said  Second  Range  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Revd  mr  Willard  Hall — and  that  those  of 
the  Proprietors  that  did  not  go  to  merrimack  River  &ce  according  to 
a vote  pass’d  the  thirteenth  of  September  last  past  whereby  they 
would  have  been  intituled  to  one  hundred  Acres  of  Land  be  Still 
intituled  to  one  hundred  Acres  ye  land  referred  to  in  Said  Vote  pro- 
vided they  visit  the  Said  Land  referred  to  in  Said  Vote  between  this 
date  and  the  first  day  of  June  next  if  so  much  is  left  after 
those  are  Served  that  did  go  pursuant  to  ye  vote  aforesaid — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  fryday  the  thirtyeth  Ins1 
at  six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


439 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  November  ye  30th  1750  Fryday  Six 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

["Then  follows  the  grant  of  Hopkinton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
362-364.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  third  day-  of 
December  next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  3d  1750  Monday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  all  the  Islands  in  Winipissiokee  Pond  be  divided  into 
fifteen  equal  shares  for  & amongst  the  fifteen  Rights  of  the  first  Pur- 
chasers of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur — 

Voted  that  all  that  tract  of  Land  lying  upon  the  head  or  Westward 
of  that  Tract  of  Land  called  New  Boston,  and  that  tract  of  Land 
granted  to  Meshech  Weare  Esqu1'  & others,  and  to  the  Southward  of 
ye  Line  of  Towns  So  called,  & to  the  Eastward  of  the  westward 
Boundary  of  ye  lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  mason  Esqur  and  to 
the  northward  of  Salem  Cannada  & Peterbourrow  & the  north 
menadnack  Town  so  called — shall  be  divided  into  fifteen  equal 
shares,  to  and  among  the  fifteen  Rights  of  the  Purchasers  of  John 
Tufton  mason  Esqur  aforesaid  or  such  as  hold  under  them  in  Such 
manner  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  upon 

Voted  That  a tract  of  Land  of  Six  miles  Square  shall  be  hereafter 

granted  to  Jn°  Tufton  mason  Esqu1 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  fryday  next  ye  Seventh 
Ins1  to  meet  at  this  place — at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon — the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  7th  1750  fryday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Bedford  as  printed  in 

vol.  27,  p.  105. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  the  11th 


440 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d  — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  11th  1750  Tuesday  five 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton— The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Tuftonborougli  as  printed  in  vol.  28, 
p.  345. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  mondaynext  ye  17th  Ins1 
at  six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — a true  Record 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop19  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Dec.  17,  March 
21,  1750,  Jan.  4,  11,  18,  Feb.  8,  15,  21,  25,  March  1,  8,  22,  1750-1, 
and  27, 1751,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  April  ye  12th  1751  Fryday  Six  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  Absent  the  Meeting  Dis- 
solve’s— 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  97.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ( Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  the 
Said  Proprietors  held  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  in 
Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  monday  of  ye  tenth  Instant  at  six  of 

the  Clock  afternoon  then  and  there  at  Said  Meeting 

(1st)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Committee  or  Person 
Appointed  to  treat  with  Settlers  for  laying  out  of  Lands,  laying  out 
Townships,  & drawing  Lots  of  Townships  & taking  of  Plans — 

2dly  To  Consult  or  Resolve  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of  Lands  to 
Purchasers  or  Settlers  or  to  Sever  or  improve  any  part  of  ye 
Premises 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


441 


3dly  To  Consider  what  may  be  done  in  Respect  to  any  growing 
Charges  of  the  Propriety  & Raising  of  money  to  defrey  any  Charge 
of  the  Propriety 

4tWy  To  Appoint  any  Committee  or  Committees  for  the  affairs  of 
the  Propriety  & to  Vote  & grant  any  Part  of  said  Lands,  to  divide 
Sever  & make  partition  of  any  part  thereof,  that  may  be  Resolved 
upon,  at  said  meeting,  & to  transact  any  other  matter  or  thing  what- 
soever that  may  be  tho’t  for  the  Benefit  of  ye  said  Propriety — 
Portsm0  June  8th  1751 


R Wibird 
Nath  Meserve 
Josha  Peirce 
Thos  Packer 
John  Moffatt 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 


John  Wentworth 
Thos  Wallingford 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Theodr  Atkinson 
D Peirce 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  ye  10th  1751 — Monday  Six  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder,  The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqur  in  Said  Province  meet  agreable  to  a Notification  notify- 
ing a meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  at  Said  time  & place 

Voted  that  Daniel  Peirce  Esqu1'  be  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
Whereas  the  Said  Proprietors  have  been  informed  that  there  is  a 
tract  of  Land  within  the  Claim  of  said  Proprietors  called  new  Boston 
and  claimed  by  a number  of  Gentlemen  under  the  Government  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  whereas  it  is  Suggested  that  those 
Claimers  are  disposed  to  come  to  an  Accomodation  & Agreement  with 
the  Said  Proprietors  on  such  Terms  as  may  be  agreable  to  both 
parties  Therefore  Voted  that  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby 
is  Authorized  & fully  impowered  to  Settle  agree  and  Compound  all 
Claims  & Demands  Differences  Disputes  & Controversies  whatsoever 
made  being  & Subsisting  between  the  Said  Proprietors  and  the 
Claimers  of  the  Said  Tract  of  land  under  the  Said  Government  as 
fully  and  amply  to  all  Intents  & purposes  as  said  Proprietors  them- 
selves could  or  might  do  personally  and  in  Case  he  shall  See  cause  to 
grant  & Convey  the  Said  land  or  any  part  thereof  to  any  others  on 
Such  Terms  as  he  shall  Judge  best  for  the  Interest  of  this  Pro- 
priety— 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Tuesday  the  18th  Inst*  at 
Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned- 
a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cler: 


442 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  June  18,  21,  26r 
July  2,  10,  17,  and  19,  1751,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  22d  1751 — monday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  an  Action  be  forthwith  Commenced  and  carried  on  at 
the  Charge  of  the  Proprietors  to  final  Issue  & Judgment  in  law 
against  any  Trespasser  or  Trespassers  who  shall  have  entered  o'n  any 
of  the  Shares  or  Rights  of  said  Proprietors  or  any  of  those  who  hold 
under  them  in  South  Menadnick  Number  one  or  middle  Menadnick 
Number  two  in  the  name  of  any  Person  to  whom  any  Lot  has  been 
Severred  & Set  off  or  in  Such  way  and  manner  as  the  Said  Proprietors 

shall  be  advised  by  their  Counsell 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  next  ye  29th  Ins1 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  July  29,  31,. 
Aug.  5,  12,  19,  24,  27,  Sept.  11,  18,  and  25,  1751,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  26th  1751  Thursday  five 
New  Hampshire  ^ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton— The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  the  Honb1  Theodore  Atkinson,  Joseph  Blanchard  and 
Daniel  Peirce  Esqurs  be  appointed  a Committee  to  wait  upon  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  and  in  behalfe  of  the  Proprietors  to  acquaint 
his  Excellenc}T  how  far  we  have  proceeded  in  lotting  out  & Settling 
our  Propriety  & in  order  to  our  further  Proceeding  in  introducing  a 
greater  number  of  his  majesty’s  Subjects  to  Settle  upon  & Cultivate 
our  Lands,  we  find  it  necessary  to  run  out  & Sufficiently  mark  our 
head  or  western  Line  and  as  his  Majesty’s  Lands  not  yet  granted 
bound’s  all  along  upon  the  Said  Line,  to  desire  his  Excellency  (if 
consistent  with  his  Goodness)  to  appoint  Some  Person  or  Persons  to 

join  with  us  in  running  the  Said  Line 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  15th  day  of 
October  next  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr9  Cler: 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


443 


[. Report  of  Committee .] 

[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  p.  99.] 

The  above  mentioned  Committee  reported  to  said  Proprietors  that 
they  had  waited  on  his  Excellency  ye  Governor  & communicated  to 
him  the  above  Vote,  and  that  he  directed  them  to  have  the  Western 
Boundary  line  of  Masons  Grant  run  & marked  ; in  consequence  of 
which  Order,  Col:  Joseph  Blanchard  Esq1'  was  requested  & employed 
by  said  Proprietors  to  have  the  said  Line  run  and  marked,  which  he 
had  effected  in  part,  from  the  Southerly  dividing  Line  betwixt  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New  Hampshire  Northwardly  so 
far  as  Bakers  pond  So  Called. — 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop13  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Oct.  15,  16,  30, 
Nov.  6,  and  13,  1751,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  November  ye  20th  1751 — Wenesday 
New  Hampshire  j Six  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Andover  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 

81-85. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  27th  Ins6 
six  of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place  the  Meeting  was 
accordingly  Adjourned 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  the  27th  1751  Wenesday 
New  Hampshire  ^ six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  forfeited  shares  in  Sutton  to  the  town 
proprietors  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  313. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  fourth  day 
of  December  next  six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  place — the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record — attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


444 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  December  ye  4th  1751  wenesday  Six 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  there  was  a Tract  of  land  granted  to  the  heirs  of  Alex- 
ander McMurphy  late  of  Londonderry  Deceased  at  or  near  a place 
call’d  amoskeeg  to  contain  fifty  Acres  which  land  was  to  be  laid  out 
at  ye  Directions  of  Coll0  Blanchard  and  the  bounds  by  him  ascer- 
tained as  by  the  Vote  pass’d  will  appear  and  that  the 

Said  Tract  has  been  Survey’d  by  Mathew  Patten  Surveyor  in  presence 
of  Coll0  Blanchard  and  a Plan  thereof  made  & return’d  to  this  meet- 
ing, and  it  appearing  by  the  Said  Survey  that  the  Land  described  by 

the  Said  Plan  include’s  three  Acres  more  than  was  granted 

Voted  That  the  Said  three  Acres  be  given  to  the  Eldest  son  of  the 
said  Alexander  MacMurphy  and  to  his  heirs  and  Assigns  over  and 

above  his  share  in  the  former  Grant 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  ye  6th  Inst* 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  Attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-3  Cler: — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  6th  1751  Fryday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  at  the  Request  of  the  Proprie- 
tors hath  caused  the  head  or  Westerly  line  of  the  lands  purchased 
by  the  Said  Proprietors  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  to  be  run 
marked  out  and  ascertained  from  the  dividing  Line  between  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  & the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  as  far  northward  as  Bakers  Pond  so  called  and  whereas  it  will 
be  of  Service  and  Benefit  to  this'  Society  as  well  as  of  publick  Ben- 
fit  that  there  should  be  a number  of  Towns  Settled  as  soon  as  may 
be  near  the  Said  head  line  therefore — 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  Desired 
Authorized  and  impowerecl  in  the  behalfe  of  Said  Proprietors  to 
agree  with  any  number  of  persons  to  make  Settlements  joining  on 
and  within  ye  Said  line  and  to  agree  with  them  upon  Such  limita- 
tions Conditions  and  Reservations  as  he  shall  judge  proper  and  in 
behalf  of  Said  proprietors  to  make  grants  accordingly  of  Such 
Tracts  for  Townships  as  he  shall  judge  will  be  most  Convenient  for 
making  good  Settlements  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Settlers  the  publick 
good  and  the  Benefit  of  the  Proprietors  Considering  the  nature  of 
the  Land  Situation  of  mountains  Ponds  & Rivers  Impediments  or 
Advantages  of  Settlement — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


445 


[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Manchester,  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  p.  442. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  first  day 
of  January  next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  Meet  at  this  Place — 
the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Jan.  1,  Feb. 
12,  and  17,  1752,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 

Ed.] 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  February  20th  1752.  Thursday  Six 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann 
. Slayton — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  forfeited  shares  in  Andover  to  the 
town  proprietors,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  86. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  24th 
Ins1  four  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place:  the  Meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  February  24th  1752  Monday  four 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Whereas  William  Orr  of  Londonderry  in  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  was  one  of  the  Grantees  of  a Tract  of  land  granted  by 
the  Said  Proprietors  on  ye  third  day  of  December  1748 — unto 
Thomas  Parker  Coll°  Sampson  Stoddard  Esqur  & John  Butterfield 
& others  upon  certain  Conditions  Limitations  and  Reservations  in 
the  said  Grant  mentioned  and  whereas  the  Said  Tract  of  land  is 
since  run  out  and  drawn  for  and  whereas  the  said  Proprietors  in  and 
by  the  Said  Grant  reserved  to  themselves  the  Right  of  Reentry  into 
the  Right  or  share  of  any  one  of  the  Grantees  that  should  Neglect 
to  do  and  perform  what  was  enjoyned  by  him  to  be  done  and  per- 
formed in  order  to  make  a Settlement  there  and  whereas  the  Said 
William  Orr  hath  neglected  to  do  and  perform  what  was  Enjoyned 
him  to  be  done  and  performed  in  order  to  make  a Settlement  there — 
Therefore — 


446 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  that  James  Macgregore  of  Londonderry  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  Yeoman  be  and  hereby  is  Authorized  and  impowered 
by  the  Said  Proprietors  to  enter  into  the  Right  or  share  of  the  Said 
William  Orr  in  the  Said  Tract  of.  land  and  to  take  possession  thereof 
in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Said  Proprietors  and  make  Return 
thereof  to  the  Said  Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be — 

[Then  follows  a vote  in  regard  to  Sutton,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p. 
815.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the  27th 
Instant  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  Meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  February  27th  1752.  Thursday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  next  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  being  the  second  day  of  March  next  to  meet  ac 
this  place — the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  2d  1752  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — . 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Dunbarton,  as  printed  in  vol.  27, 
pp.  204-209.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Monday  next  the  9th  In- 
stant at  three  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  March  9,  16, 
and  April  2, 1752,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  18th  1752  Monday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  beforenoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


447 


Voted  That  Mark  Hunting  Wentworth  & Daniel  Peirce  Esqurs  be 
a Committee  to  Adjust  ye  Acco*  of  Expences  of  this  Propriety  with 
the  Clerk  and  make  Report  thereof  at  ye  next  Meeting  of  the  Pro- 
prietors 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  ye  21st  Ins1  at 
ten  of  ye  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  this  place  The  Meeting  was 
accordingly  Adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  21st  1752.  Tuesday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampsh1'  j Clock  beforenoon  At  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton  ye 
Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  wenesday  ye  6th  day 
May  next  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned  a true  Record 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  ye  6th  1752  Wenesday  four 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Whereas  the  Original  Right  of  William  Orr  in  that  Tract  of  Land 
Granted  by  said  Proprietors  to  Thomas  Parker  & others  on  the  third 
Day  of  December  1748  is  forfeited  to  said  Proprietors  and  into 
which  the  said  Proprietors  have  reEntered  & are  again  Reseized 
thereof  and  Whereas  James  Macgregore  of  Londonderry  has  ad- 
vanced & paid  Several  Sums  of  money  in  order  for  the  Settling 
the  said  Right  in  prospect  of  purchasing  the  same  and  has  In- 
gaged  to  perfect  the  Settlement,,  if  the  said  Right  shall  be  granted 
to  him  therefore  Voted  that  all  the  Right  title  Interest  property 
of  the  said  Proprietors  in  & to  the  said  Right  be  and  hereby 
is  Granted  unto  the  said  James  Macgregore  to  hold  to  him  his  Heirs 
& Assigns  Provided  he  or  they  Build  a Dwelling  House  of  the  same 
Diminsions  that  the  other  Settlers  there  were  to  Build  & Clear  four 
Acres  of  Land  fit  for  Mowing  or  Tillage  within  three  months  from 
this  time  and  four  acres  more  as  aforesaid  within  one  year  from  the 
end  of  the  said  three  months  and  four  acres  more  within  one  Year 
next  after  that  and  do  perform  & Discharge  all  other  Duties  & 
Services  which  were  Enjoined  to  be  done  by  the  other  Settlers  on 
said  Tract  of  Land  by  the  Vote  of  said  Proprietors  whereby  the 
same  was  Granted  as  aforesaid 


448 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  the  12th 
Ins1  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  meeting  was  Accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  l‘2th  1752.  Tuesday  four  of  ve 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton — 
The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  next  ye  18th 
Instant  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  ye  18th  1752.  monday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  J the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  the  lots  in  Allenstown  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  46. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  28th  Currfc 
at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  28th  1752  Thursday  four  of  the 
New  HampslV  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  the 
Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Morrow  at  four  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  the  29th  1752.  Fryday  four  of 
New  Hampsh1  j the  Clock  afternoon  ye  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  Adjournment. — 

Voted  that  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired 
Authorized  and  impowered  by  himself  or  Such  others  as  he  shall 
think  proper  to  employ  to  take  a Survey  of  the  lands  hereafter  des- 
cribed (viz1)  bounded  westerly  on  the  manadnach  Number  Six  and 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


449 


Number  Seven  Northerly  upon  the  South  line  of  the  line  of  Towns 
so  called  easterly  upon  Wear’s  Town  and  New  Boston  Southerly 
upon  Salem  Cannada  Peterborough  and  Manadnach  Number  three 
and  make  Enquiry  into  the  nature  and  Situation  of  the  Same  and  in 
what  manner  the  Same  may  in  the  best  manner  be  divided  into  fifteen 
equal  shares  in  Quantity  & Quality  and  whether  it  is  best  for  the 
whole  to  be  divided  at  once  or  part  thereof  first  and  the  rest  after- 
wards and  make  Report  thereof  to  the  Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be 
and  that  the  Cost  thereof  be  paid  by  the  Proprietors — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  next  the 
third  day  of  June  next  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
place — The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — a true  Record 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  June  3,  and  17, 
.1752,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  June  ye  18th  1752  Thursday  nine  of 
New  Hampshire  \ ye  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  Said  Proprietors  take  each  an  equal  share  & Pro- 
portion of  land  in  Gilman  Town  with  the  Proprietors  named  in  the 
Schedule  annexed  to  their  Charter  granted  by  the  Governour  and 
Council  and  Such  as  they  have  heretofore  admitted  and  that  the 
Share  of  this  Propriety  be  laid  out  all  together  upon  Winnepiseokee 
pond  & so  running  back  from  Said  pond  upon  the  line  of  Said  Town- 
ship which  run’s  north  to  said  pond  & South  from  the  Pond  on  the 
one  Side  and  the  land  they  have  already  laid  out  call’d  the  Second 
Division  on  the  other  Side  & so  running  Southerly  till  the  Said 
Quantity  be  made  up — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  30th  Instant 
four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl: 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  June  30th  1752.  Tuesday  four  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  the 
Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  quitclaim  of  Gilmanton  as  printed  in  vol.  27, 
p.  290.— Ed.] 

29 


450 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  15th  day 
of  July  next  at  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  Meet  at  this  place  the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — a true  Record 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  15th  1752.  Wenesday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  ye  morrow  ye16th  Instant 
at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  [this]  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  16th  1752.  Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  Afternoon  At  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Henniker  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
326-329.— Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wenesday  ye  29th  Instant 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place.  The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  29th  1752  Wenesday  five  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  the 
Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  12th  day 
of  August  next  at  Six  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the 

meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned a true  Record — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  12th  1752  wenesday  Six  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton— the  time  and  place  to  which  the  Meeting  was  Adjourned 

The  Moderator  of  the  Meeting  not  Attending  no  meeting  was  held 
by  Said  Adjournment — 


attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


451 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  2.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampslir  j Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire — That  there  will  be  a Meet- 
ing of  the  Said  Proprietors,  held  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton  Inn- 
holder at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wenesdav  the  Eleaventh 
day  of  October  Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  ; Then  and  there 
at  Said  Meeting 

(1st)  To  Receive  the  Reports  of  any  Committee  or  Person  Ap- 
pointed to  treat  with  Settlers,  for  laying  out  Lands,  & drawing 
Lots  in  Townships,  & Taking  of  Plans 

(2d]y)  To  Consult  and  Determine  upon  Terms  of  Disposing  of 
Lands  to  Purchasers  or  Settlers,  or  to  Sever  or  improve  any  part  of 
the  Premises 

(3dly)  To  Determine  upon  some  Method  of  Raising  Money  for 
defreying  any  Charges  the  Proprietors  have  been  at,  or  y*  shall  Arise 
to  the  Proprietors,  on  Accompt  of  the  Propriety — 

(4thly)  To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Committee  to  consult  or  execute 
any  affair  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  Vote  and  grant  any  part  of 
said  lands,  to  divide  sever  and  make  partition  of  any  part  thereof 
not  already  granted  or  severed  by  said  Proprietors,  and  to  transact 
any  Matter  or  thing  whatsoever  that  shall  be  Voted  for  ye  Benefit  of 
the  Said  Proprietors  Respecting  the  said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  October  7th  1752 — 


Theodore  Atkinson 
D Peirce 
Josha  Peirce 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Mark  H§  Wentworth 


John  Moffatt 
John  Wentworth 
R Wibird 
Thos  Packer 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  11th  1752.  Wenesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  ( the  Clock  Afternoon  At  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder  The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqur  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  Meet  pursuant 
to  a Notification  for  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  at  Said  time  and 
Place 

Voted  that  Daniel  Peirce  Esqur  be  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  next  the  16th 
Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 
a true  Record  attest : 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr9  Cl: — 


452 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Oct.  16  and  19, 
1752,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  23d  1752  Monday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Whereas  a Tract  of  Land  commonly  called  the  Gore  adjacent  to 
the  Tract  of  land  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Allen’s  Town 
and  also  part  of  the  Said  Tract  called  Allens  Town  not  yet  divided 
adjoining  to  Said  Gore  which  were  intended  to  be  laid  out  and 
divided  into  fifteen  equal  Rights  or  shares  to  the  Rights  of  the  fifteen 
Proprietors  or  their  Assigns  and  whereas  Sundry  Persons  have 
moved  to  purchase  Some  Improvements  they  have  made  upon  Said 
Gore  Therefore — 

Voted  That  Joshua  Peirce  & Thomas  Packer  Esqurs  be  a Com- 
mittee in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  and  are  hereby  empowered  & 
Desired  to  make  agreements  with  Such  Person  or  Persons  who  are 
Settled  on  Said  Gore  or  the  said  Tract  called  aliens  Town  and  to 
divide  the  Remainder  into  fifteen  equal  Lots  or  shares,  except  the 
Mill  Privilege,  at  the  Island  on  Suncook  River  which  is  not  to  be 
divided  but  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Committee  in  the  best  manner 
they  can  for  the  advantage  of  the  Propriety,  and  return  a Plan  of  the 
Same  as  soon  as  may  be  to  Said  Proprietors,  and  then  the  Said  Lotts 

to  be  drawn  for  to  the  Respective  Rights  of  the  Said  Proprietors 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  Second 
day  of  November  next  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  To  meet  at  this 

Place — The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  November  2d  1752,  Thursday  five 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  that  John  McMurphy  Esqur  Andrew  Todd  and  others 
Grantees  of  a certain  tract  of  land  granted  unto  them  by  the  Said 
Proprietors  unto  the  Said  Grantees  on  the  Sixteenth  day  of  July 
1752.  have  a further  time  of  laying  out  and  dividing  the  Said  Tract 
of  Land  namely  untill  the  Sixteenth  day  of  July  next  (the  Said 
Grantees  having  represented  unto  the  Said  Proprietors  that  it  cannot 
be  conveniently  done  by  the  time  limitted  in  the  Said  Grant)  and 
that  they  have  the  Same  time  for  doing  what  is  to  be  done  by  them 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


453 


after  the  Sixteenth  clay  of  July  next  as  they  wou’d  have  had  in 
Case  the  Said.  Tract  of  Land  shou’d  by  lay’d  out  and  divided  by  the 
time  limitted  for  the  doing  thereof  in  the  Said  Grant — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  next  ye  8th 
Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  November  ye  8th  1752,  Wenesday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  that  Coll0  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired 
and  impowered  to  divide  and  lay  out  or  cause  to  be  laid  out  into 
fifteen  equal  Shares  all  that  land  on  Contoocook  River  between  the 
place  call’d  Keys  his  Farm  on  the  north  & the  great  Falls  So  called 
against  the  Crotched  Mountain  so  called  on  the  South  in  the  follow- 
ing manner  (viz4)  The  Interval  Land  to  be  Equally  divided  for 
Quantity  & Quality  and  So  much  up  land  adjoining  or  Contiguous  to 
each  Share  laid  out  as  to  make  up  the  Quantity  of  five  hundred 
Acres  to  each  share  that  is  where  the  land  is  not  So  good  to  add  so 
much  in  Quantity  as  shall  be  equal  to  five  hundred  Acres  of  the 
best ; and  that  all  the  rest  of  the  land  comprehended  within  the  fol- 
lowing bounds  (viz4)  Westerly  on  the  Manaclnack  N°  6 and  N°  7 
Northerly  on  the  South  line  of  the  line  of  Towns  so  called,  Easterly 
on  Wear’s  Town  & New  Boston  & Southerly  on  Salem  Cannada 
Peterborough  and  Manadnack  N°  3 be  divided  into  fifteen  equal 
Shares  for  Quality,  only  the  Mountains  to  be  left  as  a Common 
Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  19th  day  of 
December  next  at  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
place — The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Dec.  19  and 
20,  1752,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  21st  1752  Thursday  five 
New  Hampshire  $ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  Authorized 
and  Impowered  to  grant  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  and  Property 


454 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  this  Propriety  in  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square  adjoining  to  Hillsborough  on  the  east  not  to  extend  South- 
erly further  than  the  South  Line  of  the  Line  of  Towns  unto  Deacon 
James  Campbell  and  Associates  with  Such  Reservations  for  the 
Grantors  & under  Such  Restrictions  Conditions  & Limitations  as  he 
Shall- see  fit,  and  as  Agent  for  this  Propriety  to  give  and  Execute  a 
Grant  of  the  Same 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Captain  William 
Syms  all  the  Right  Title  and  Property  & Interest  of  the  said  Propri- 
etors of  and  in  five  hundred  Acres  of  Land  in  one  peice  in  a regular 
form  in  that  part  of  their  Lands  adjoining  to  the  Patent  Line  be- 
tween the  Manadnock  N°  T & Pemigawassett  Intervalls  provided  a 
Plan  thereof  be  returned  to  this  Propriety  within  two  years  from 
this  date  for  their  Acceptance  and  that  the  Survey  and  Return 
thereof  do  not  Infringe  on  any  other  grant  at  Such  time  made  by  this 
Propriety- 

Voted  That  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  ye  26th  Instant 
at  Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The  meeting  was- 
accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  26th  1752  Tuesday  Six 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon  At  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesclay  the  third  Day 
of  January  next  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
place  the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  3d  1753.  Wenesday  three 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  afternoop  at  the  House  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  for  the  Service  of  this  Propriety 
has  been  hindrecl  of  much  time  and  been  at  Considerable  Expence 
for  which  he  has  not  been  Sufficiently  Rewarded  and  as  a full  Satis- 
faction therefor 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  Said  Joseph 
Blanchard  Esqur  his  Heirs  and  assigns  all  the  Right  & Title  of  this 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


455 


Propriety  unto  five  hundred  acres  of  land  in  that  Tract  called  the 
Royal  Society  land  so  as  not  to  infringe  on  that  part  on  Contoocook 
River  ordered  to  be  laid  out  for  the  fifteen  Proprietors  of  five  hun- 
dred Acres  each — provided  he  cause  the  Same  to  be  laid  out  in  a 
regular  form  and  return  a plan  thereof  to  this  Propriety  in  such 
Season  as  not  to  hinder  the  pursuing  the  Division  of  the  Remainder 
of  the  royal  Society  land — 

Also  Voted  that  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  fully  Authorized  and 
impowered  to  Settle  and  agree  with  Jeremiah  Gridley  Esqur  for  his 
Service  in  drawing  a State  of  Masons  Title  and  for  his  further 
Encouragement  as  a Retaining  Fee  for  this  Propriety  by  granting 
unto  him  the  Right  & Title  of  this  Propriety  in  So  much  of  the  lands 
adjoining  on  the  north  or  east  of  Peterborough  (so  called)  as  he 
shall  think  best — 

Whereas  by  a Vote  of  Said  Propriety  of  the  23d  day  of  October 
last  past  Joshua  Peirce  & Thomas  Packer  Esqurs  were  empowered 
- and  desired  to  make  agreements  with  Such  Person  or  Persons  who 
were  Settled  on  the  Gore  adjacent  to  aliens  Town  so  called  and  part 
of  Said  Allens  Town  adjoining  to  said  Gore  which  were  intitled  to 
be  divided  into  fifteen  equal  Shares  or  Rights  to  the  fifteen  Proprie- 
tors or  their  assigns — and  as  James  Cochran  and  John  Cochran  have 
moved  to  purchase  Some  Small  Tracts  within  the  Premises — and  as 
There  may  be  also  some  other  Tracts  not  yet  improved  by  any  per- 
son which  may  better  accommodate  the  Said  Proprietors  by  selling 
them  than  having  them  laid  out  to  their  Respective  Rights  There- 
fore Voted  that  the  abovesaid  Gentlemen  be  and  hereby  are 
empowered  & desired  to  Sell  all  the  Right  & Title  of  said  Proprie- 
tors to  the  Tracts  moved  for  by  the  Said  James  & John  Oochran  to 
them — and  Such  other  small  Tracts  in  the  Premises  as  they  Shall 
think  will  be  better  to  Sell  for  the  Use  of  said  Proprietors  than  to 
be  divided  to  and  amongst  the  Shares  or  Rights  of  said  fifteen  Pro- 
prietors and  for  Such  Sum’s  or  on  Such  Terms  as  will  be  most  for 
the  Advantage  of  the  said  Proprietors  and  to  make  Report  of  their 
Proceedings  therein  to  said  Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  ye  17th  Instant 
at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — 

A true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1'8  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Jan.  17,  Feb. 
13,  14,  March  20,  22,  29,  April  12,  13,  and  25,  lt53,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


456 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  24th  1753  Thursday  five  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Inn- 
holder the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  Authorized 
& fully  Impowered  to  grant  agree  & settle  with  David  Baldwin  of 
Watertown  (who  has  this  day  petitioned  Said  Proprietors  for  a 
grant  of  a certain  Tract  of  Land  belonging  to  Said  Proprietors 
described  in  said  Petition)  on  Such  Terms  & Conditions  as  said 
Blanchard  shall  judge  Reasonable  & just  with  Respect  to  both 
parties  and  in  such  a manner  as  he  shall  think  best  for  the  Interest 
of  said  Proprietors  and  the  Quieting  the  said  Petitioner, 

the  Committee  appointed  to  Examine  the  Accompt  of  Proprietors 
Expences  with  George  Jaffrey  Clerk  made  their  Report  as  on  file 
which  was  read  and 

Voted  that  the  said  Accompt  be  accepted  by  said  Proprietors 
Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  31st  day  of 
this  Instant  may  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

A true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cle: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  May  31,  June 
1,6,  12,  15,  20,  27,  July  4,  11,  Aug.  8,  15,  and  22,  1753,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  27th  1753.  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  procure  and  cause  all  the  original 
Plans  returned  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  lands  granted  by  this  Pro- 
priety to  be  put  into  the  form  of  a Book  for  their  better  Preserva- 
tion together  with  the  original  Draft  & numbers  of  the  Lots  & the 
names  to  which  each  Respective  Number  belongs  and  also  that  the 
said  George  Jaffrey  as  Clerk  of  this  Propriety  procure  a proper 
Book  & transcribe  all  the  Charters  Grants  and  Votes  of  the  Pro- 
prietors and  their  whole  Proceedings  with  all  the  Plans  aforesaid  on 
the  Same  Scale  they  are  drawn  or  the  most  convenient  Scale  and  the 
Drafts  Numbers  Names  of  the  owners  as  drawn  & the  Votes  for 
Severance  and  attest  the  Same  as  Clerk  of  the  Proprietors  at  the 
Cost  of  the  Proprietors — 

Whereas  Clement  March  Esqur  has  enclosed  a Quantity  of  land 
in  Fence  Situate  in  a place  called  Buckstreet  near  Suncook  River 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


457 


and  butted  on  the  lot  Numbered  one  in  Said  Buckstreet  and  lay’s 
Southerly  of  said  lot  and  Contain’s  about  one  hundred  & twenty 
Acres  more  or  less — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  & Title  of  said  Proprietors  to  the  said 
Tract  of  land  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  Clement  March 
his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  as  part  of  his  Right  for  quantity  & 
Quality  in  the  Lands  yet  to  be  divided  Amongst  Said  Proprietors  to 
be  Estimated  by  Tho’s  Packer  & Joshua  Peirce  Esqurs 

Voted  That  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  authorized 
and  impowered  to  grant  all  the  right  Title  Interest  and  Property  of 
this  Propriety  in  a tract  of  land  inclosed  by  the  patent  line  as  lately 
run  Pemigawassett  River  & the  Tracts  of  land  granted  to  Edmund 
Brown  & others  & the  Township  called  Alexandria — To  Capt.  John 
Talford  & associates  with  Such  Associates  with  Such  Reservations 
Restrictions  & Limittations  as  he  shall  see  fitt  and  as  Agent  for  said 
Proprietors  to  give  and  Execute  a grant  of  the  Same — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  wenesday  next  ye  29th 
Instant  at  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  29th  1753  Wenesday  four 
New  Hampshire  J of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  According  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  pursuant  to  the  Power  and 
Authority  to  him  given  and  granted  by  Said  Proprietors,  has  granted 
all  the  right  Title  Estate  and  Demand  of  said  Proprietors  to  Sundry 
Tracts  of  land  viz1  the  Menadnicks  number  four  number  five  num- 
ber Six  number  Seven  and  number  eight  and  also  of  a tract  of  land 
called  Dantzick  another  called  Heidelburg  & another  Alexandria 
each  of  Sufficient  Quantity  of  Acres  & Extent  for  a Township  lying 
on  the  Inland  line  of  the  land  belonging  to  Said  Proprietors  in  each 
of  which  there  is  reserved  to  the  Said  Proprietors  twenty  shares  or 
Rights  and  in  that  call’d  number  four  there  is  also  reserved  a Tract 
of  land  for  a farm  of  two  hundred  Acres  which  have  not  been  dis- 
posed of  and  Severed  Therefore 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Estate  & Demand  of  said  Proprie- 
tors to  the  said  Reserved  shares  and  the  Said  two  hundred  acres  of 
land  shall  be  and  hereby  are  given  granted  confirmed  & Severed  in 
manner  and  form  following,  that  is  to  Say,  that  one  of  each  of  the  said 
Reserved  shares  to  the  Said  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  one  in  each  to 
Mathew  Livermore  and  one  in  each  to  William  Parker  both  of  Ports- 


458 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


mouth  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Esqurs  one  in  each  to  Noah 
Emery  of  Kittery  in  the  County  of  york  Gentleman  and  in  that  Tract 
of  land  called  number  four  and  in  that  call’d  number  Seven  one  of 
said  Reserved  shares  in  each  of  these  two,  to  Nathaniel  Peirce  of 
Portsmouth  aforesaid  mariner,  to  hold  to  the  said  Persons  & their 
Respective  Heirs  and  assigns  and  the  rest  of  the  said  Reserved  shares, 
and  the  said  two  hundred  Acres  to  the  Said  Proprietors  & their 
Respective  Heirs  and  assigns — and  that  the  Same  be  held  in  Sev- 
eralty to  each  person  and  Proprietor  and  their  Respective  Heirs  and 
Assigns  in  severalty,  according  as  the  Lots  are  or  shall  be  Drawn 
belonging  to  each  Share  and  numbered  to  the  Person  or  Persons 
claiming  each  Respective  Share 

Whereas  the  Said  Proprietors  have  granted  all  the  Right  Title 
Estate  & Demand  of  the  said  Proprietors  to  Sundry  Tracts  of  Land 
and  Reserved  to  themselves  & to  their  Disposal  Sundry  shares  or 
Rights  in  each  Respective  Grant  of  which  Reservations  they  have 
not  yet  made  a Disposition  & Severance  therefore 

Voted — That  in  each  Parcel  or  Tract  of  land  so  granted  where 
Such  shares  have  been  reserved  the  Division  made  & Lots  drawn  that 
the  said  Right  Title  Estate  & Demand  of  Said  Proprietors  to  the  said 
Reserved  Shares  be  and  hereby  are  given  granted  confirmed  and  Sev- 
ered in  manner  following  that  is  to  Say,  that  each  person  and  the 
Persons  to  whose  Name  and  names  each  Respective  Lot  & Lots  are 
affixed  and  number'd  and  those  Lots  called  Law  Lots  as  follow’s  those 
called  Law  Lots  numbered  one  to  Mathew  Livermore  and  those 
call’d  Law  Lots  numbered  two  -to  William  Parker  to  hold  to  the 
Said  Persons  Respectively  their  Heirs  & Assigns  in  Severalty 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  ten  one  hundred  acre  lots  in  Manches- 
ter as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  443. — Ed.] 

’Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  morrow  the  30th 
Instant  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Aug.  30,  and 
31,  1753,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  3d  1753.  Monday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  mrs  Ann  Slay- 
ton Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


459 


The  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  not  appearing  at  the  Meeting — 
The  Meeting  dissolv’d 


attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  4.] 


Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ) Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur, 
within  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  That  there  will  be  a Meeting 
of  said  Proprietors  held  at  the  dwelling  House  of  mrs  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder,  at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province,  on  Wenesday  the  Seven- 
teenth day  of  October  Instant,  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  Then 
& There  at  Said  Meeting 

(1)  To  receive  ye  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed 
to  do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Said  Propriety 

(2)  To  consult  or  determine  upon  any  grant  or  Conveyance,  or 
any  Severance  of  any  part  of  Said  Propriety,  not  already  Severed  or 
granted — 

(3)  To  determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  for  defrey- 

ing  Such  Charges  as  have  already  arisen,  or  that  shall  arise  to  Said 
Proprietors,  in  Respect  to  the  Said  Propriety 

(4)  To  appoint  any  Person  or  Committee,  to  consult,  Execute  or 
transact,  any  affair  relating  to  the  said  Propriety — to  consider  and 
Determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  ye  said  Proprietors  may 
judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted  and  to  appoint  agent  or  agents  to  appear 
for  said  Proprietors  & to  prosecute  answer  & defend  any  Action  or  suit 
that  is,  or  Shall  be  prosecuted  by,  or  against  Said  Proprietors,  or  any 
which  they  shall  see  cause  to  espouse  and  pursue,  & conduct  the  same 
to  final  Judgement  & Execution  also  to  Vote  & transact  any  matter 
or  thing  that  shall  be  judged  for  the  Benefit  of  Said  Propriety — 

Portsm0  October  2d  1753  — 


Tho3  Packer 
Jn°  Rindge 
Sam1  Solly 
D Peirce 
John  Moffatt 
Josha  Peirce 


Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
R Wibird 
John  Wentworth 
Tho8  Wallingford 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Nath  Meserve 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  17th  1753  Wenesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  House  of 
mr8  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased 


460 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  within  the  Province  Of  New  Hamp- 
shire meet  pursuant  to  a Notification  of  this  meeting  elated  at  said 
Portsmouth  the  2d  Instant,  at  Said  meeting 

Voted  That  John  Moffatt  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this  meeting — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  lots  in  Society  Land  as  printed  in  vol. 
28,  p.  259. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  morrow  ye  18th 
Instant  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 
a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Props  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Oct.  18,  23,  and 
24,  1753,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  October  31st  1753.  Wenesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Mrs  Ann  Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
A d j o u r n m e n t — 

The  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  not  being  present  the  day  of 
Adjournment  (being  detain’d  by  Sickness)  this  meeting  is  therefore 
Disolved — 

a true  Record — Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2.  p.  5.] 

Province  of  \ Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  ye 
New  Hampshr  j lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  That  there  will  be  a meet- 
ing of  Said  Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder  in  Portsmouth  within  Said  Province  on  Wenesday  ye 
Sixth  day  of  February  next  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Convey,  or  Sever,  any  part  of  Said  Propriety,  not 
already  granted,  Conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  determine  upon  Some  method  of  raising  money  or  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expence  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
Said  Proprietors,  upon  said  Propriety,  & to  Cancel  and  discharge 
any  Accots  thereof — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


461 


To  apoint  aii}^  Persons  or  Committee  to  prosecute  or  Defend,  any 
Action  or  Law  Suit  that  is  or  shall  be  Commenced  by  or  against 
Said  Proprietors  relating  to  said  Propriety,  to  final  Judgement  & 
Execution,  or  any  Action  or  Suit  Said  Proprietors  shall  see  cause  to 
espouse  & pursue — also  to  Vote  and  transact  any  mater  or  thing, 
that  shall  be  judged  for  the  Benefit  of  Said  Propriety 
Portsm0  Jany  22d  1754 — 


R Wibird 
Theodore  Atkinson 
Thos  Wallingford 
Josha  Peirce 
John  Moffatt 
Nath1  Meserve 
Thos  Packer 


Mark  ID  Wentworth 

D Peirce 

John  Wentworth 

Sam1  Solly 

Jn°  Rindge 

Geo:  Jaffrey 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  ye  6th  1754  The  Proprie- 
New  Hampshire  j tors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esqur  in  the  Province  New  Hampshire  Meet  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  pursuant  to 
a Notification  dated  January  22d  1754 — 

Voted  That  Nathaniel  Meserve  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing- 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  21st  Insfc 
to  meet  at  this  place  at  four  of  the  Clock  Afternoon — 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  February  21st  1754  Thursday  four 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— The  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  not  being  present  the  day  of 
the  Adjournment  this  Meeting  is  therefore  Dissolved  a true  Record 

attest  : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1'8  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2.  p.  7.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ( Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a 
Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton 


462 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Innholder  at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Thursday  the  fourteenth 
day  of  March  Instant  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  Matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety 

To  Grant,  Convey,  Sell  or  Sever  any  of  the  Lands  within  Said 
Purchase  not  already  granted  or  Severed — 

To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expences  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
Said  Proprietors,  upon  Said  Propriety,  and  to  Cancel  and  discharge 
any  Accots  thereof 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Committee,  to  Consult,  Execute  or 
transact  any  affair  relating  to  Said  Property,  to  consider  and  Deter- 
mine upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  Said  Proprietors  may 
judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted  and  to  appoint  agent  or  agents  to  appear 
for  Said  Proprietors,  and  to  prosecute  answer  & defend  any  Action 
or  Suit  that  is  or  shall  be  prosecuted  by  or  against  Said  Proprietors, 
or  any  which  they  shall  see  cause  to  espouse  & conduct  the  Same  to 
final  Judgement  & Execution — 

Also  to  Vote  & Transact  an}7  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  judged 
for  the  Benefitt  of  said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  March  8th  1754 — 


Jn°  Rindge 
John  Moffatt 
Thos  Wallingford 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Nath1  Meserve 
Jos:  Blanchard 
Sam1  Solly 


R Wibird 

Theodore  Atkinson 
Joslia  Peirce 
D Peirce 
Thos  Packer 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
John  Wentworth 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  14th  1754  Thursday  four  of 
New  Hampshr  j the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  Purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshr  hold 
a Meeting  Pursuant  to  a Notification  dated  at  Portsmouth  the  8th 
of  March  Instant — and — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  next  ye  18th 
Instant  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 
a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  CL 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


463 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  March  18th  1754  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 
Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  fryday  next  the  22d  In- 
stant five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The  meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  CL 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  22d  1754.  Fryday  five  of  the 
New  HampslT  \ Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their.  Meeting  held  on  the  16th  day  of 
June  1749.  did  vote  that  mr  Timothy  Fuller  may  have  one  half  of 
the  tract  of  land  containing  about  five  hundred  Acres  called  Dux- 
bury  School  Lott  the  whole  of  wch  the  Proprietors  employed  Cap1 
John  Shepperd  to  enclose  for  them  and  whereas  the  Proprietors  did 
werbally  promise  before  that  time  unto  the  Said  Sheppard  one  full 
half  part  of  the  Said  five  hundred  Acres,  and  that  the  same  may  be* 
effected  according  to  the  Intent  and  design  of  the  fixing  the  Grants 
to  the  Said  Fuller  & Shepperd  The  Proprs  on  the  Conditions  herein 
after  mentioned  do  grant  all  their  Right  Interest  & Property  of  in 
and  to  the  tract  of  land  of  five  hundred  Acres  aforesaid  in  manner 
following  that  is  to  say  one  half  part  for  Quantity  & Quality  unto 
the  Said  Cap6  John  Shepperd  his  heirs  and  assigns  of  the  tract  afore- 
said the  Improvements  by  him  made  on  Said  School  Lot  to  be  Esti- 
mated in  his  favour — Conditioned  that  the  said  Shepperd  or  some 
other  in  his  stead  Inhabit  in  the  house  by  him  built  on  Said  School 
Lot  for  three  years  next  after  the  last  day  of  may  next  which  house 
and  Improvements  by  him  already  made  shall  be  on  his  half  part 
provided  it  exceed  not  his  half  in  Quality — and  all  the  Right  Title 
and  Interest  of  the  Proprietors  in  the  Remaining  half  According  to 
the  Intent  and  Design  of  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  the  afore- 
said 16th  of  June  1749  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  Said  Tim- 
othy Fuller  his  Heirs  and  assigns  on  the  following  Conditions,  and 
them  only  that  is  to  Say  the  Said  Timothy  Fuller  his  Heirs  or  assigns 
shall  build  a comfortable  dwelling  house  clear  inclose  and  improve 
ten  Acres  at  least  on  his  part  within  five  years  from  this  date  inhabit 
said  house  or  some  person  in  his  stead  and  continue  the  Improve- 
ments and  Inhabitancy  there  for  three  years  then  next  coming  and 
on  failure  of  either  of  the  Grantees  aforesaid  their  Respective  Prem- 
ises to  Revert  to  the  Grantors  their  heirs  or  assigns — 


464 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  ye  26th 
Instant  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  this  place — The  meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  March  26th  1754.  Tuesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Morrow  the  27th  In- 
stant at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  27th  1754.  Wenesday-  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  the  time  Limitted  for  the  Performance  of  Some  parts  of 
ye  Duty  of  Settlement  by  the  Grantees  of  the  Three  Tracts  of  Lands 
granted  by  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  (in  behalf  of  this  Propriety, 
called  Manadnock  number  one  Manadnock  number  two  and  Man- 
adnock  Number  three  have  been  impeded  and  in  Some  measure  pre- 
vented of  pursuing  their  Improvements  Conditioned  to  be  done  in 
the  Grants  by  a Law  Suit  long  pending  between  the  Claimers  of  a 
tract  of  Land  Called  Rowley  Cannada  and  one  of  the  Grantees  of  the 
Said  Monadnock  Number  one  which  claim  extends  into  part  of  the 
Said  three  Tracts — Therefore — 

Voted  That  the  Grantees  of  the  Said  Three  Tracts  of  Land  be 
and  hereby  are  exempted  from  any  Forfeiture  Incurred  by  the  Omis- 
sion of  Complying  with  any  Condition  of  their  Respective  Grants, 
to  this  day,  and  that  they  be  further  indulged  and  have  Libert}1*  to 
enter  and  pursue  their  Settlement  the  first  part  of  the  Improvements 
Stipulated  by  the  Conditions  of  each  Grant  to  be  done,  to  Com- 
mence the  first  day  of  June  next  and  thence  forward  to  have  the 
Same  Privileges  and  to  do  the  Same  Duties  as  is  By  the  grants 
aforesaid  Respectively  Conditioned  to  be  done  and  at  the  Same  dis- 
tance of  Periods  from  the  first  day  of  June  next  as  was  first  Stated 
in  their  Grants  as  fully  as  tho1  the  Same  at  first  had  been  Condi- 
tioned in  their  Respective  Grants — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


465 


[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  New  Boston  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  65. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  ye  Morrow  the  28th  In- 
stant at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  28tb  1T54  Thursday  five  of  the 
New  HampslT  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  there  is  a Tract  of  land  lying  within  Masons  Grant  that 
yet  remain’s  undisposed  of  bounding  on  Gilman  Town  and  on  the 
Grants  by  this  Propriety  already  made,  on  Barnstead  and  by  Wini- 
pisioke  Pond,  and  inasmuch  as  this  Propriety  design  to  Appropriate 
all  the  Said  Lands  there  included  to  their  particular  Use  according 
to  the  following  Appropriations,  namely,  To  Theodore  Atkinson 
Esqur  one  Seventeenth  part  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  one  Seventeenth 
part  Thomas  Wallingford  Esqu1'  one  Seventeenth  part  the  Heirs  of 
Jotliam  Odiorne  Esqur  Deceas’d  one  Seventeenth  part  John  Moffatt 
Esqur  one  Seventeenth  part  Joshua  Peirce  Esqur  one  Seventeenth 
part  Mark  flunking  Wentworth  Esqur  one  Seventeenth  part  John 
Wentworth  JunrEsqurone  Seventeenth  part  George  Jaffrey  Esqur 
one  Seventeenth  part  Thomas  Packer  Esqur  one  Seventeenth  part 
John  Thomlinson  & John  Tufton  Mason  Esqurs  one  Seventeenth 
part  Samuel  Solly  & Clement  March  Esqurs  one -Seventeenth  part 
Daniel  Peirce  Esqur  and  ye  Right  of  Mary  Moore  Deceas’d  one 
Seventeenth  part  Joseph  Blanchard  Nathaniel  Meserve  Esqurs  & 
Associates  one  Seventeenth  part  Mr  John  Rindge  one  Seventeenth 
part  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  Thomas  Bell  Esqur  John  Gage  Esqur 
& mr  Walter  Brient  one  Seventeenth  part  in  the  following  propor- 
tions Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  eight  hundred  Acres  Thomas  Bell 
Esqur  four  hundred  Acres  John  Gage  Esqur  four  hundred  Acres  and 
Walter  Brient  four  hundred  Acres  and  one  Seventeenth  part  to  be 
Reserved  to  be  disposed  of  as  hereafter  shall  be  agreed  on — There- 
fore— 

Voted  That  the  afore  described  Tract  of  land  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  Severed  and  Appropriated  to  the  Respective  Persons  and 
Uses  aforesaid  and  in  the  Proportions  aforesaid  and  that  each  Seven- 
teenth part  be  laid  into  two  equal  Divisions  for  Quantity  and  Equit- 
ably Coupled  together  So  as  to  make  each  Seventeenth  part  of  equal 
Value  as  near  as  may  be — 

30 


466 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  all  the  Right  Interest  and  Demand  in  that  Tract  of 
Land  called  Peterborough  Slip  which  is  not  allotted  laid  out  and 
returned  as  Severed  to  Particular  Persons  either  Grantors  or 
Grantees  in  Said  Township  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Joseph 
Blanchard  Esqur  his  Heirs  and  Assigns — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Morrow  The  29th 
Instant  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place  the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  March  29th  1754  Fryday  five  of  the 
New  Hampsh1’  \ Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  John  Goffe  Esqur  ye  23d  Instant  Represented  to  this 
Propriety  that  in  that  Tract  of  Land  called  Rands  farm  there  is 
about  eight  Acres  of  land  which  lyes  between  a Tract  of  land 
granted  to  James  Walker  and  himselfe  and  the  forty  Acres  granted 
to  the  Widow  Secomb,  which  said  Eight  Acres  is  not  yet  granted  or 
appropriated  by  Said  Proprietors— and  also  that  there  is  a Small 
Island  called  Carthagene  & Sukuos  Island,  one  containing  about 
four  Acres  the  other  about  half  an  Acre — which  Said  tract  of  land 
about  eight  Acres  and  the  Said  Islands  the  Said  John  Goff  also 
Prayeth  the  said  Proprietors  would  Grant  to  him  in  Consideration 
of  what  Services  he  hath  done  for  Said  Proprietors — In  Considera- 
tion thereof — Therefore 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  Said  John 
Goffe  Esqur  all  the  Right  Title  and  Interest  of  the  said  Proprietors 
of  in  and  to  the  abovesaid  Tract  of  about  eight  Acres  of  Land  and 
to  the  abovesaid  two  Islands  to  have  & to  hold  to  him  his  heirs  and 
assigns  for  ever — 

Whereas  Francis  Borland — of  Boston  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  & 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Esqur  in  ye  year  1749,  Repre- 
sented unto  the  Said  Proprietors  that  he  had,  for  a Valuable  Con- 
sideration, purchased  of  one  Lunn  four  hundred  Acres  of  land, 
laying  within  the  Tract  of  Land  granted  by  Said  Proprietors  to  John 
Goffe  Esqur  & others,  which  said  Tract  of  four  hundred  Acres  the 
Said  Proprietors  intended  to  Confirm  to  the  said  Francis  Borland 
Esqur  on  ye  Conditions  of  said  Grant  made  to  John  Goffe  Esqur  and 
others,  but  it  appearing  to  said  Proprietors  that  the  said  four  hun- 
dred Acres  had  been  layd  out  & Severed  to  Sundry  Persons  before 
that,  they  could  not  then  make  a Confirmation  thereof  to  the  Said 


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RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


467 


Francis,  it  was  also  then  determined  to  make  to  the  Said  Francis  a 
grant  of  four  hundred  Acres  of  land  elswhere  and  upon  his  Request 
and  in  Expectation  of  a Speedy  Settlement  to  be  made  thereon  by 
the  Said  Francis  or  some  Person  in  his  behalf — Therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  & Demand  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  to  four  hundred  Acres  of  Land  being  part  of 
that  Tract  lying  between  Peterborough  so  called  & Lyndsborough 
so  called,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  said  Francis  Borland 
Esqur  his  Heirs  and  assigns,  to  be  laid  out  by  Joseph  Blanchard 
Esqur  in  a regular  Form,  and  a Plan  of  the  laying  out  thereof  to  be 
returned  to  this  Propriety  by  the  Said  Francis,  in  a reasonable  time 
from  the  date  hereof — 

Voted  that  This  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  first  day  of 
April  next  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  April  1 and 
17,  1754,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  18th  1754.  Thursday  eight  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  clock  before  Noon  at  the  Dwelling  House  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder — 

The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Samuel  Gerrish  junr  of  Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex 
in  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Yeoman  has  represented 
to  Said  Proprietors  that  he  had  purchased  Sundry  Rights  of  land 
within  the  Boundaries  of  that  Tract  of  Land  called  & known  by  the 
name  Contoocoke  within  Said  Province  which  Rights  were  derived 
from  a grant  made  of  Said  Tract  of  Land  to  Sundry  Persons  by  the 
Government  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay — That  in 

4/ 

pursuance  of  those  Purchases  he  had  been  at  great  Expence  in  Im- 
proving part  of  the  lands  so  purchased  and  making  a Settlement  there 
Supposing  his  Title  to  be  good  but  was  now  Convinced  he  could 
derive  no  legal  Title  from  Said  Grant  and  that  Such  Title  could  only 
be  derived  from  Said  Proprietors — and  thereupon  Praying  Said  Pro- 
prietors in  Consideration  of  the  Charges  he  had  been  at  and  the 
Improvements  he  had  made  as  aforesaid,  to  grant  to  him  their  Right 
and  Title  to  the  Several  parcels  of  land  he  had  So  purchased  and 
the  Said  Proprietors  being  willing  to  Quiet  those  who  have  done  any 
thing  worthy  of  Notice  towards  Settling  and  Improving  the  Lands 
tho’  they  at  first  unlawfully  entered  thereon — 


468 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  & Demand  of  said  Pro- 
prietors of  in  and  unto  the  Several  parcells  of  land  herein  after 
mentioned  lying  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  called 
Contoocoke  viz1  That  parcel  of  land  called  and  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Original  Right  of  Joseph  Gerrish  the  original  Right  of  Samuel 
Bailey  the  Original  right  of  James  Allen  the  Original  Right  of 
Stephen  Emery  and  that  of  Joseph  Gerrish  Junr  and  that  of  Henry 
Kingbury  and  that  of  John  Chandler  that  of  Nicholas  Cheney  & that 
of  Samuel  Sweet  junr  be  and  hereby  is  given  granted  and  Conveyed 
unto  the  Said  Samuel  Gerrish  junr  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for  ever — 
Joseph  Coffin  of  Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex  in  the  Province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Tanner  making  the  Same  Representation 
as  made  by  Samuel  Gerrish  junr  to  Said  Proprietors  Respecting  the 
following  Rights  and  praying  a grant  of  ye  Title  of  said  Proprietors 
thereto — T h e ref  or  e — 

Voted — That  as  to  the  Land  known  by  and  called  the  original 
Right  of  William  Atkins  the  Original  Right  of  Daniel  Knight 
half  a Right  of  Willoughby  Favor — and  half  a Right  of  John 
Akors — all  within  the  Limits  of  ye  Tract  of  Land  called  Contoocoke 
all  the  Right  Title  Property  & Demand  of  the  Said  Proprietors  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  Given  & Conveyed  to  the  Said  Joseph  Coffin 
his  heirs  and  assigns  forever — 

Thomas  Pearson  of  Newbury  in  ye  County  of  Essex  in  the  Province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Boat  Builder — making  the  Same  Repre- 
sentation as  made  by  Samuel  Gerrish  jur  to  Said  Proprietors  Respecting 
several  half  Rights  in  the  Limitts  of  a Tract  of  land  called  Contoo- 
coke hereafter  mentioned  also  a Tract  of  land  of  three  hundred 
Acres  lying  On  the  easterly  Side  of  Merrimack  River  out  of  ye  Bounds 
of  Said  Contoocoke — Therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Property  & Demand  of 
the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  That  Tract  of  land  called  & 
known  by  the  Farm  of  Richard  Kent  Esqur  or  Kent’s  Farm  contain- 
ing three  hundred  Acres,  which  lies  on  the  Easterly  Side  of 
Merrimack  River  and  without  the  bounds  of  Contoocoke  aforesaid 
joins  on  Rum  ford  so  called  the  land  called  the  half  Right  of  Jere- 
miah Gatchell  the  land  called  the  half  Right  of  Richard  Hubbard  and 
that  land  called  the  half  Right  of  Joseph  Morse  all  within  the  Limitts 
of  Contoocoke  be  and  hereby  is  granted  Conveyed  and  Confirmed 
unto  him  the  Said  Thomas  Pearson  his  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever — 
Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  Second 
day  of  May  next  at  four  of  the  Clock  after  noon  to  meet  at  this 
place — The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


469 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  2d  1754.  Thursday  four  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 
Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  ye  morrow  the  3d  Ins1  to 
meet  at  this  place  at  eight  of  the  Clock  before  noon  The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  3d  1754.  Fryday  eight  of  the 
New  Hampshire  J Clock  beforenoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder — the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  interpretation  of  the  grant  of  Meredith  as 
printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  485-487. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  ye  22  Ins4  to 
meet  at  this  place  at  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  22d  1754.  Wenesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  & Demand  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors of  in  & unto  all  that  Original  Right  of  Land  in  that  place, 
called  Contoocook  in  Said  Province  which  is  called  the  Original  Right 
of  Jonathan  Sampson  of  Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex  in  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Caulker  according  as  the  Same 
has  been  granted  to  Said  Sampson  by  the  Government  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  and  to  half  the  right  called  the  original  Right  of 
Thomas  Webster  of  Haverhill  in  said  County  of  Essex  Yeoman  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Samuel  Fowler  of  Said  Newbury  ship- 
wright as  he  has  purchased  the  Same  to  have  and  to  hold  to  him  the 
Said  Samuel  Fowler  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  upon  the  Same 
Grounds  and  Reasons  as  the  Said  Proprietors  Have  granted  to 
Samuel  Gerrish  junr 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  the  said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  all  that  Original  Right  of  Land  in  that 
place  in  Said  Province  call’d  Contoocook  which  is  called  the  Original 
Right  of  Moses  Gerrish  of  Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex  in  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Gent1"  according  as  the  Same  has 
been  granted  to  him  under  or  by  the  Government  of  the  Said  massa- 
chusetts  Bay,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  said  Moses  Gerrish  To 


4T0 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


have  & to  hold  to  him  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  upon  the  Same 
Grounds  & Reasons  as  the  said  Proprietors  have  granted  to  Sam11 
Gerrish  junr  of  said  Newbury — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  the  28th 
Instant  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  28th  1754.  Tuesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshr  \ Clock  Afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 
Voted  that  This  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  ye  morrow  ye  29th  Ins1  at 
five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  Adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ^ Portsmouth  May  29th  1754  Wenesday  five  of  the 
New  HampslT  ) Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slay- 
ton Innholder  at  Portsmouth  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
Adjournment — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  dissolved — 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  dissolved — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  8.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  a meeting 
of  said  Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Inn- 
holder at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Wenesday  the  Eleventh 
day  of  December  Ins1  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  grant  Sell  convey  or  Sever  any  part  of  said  Propriety  not 
already  granted  conveyed  or  severed 

To  determine  upon  Some  method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expences  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
said  Proprietors  on  Acco1  of  the  Propriety  and  to  Cancel  and  dis- 
charge any  Acco1  thereof 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


471 


To  appoint  any  person  or  persons  to  Consult  execute  or  transact 
any  affair  relating  to  said  Propriety,  to  consider  and  determine  upon 
any  suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors  may  judge  proper  to 
be  prosecuted  and  to  appoint  agents  to  appear  for  said  Proprietors, 
and  to  prosecute  answer  and  defend  any  Action  or  suit  that  is  or 
shall  be  prosecuted  by  or  against  Said  Proprietors,  or  any  which 
they  shall  see  cause  to  espouse,  and  to  conduct  the  same  to  final 
Judgement  & Execution — also  to  Vote  & transact  any  matter  or 
thing  that  shall  be  judged  for  ye  Benefitt  of  said  Propriety — 
Portsmouth  December  ye  4th  1754 — 


R Wibird 
John  Wentworth 
Thos  Packer 
John  Moffatt 
Theodr  Atkinson 


Jn°  Rindge 
Thos  Wallingford 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
D Peirce 
Geo  Jaffrev 

i/ 


Province  of  ] Pursuant  to  a Notification  notifying  the  Pro- 
New  Hampshr  J prietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqur  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  That  there 
would  be  a meeting  of  said  Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder  at  Portsmouth  in  said  Province,  on  Wenes- 
day  the  Eleventh  day  of  December  1754,  at  four  of  the  Clock  After- 
noon— 

The  Proprietors  meet  at  time  and  Place  accordingly 

Voted  That  the  Honourable  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  the  Mode- 
rator of  this  Meeting 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  monday  next  the  16th 
Instant  four  of  ye  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Dec.  16, 19,  24, 
and  30,  1751,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


472 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  15th  day  1755  Wenesday  five 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder — The  Moderator  nor  Proprietors  appearing 
to  hold  the  Meeting  according  to  Adjournment  The  meeting  Dis- 
solved— 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  10.] 


Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampsh1  j Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  a meeting 
of  Said  Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Inn- 
holder at  Portsmouth  on  monday  next  the  twelfth  Instant  at  four  of 
the  Clock  afternoon — 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  Transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant  Sell  Convey  or  Sever  any  part  of  Said  Lands  not 
already  granted  Conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expences  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
Said  Proprietors  on  Acco*  of  the  Propriety 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon  Execute  or 
Tra’sact  any  affair  relating  to  Said  Propriety — to  consider  and 
determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  ye  Said  Proprietors  may 
Judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to  appear 
for  said  Proprietors  and  to  prosecute  answer  and  Defend  any  Action 
or  suit  that  is  or  shall  be  prosecuted  by  or  against  Said  Proprietors 
or  any  Action  they  shall  See  Cause  to  espouse  and  to  conduct  the 
same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution — 

Also  to  Vote  & Transact  any  Matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  judged 
for  the  benefit  of  Said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  January  6th  1756 


R Wibird 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
John  Moffatt 
Thos  Wallingford 


D Peirce 
Thos  Packer 
John  Wentworth 
Jn°  Rindge 
Nath  Meserve 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


473 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  January  12th  day  1756  Monday  four 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Ann  Slayton  Innholder — The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
Meet  agreable  to  a Notification  of  ye  6th  Instant  notifying  a meeting 
to  be  held  on  the  Said  12th  day  of  Janyas  aforesaid — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next  the  19th 
Ins1  at  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting 
was  Accordingly  Adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: — 

[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Jan.  19,  Feb.  2, 
9,  and  16,  1756,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 

Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  ye  1st  1756  The  Proprietors 
New  Hampshire  J not  Meeting  the  Meeting  was  dissolved — 

att:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  11.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ( Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  a Meeting  of  Said 
Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Innholder,  at 
Portsmouth,  in  Said  Province,  on  Fryday  the  26th  Instant  at  five  of 
the  Clock  Afternoon 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Com’ittee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  the  Propriety 

To  grant,  Sell,  Convey,  or  Sever  any  part  of  Said  Lands  not 
already  granted  conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expences  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
Said  Proprietors  on  Accofc  of  said  Propriety — 

To  appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  Execute  or  transact 
any  affair  relating  Said  Propriety,  to  consider  and  determine  upon 
any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  Said  Proprietors  may  judge  proper  to 
be  prosecuted — to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to  appear  for  Said  Pro- 
prietors and  to  prosecute  answer  & defend  any  Action  or  suit  that  is 


474 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


or  shall  be  prosecuted  by  or  against  Said  Proprietors  or  any  Action 
they  shall  see  cause  to  espouse  and  to  Conduct  the  Same  to  final 
Judgement  & Execution — 

Also  to  Vote  or  Transact  any  Matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  judged 
for  the  Benefitt  of  said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  March  23d  1756 


Thos  Packer 
Joseph  Blanchard 
D Peirce 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
John  Wentworth 
John  Moffatt 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibard 
Jn°  Rindge 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Nath  Meserve 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  March  26th  1756.  Fry  day  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  pursuant  to  a Notification  of 
the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
lying  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  notifying  a Meeting  of 
Said  Proprietors  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton 
Innholder  at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  on  Said  day  The  Proprie- 
tors meet  accordingly 

Voted  That  The  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  moderator  of 
this  meeting — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  ve  30th  Ins6 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 
a true  Record — 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  ye  30tb  1755  Tuesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Ann 
Slayton  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 
Whereas  Joshua  Peirce  & Thomas  Packer  Esqur  were  appointed 
a Committee  to  make  Agreements  with  Such  Person  or  Persons 
who  were  Settled  on  the  Gore  adjacent  to  Allen’s  Town  so  called, 
and  part  of  Said  Allen’s  Town  adjoining  to  Said  Gore,  which  were 
intended  to  be  divided  into  fifteen  equal  Shares  or  Rights  to  the 
fifteen  Proprietors  or  their  Assigns  &c  &c  and  as  the  Said  Joshua 
Peirce  Esqur  is  deceas'd  and  Said  Thomas  Packer  Esqur  declined 
Said  Service  by  himself  Solely — Therefore 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


• 475 


Voted  That  Thomas  Wallingford  Joseph  Blanchard  Thomas 
Packer  Nathaniel  Meserve  & Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Esqurs  or 
any  three  of  them,  be  a Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors, and  are  hereby  impowered  and  desired  to  make  a Settle- 
ment with  any  person  or  persons,  who  shall  be  Settled  upon  any 
part  of  Said  land,  or  adjacent  thereto  within  Said  Proprietors  Claim, 
and  to  Act  upon  any  motion  that  may  be  made  by  the  Proprietors 
of  Bow,  in  the  most  Advantageous  manner  for  this  Propriety,  or  to 
divide  the  Said  tracts  of  land,  or  the  Remainder  thereof,  after  they 
have  Settled  for  any  particular  tracts,  with  particular  persons,  or  to 
make  Sale  of  the  Same,  as  they  the  said  Committee  or  any  three  of 
them  shall  determine — and  what  the  Said  Committee  or  any  three 
of  them  Shall  do  upon  the  Premises  shall  be  final  & Conclusive 
relating  to  Said  Premises,  and  to  make  Report  of  their  doings  therein 
within  three  months  from  this  date — 

Whereas  in  that  Tract  of  land  or  Township  called  Manadnock 
Number  Eight  or  New  Concord  granted  by  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur 
in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors  unto  Captn  Peter  Prescot  Stephen 
Hosmer  junr  John  Wood  and  others  as  by  his  Grant  bearing  date 
December  11th  1752.  there  are  twenty  shares  in  Said  Tract  of  Land 
reserved  to  Said  Proprietors  or  original  Grantors  which  Said  twenty 
Shares  are  not  drawn  for,  therefore 

Voted  That  the  Said  Proportion  of  twenty  shares,  first  reserving 
three  hundred  Acres  to  and  for  the  Use  of  the  Proprietors  the  gran- 
tors as  they  hereafter  shall  See  cause  to  dispose  of  the  same,  and  the 
Remainder  being  three  hundred  & fifty  Acres  to  each  of  said  Six- 
teen Shares  be  now  drawn  for — fifteen  of  the  Same  to  the  original 
purchasers,  and  one  to  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqur  in  Consideration  of 
his  Service,  in  granting  out  the  Same,  and  that  the  Same  be  held  in 
Severalty  according  to  the  Draft  now  made  and  entered  in  the 
Schedule  for  the  Grantors,  annexed  to  original  grantees  Schedule — 
Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  fryday  ye  30th  day  of 
April  next  five  of  the  clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meet- 
ing was  accordingly  Adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Ann  Slayton  April  30  and 
July  20,  1756,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


476 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  21st  1756  Wenesday  eight  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  before  noon  at  the  late  dwelling  house 
of  Ann  Slayton  deceased  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment 

Whereas  John  Fowler  of  a place  called  Contoocook  in  said 
Province  Yeoman  has  Represented  to  Said  Proprietors  that  he  had 
purchased  Sundry  Rights  & Parcels  of  land  within  the  Limmitts  of 
that  tract  of  land  called  Contoocook  aforesaid  which  were  derived 
from  a grant  made  of  Said  Tract  of  land  to  Sundry  persons  by  the 
Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  that  he  had  been  at  Consid- 
erable Expence  in  making  improvements  thereon  Supposing  his 
Title  there  to  be  good  but  now  found  he  could  not  derive  a legal 
title  thereto  from  Said  Grant  but  that  Such  Title  could  be  derived 
from  Said  Proprietors  only  and  thereupon  praying  Said  Proprietors 
would  in  Consideration  of  the  Charges  he  had  been  at  and  the 
Improvements  by  him  made  grant  him  their  Right  to  the  Several 
parcels  of  land  within  the  Lim’itts  aforesaid  which  he  now  claimed 
of  the  purchases  he  had  made  as  aforesaid — and  the  Said  Proprietors 
being  willing  to  quiet  those  who  have  made  any  Progress  in  improv- 
ing Said  Lands — Therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  Several  Tracts  and  parcels  of  land 
within  the  Lim’its  of  that  Tract  called  Contoocook  aforesaid  viz*  all 
those  parcels  of  land  mentioned  in  a certain  Deed  Executed  by 
James  Varney  to  the  Said  John  Fowler  dated  the  thirty  first  day  of 
July  Anno  Domini  1741 — (Excepting  an  eighty  Acre  Lot  numbred 
thirty  four  which  belonged  to  the  Original  Right  of  Richard  Kelly 
which  the  said  John  Fowler  does  not  now  Claim)  they  also  grant  as 
aforesaid  one  hundred  Acre  Lot  which  belonged  to  the  Original 
Right  of  Jacob  Noyce  And  the  Hndivided  Lands  thereto  belonging 
according  as  said  Tract  of  land  has  been  proportioned  in  the  Right 
of  the  Grantees  of  the  Same  by  the  Government  aforesaid  and  also 
that  house  Lot  laid  out  to  the  Original  Right  of  Joseph  Knight  & 
also  the  House  Lot  laid  out  to  the  Original  Right  of  Cutten  Lunt  and 
half  the  Undivided  lands  belonging  to  the  Original  Right  of  Joseph 
Toppan  as  aforesaid  : be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  John 
Fowler  to  hold  to  him  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever — 

And  upon  the  like  Motion  made  in  behalf  of  George  Jackman  and 
for  the  Same  Reasons — 

Voted  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Property  and  Demand  of  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  all  that  Tract  of  land  within  the  Limitts 
of  Contoocook  aforesaid  called  the  original  Right  of  the  Said  George 
and  all  those  parcells  of  land  Sold  by  Natli11  Meloon  to  Said  George 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


477 


by  deed  dated  the  twenty  first  day  of  February  1750/51  and  also 
that  house  Lot  which  was  laid  out  to  the  original  Eight  of  John 
Plummer  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  George  Jackman  to 
hold  to  him  his  heirs  and  assigns — 

And  upon  the  like  Motion  for  the  Same  Reasons  in  behalf  of  the 
Heirs  of  Richard  Jackman  Deceased — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Claim  Property  and  Demand  of 
Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  Original  Right  of  the  Said  Rich- 
ard and  that  House  Lot  laid  out  to  the  original  Right  of  the  Said 
Richard  and  that  House  Lot  laid  out  to  tjie  original  Right  of  Samuel 
Swett  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  heirs  & to  their  Lleirs 
and  assigns  for  ever 

And  upon  the  like  Motion  and  for  the  Same  Reasons  in  behalf  of 
Joel  Manuel — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  house  Lot  laid  out  to  the  original 
Right  of  William  Ilsley,  and  one  Interval  Lot  laid  out  to  said  Right 
and  one  half  the  undivided  Land  thereto  belonging  according  to  The 
Proportion  aforesaid,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Said  Manuel 
his  Heirs  and  assigns  forever — 

And  upon  the  like  motion  of  the  same  Reasons  in  behalf  of  Am- 
brose Goold — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  Common  & undivided  Lands  which 
belongs  to  the  Original  Right  of  Joseph  Toppan  as  aforesaid  and 
that  house  Lot  belonging  to  the  original  Right  of  Robert  Greenough, 
and  that  part  of  the  lower  Interval  So  called  laid  out  to  the  original 
Right  of  Thomas  Peirce  and  the  house  Lot  laid  out  to  the  original 
Right  of  John  Noyce  & the  half  the  Interval  Lot  laid  out  to  Said 
Right  in  the  lower  Interval  So  called  and  the  westerly  half  of  the 
eighty  acre  Lot  laid  out  to  Said  Right  and  the  one  half  of  the  undi- 
vided Lands  belonging  to  Said  Right  and  also  the  hundred  Acre  Lot 
the  Interval  Lot  and  the  house  lot  all  belonging  to  the  Original 
Right  of  Stephen  Jaquish  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said 
Ambrose  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever — 

And  upon  a like  motion  and  for  the  Same  reasons  in  behalf  of 
Enoch  Rolfe — 

Voted — That  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  all  that  Right  or  share  which  wras  origi- 
naly  Stephen  Doles  within  the  Limmitts  of  Contoocook  aforesaid 
be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  him  the  Said  Enoch  Rolfe  his  Heirs  and 
assigns  for  ever — 


478 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


And  upon  a like  motion  and  for  the  Same  Reasons  made  in  behalf 
of  Benjamin  Rolfe — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Property  and  Demand  of 
the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  that  Right  or  share  of  land  in 
Contoocook  aforesaid,  which  was  the  original  Right  of  Seth  Shove 
and  also  that  half  of  the  Original  Right  of  John  French  which  the 
Said  Benjamin  is  Said  to  have  purchased  or  claims  by  deed  from  his 
father  John  Rolfe  Dated  the  first  day  of  March  1755  be  and  hereby 
is  granted  to  him  the  Said  Benjamin  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever 
And  upon  a like  motion  and  reasons  offered  in  behalf  of  Henry 
Rolfe — 

Voted — That  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Property  and  Demand 
of  the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  half  an  eighty  Acre  Lot  and 
one  half  of  an  hundred  Acre  Lot  laid  out  to  the  original  Right  of 
Joseph  Knight  in  Said  Contoocook  with  half  the  after  Divisions  or 
Common  Land  which  According  to  the  proportion  made  of  Said 
Land  by  the  Grantees  under  the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  belongs  to  the  Said  half  part  of  said  Lots  and  also  all  that 
Right  in  Contoocook  aforesaid  which  was  originaly  laid  out  or 
Appropriated  to  Moses  Knight  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said 
Henry  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for  ever 

And  upon  a like  motion  & reasons  offered  in  behalf  of  William 
Ilsley — 

Voted  that  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Property  and  Demand  of 
the  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  half  that  Right  of  which  the 
the  Said  William  was  the  original  Proprietor  or  Grantee  in  Contoo- 
cook aforesaid  as  the  Same  was  granted  by  the  Government  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  and  that  Right  which  originally  belonged  to 
John  Wain wright  there  in  manner  aforesaid  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  to  the  Said  William  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  day 
of  September  next  to  meet  at  this  place — The  meeting  was  accord- 
ingly adjourn’d — 
a true  Record  attest : 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Propra  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


479 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  1st  1756.  At  the  late 
New  Hampshire  ( Dwelling  house  of  Ann  Slayton  Widow  deceas’d 
The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  Absent  no  meeting  was  held 
but  disolved — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cle: — 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  12.] 


Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampslir  \ the  Lands  Purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  a Meeting 
of  said  Proprietors  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Richd  Hervey 
In’holder  at  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  Fryday  next  the  thir- 
teenth Instant  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  Transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant  Sell  Convey  or  Sever  any  part  of  said  Lands  not 
already  granted  Conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  Determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  Money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expen ces  that  hath  already  arisen  or  that  shall  arise  to 
said  Proprietors  on  accofc  of  the  Propriety — 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon,  Execute  or 
Transact  any  affair  relating  to  said  Propriety,  to  Consider  and 
determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors  may 
Judge  proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  Appoint  agent  or  Agents  to 
appear  for  said  Proprietors,  and  to  Prosecute  answer  and  Defend 
any  Action  or  Suit  that  is  or  shall  be  Prosecuted  by  or  against  said 
Proprietors,  or  any  Action  they  shall  see  Cause  to  espouse,  and 
Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  and  Execution — 

Also  to  Vote  and  Transact  any  Matter  or  thing  that  shall  be 
judged  for  the  Benefit  of  said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  May  7th  1757 — 


Geo:  Jaffrey 
R Wibird 
John  Moffatt 
Tho8  Packer 


Jn°  Rindge 
Theodr  Atkinson 
D Peirce 

Mark  IIg  Wentworth 


480 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands 
New  Hampshire  j Purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  held  at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province 
on  Fryday  the  thirteenth  day  of  may  anno  Domini  1757  at  the 
Dwelling  house  of  Richard  Hervey  Innholder — pursuant  to  a Notifi- 
cation of  said  Meeting — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqifibe  moderator  of  this 
Meeting 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the  19th 
Instant  six  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 

Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  19th  1757 — Thursday  Six  of 
New  HampslT  j the  Clock  Afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling  House  of 
Richard  Hervey  Innholder,  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Ad- 
journment— 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  ninth  day 
of  June  next,  at  Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place 
— The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  9th  Six  of  the  Clock  afternoon 
New  Hampshr  \ 1757.  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Richard  Hervey 
Innholder  The  Proprietors  not  attending  the  time  & place  of  Meet- 
ing— The  Meeting  disolved — 
a true  Record — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol  2,  p.  18.] 

Province  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  a Meet- 
ing of  Said  Proprietors,  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  at  Portsmouth,  in  Said  Province,  on  Fryday  the  twenty 
first  day  of  October  Instant,  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee,  or  Person  Appointed 
to  do  or  transact  any  Matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Convey  or  Sever,  any  part  of  Said  Lands  not 
already  granted  Conveyed  or  Severed — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


481 


To  determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money,  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expences,  that  hath  already  arisen,  or  shall  hereafter 
arise,  to  the  Proprietors,  on  Acco*  of  the  Propriety — 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons,  to  Consult  upon,  Execute  or 
transact  any  matter  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  Consider  or  deter- 
mine upon  any  Suit  or  Action,  which  the  Said  Proprietors  may 
judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted,  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents,  to 
appear  for  Said  Proprietors,  & to  prosecute,  answer  and  defend  any 
Action  or  suit,  that  is,  or  may  be  prosecuted,  by  or  against  Said 
Proprietors ; or  any  Action  they  Shall  See  Cause  to  defend  and 
Espouse  & Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution — 
Also  to  Vote,  and  Transact  any  Matter  or  Thing,  that  shall  be 
adjudged  for  the  Benefit  of  Said  Propriety — 

Portsrn0  October  18th  1757 — 


Jn°  Rindge 
Tho8  Packer 
John  Moffatt 
Thos  Wallingford 
R Wibird 


John  Wentworth 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Theodore  Atkinson 
D Peirce 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  Fryday  the  twenty  first  day  of 
New  Hampshire  j October  1757  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the 
Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder,  The  Proprietors  of  the 
Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  meet  pursuant  to  a Notification  for  a meeting  of 
Said  Proprietors  at  Said  time  & place — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting — 

Whereas  Thomas  Packer  Esqu1'  one  of  Said  Proprietors  hath  Sold 
and  Conveyed  to  Thomas  Lucas  of  a place  called  Buckstreet  in  Said 
Province  Husbandman  a certain  Strip  of  Land  Joining  to  a Lot  of 
Land  Number’d  three  which  Said  Packer  has  also  Conveved  to  Said 
Lucass  by  deed  dated  the  fourteenth  day  of  January  1755  which 
Strip  of  Land  lay’s  Joining  to  Said  Lot  on  the  South  west  Side 
thereof  nine  Rods  in  breadth  and  So  running  the  whole  Length  of 
Said  Lot  as  Set  forth  in  Said  Deed  but  as  no  Power  has  yet  been 
granted  to  the  Said  Packer  to  Sell  & Convey  the  Same — Therefore — 
Voted  That  the  Sale  made  by  the  Said  Thomas  Packer  to  the 
said  Thomas  Lucas  be  and  hereby  is  Confirmed  and  all  the  Right 
Title  Interest  Claim  Challenge  & Demand  of  Said  Proprietors  unto 
Said  Strip  of  Land  is  hereby  granted  and  Confirmed  unto  the  Said 
Thomas  Lucas  his  heirs  and  Assign's 
31 


482 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  22d  day 
of  November  next,  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourned  a true  Record 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: — 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  November  22d  1757,  Tuesday  five 
New  Hampshire  J of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  at  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  held  on  ye  30tb  day  of 
march  1756  It  appeared  that  Joshua  Peirce  and  Thomas  Packer  Esqurs 
were  appointed  a Committee  to  make  Agreements  with  Such  Person 
or  Persons  who  were  Settled  on  the  Gore  Adjacent  to  Allen’s  Town 
so  called  and  part  of  Said  Allens  Town  Adjoining  to  Said  Gore, 
which  were  intended  to  be  divided  into  fifteen  equal  Shares  or  Rights 
to  the  fifteen  Proprietors  or  their  assigns  &c  &c  and  as  the  Said 
Joshua  Peirce  Esqur  is  deceas'd,  and  Said  Thomas  Packer  Esqur 
declined  Said  Service  by  him  Self  Solely — It  was  then  voted  That 
Thomas  Walingford,  Joseph  Blanchard  Thomas  Packer  Nathaniel 
Meserve  and  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Esqurs  or  any  three  of  them 
be  a Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  to  make  a 
Settlement  with  any  Person  or  Persons,  who  Shall  be  Settled  upon 
any  part  of  Said  Lands  or  Adjacent  thereto  within  Said  Proprietors 
Claim,  and  to  act  upon  any  Motion  that  may  be  made  by  the  Pro- 
prietors of  Bow,  in  the  most  advantageous  manner  for  this  Propriety, 
or  to  divide  ye  Said  Tract  of  Land,  or  the  Remainder  thereof  after 
they  have  Settled  for  any  particular  Tracts,  with  particular  persons, 
or  to  make  Sale  of  the  Same,  as  they  the  Said  Com’ittee  or  any 
three  of  them  shall  determine,  and  what  the  Said  Committee  or  any 
three  of  them  shall  do  upon  the  Premises  shall  be  final  and  Con- 
clusive relating  to  Said  Premises  and  to  make  Report  of  their  doings 
therein,  within  three  months  from  the  date  of  the  abovesaid  Meet- 
ing— And  whereas  the  Said  Committee  or  any  Three  of  them  have 
not  made  Report  of  their  doing  any  Matter  upon  the  Premises — 
Therefore 

Voted  That  Nathaniel  Meserve  and  George  Jaffrey  Esqur9  and 
mr  John  Rindge  be  a Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprie- 
tors & they  or  any  two  of  them  are  hereby  Empowered  and  desired 
to  do  and  perform  every  or  any  Matter  and  thing  aforementioned  to 
be  done  by  either  or  both  of  the  aforesaid  Committees — and  also  to 
make  a Settlement  of  the  Line  between  the  Township  of  Bow,  with 
the  Proprietors  of  Said  Bow  & the  Adjacent  Lands  of  this  Proprie- 


I 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS.  488 

ty  or  of  Such  as  hold  by  or  under  them — and  this  last  mentioned 
Committee  take  and  use  Such  Assistance  and  means  for  Said  Service 
as  they  shall  think  necessary  and  Convenient  for  Said  service — and 
what  the  Said  Committee  or  any  two  of  them  shall  do  upon  or  about 
the  Premises  shall  be  final  & Conclusive  relating  to  Said  Premises 
and  to  make  Report  of  their  Doing  therein  within  five  months  from 
this  Date — 

Whereas  by  Vote  of  this  Propriety  bearing  date  the  first  day  of 
October  last  past,  it  appear’s  that  there  was  a Confirmation  of  a 
Strip  of  land  Sold  by  Thomas  Packer  Esqur  to  Thomas  Lucass, 
which  Strip  of  land  is  Supposed  to  be  about  nine  rods  wide,  and 
in  length  of  said  Lucass’s  Land,  but  it  being  represented  that  in  the 
Said  Deed  there  is  a Consideration  for  the  Payment  of  a Certain 
Sum  of  Money,  which,  Considering  the  Trouble  & Expence  the  Said 
Lucass  has  been  at — 

Voted  that  the  Consideration  in  the  Said  Deed  be  repaid  to  the 
Said  Lucass  by  the  Said  Packer — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  twenty 
Second  day  of  December  next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet 
at  this  Place — The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — a true 
Record 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Dec.  22  and 
29,  1757,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  January  ye  10th  day  1758  Tuesday 
New  Hampshire  ( five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  that  all  the  Right  Title  Claim  & Demand  of  Said  Proprie- 
tors of  in  & unto  a Certain  Tract  of  Land  lying  within  the  bounds 
of  that  Tract  of  Land  called  Allens  Town  Containing  about  thirty 
Acres  be  & hereby  is  Granted  unto  Richard  Wibird  Esqr  in  Consider- 
ation of  Sundry  Services  by  him  Done  for  Said  Proprietors  Bounded 
as  follows  viz  Begining  at  a Pitch  Pine  Tree  marked  15,  16,  On  the 
Road  between  the  third  & fourth  Range  of  Lots  in  Said  Allens 
Town  & from  Said  Tree  to  Run  Such  a Course  to  SunCook  River 
as  will  leave  thirty  Acres  on  the  South  West  Side  of  Said  Line 


484 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


between  that  the  Said  Wibirds  other  Land  & Said  River  To  have 
& to  hold  to  him  his  Heirs  & assigns  forever 

Voted  That  in  the  Same  manner  & for  the  Same  Reasons  be  & 
hereby  is  Granted  to  Clement  March  Esq1’  all  the  Remaining  part 
of  the  Land  there  lying  between  his  other  Land  & the  Said  River 
To  have  & to  hold  to  him  the  said  March  his  Heirs  & assigns  for 
Ever 

Voted  That  in  the  Same  manner  and  for  the  Same  Reasons  be  & 
hereby  is  Granted  to  Nath1  Meserve  Esqr  a Certain  Tract  of  Land  at 
Said  Place  Containing  about  One  hundred  & fifteen  Acres  of  Land 
Bounded  as  follows  viz  Begining  at  the  Corner  made  by  the  Land 
left  for  High  Ways  between  Range  Numberd  One  & the  Range 
Numberd  two  of  the  Lots  of"  Land  Laid  out  there  thence  runing 
by  the  Said  Land  left  for  a highway  leading  to  the  River  calld 
SunCook  aforesaid  then  begining  at  said  Corner  & Runing  by  the 
said  Land  for  high  Way  between  the  Land  hereby  Granted  & his 
other  Land  which  is  calld  Lot  N°  11  till  it  Comes  to  Land  of 
Thomas  Hines  then  by  his  Land  to  the  said  River  & by  that  till  it 
Comes  to  the  End  of  the  Line  first  Mentiond  that  run  from  the 
Corner  aforesd  To  have  and  to  hold  to  .him  the  Said  Nathaniel  his 
Heirs  & assigns 

[Then  follows  a quitclaim  to  certain  lots  in  Boscawen  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  p.  116. — Ed.] 

Whereas  said  Proprietors  Impowered  Thomas  Packer  Esqr  to 
Grant  one  Thousand  acres  of  Land  to  James  Cockran  and  others 
upon  Certain  Conditions  and  Reservations  as  may  appear  by  sd 
Grant  wrhich  Thousand  acres  is  lying  between  suncook  River  and 
the  Towns  of  Bow  and  Epsom  and  other  Lands  of  said  Proprietors 
and  which  Thousand  acres  is  divided  into  fifteen  shares  or  Lotts  and 
the  lott  N°  13  which  was  drawn  by  the  said  James  Cockran  thro’  mis- 
take of  the  surveyor  who  laid  out  said  Lott  falls  short  of  the  Quan- 
tity that  other  Grantees  of  said  Lotts  hold  and  enjoy  by  Virtue  of 
the  Grant  aforesaid  and  whereas  no  Person  has  hitherto  appeared  to 
Comply  with  the  Conditions  of  The  Grant  of  the  Lott  N°  14  which 
lott  also  falls  short  of  the  designed  Quantity — 

Voted  That  the  said  Thomas  Packer  be  and  hereby  is  Impowered 
& Authorized  to  Grant  and  Convey  all  the  Right  &c  of  the  sd  Pro- 
prietors to  the  sd  Lot  N°  14  unto  the  said  James  Cockran  his  heirs 
&G  he  paying  such  Price  to  said  Packer  for  ye  Use  of  the  Proprs  as 
such  Lands  sell  for  in  that  Vicinage  that  is  for  so  much  of  said  Lott 
N°  14  as  shall  appear  to  be  more  than  will  make  good  the  Defficiency 
of  the  Lott  N°  13  Drawn  by  the  said  James  as  aforesaid — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


485 


Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wenesday  ye  18th  Inst1 

five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

The  meeting  was  Accordingly  Adjourned 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  18th  1758  Wenesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  This  meeting  be  adjourned  to  monday  the  Sixth  day 
of  March  next  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — The 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  6th  1758 — Monday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  forfeited  lots  in  Salisbury  to  the  town 
proprietors,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  226  ; also  a quitclaim  to  certain 
lots  in  Boscawen  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  116. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  ye  7th  Ins1 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  7, 
April  12,  26,  May  81,  and  June  21,  1758,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  28Ul  1758  Wenesday  five  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  ( Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 

Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Whereas  Samuel  Mitchell  of  Londonderry  having  Represented  to 
said  Proprietors  that  he  had  purchased  two  full  Rights  or  Shares 
in  a Tract  of  Land  Called  Souhegan  West  or  N°  3 as  said  Tract  was 
granted  and  laid  out  bv  the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 


486 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


one  of  which  Shares  was  originally  granted  to  Timothy  Laskin  the 
other  Share  was  sold  to  said  Mitchell  by  John  Riddan  who  pur- 
chased the  same  of  Henry  Collins  and  the  said  Mitchel  being 
necessitated  to  sell  his  Lands  for  his  Support  in  his  Old  age,  and 
being  fully  Sensible  that  he  could  derive  no  Good  Right  to  said 
Tracts  of  Land  from  any  Grant  of  the  Massachusetts  Government  or 
from  any  who  hold  under  such  Grants,  but  that  a just  Right  & 
Title  of  said  Tracts  can  be  only  derived  from  said  Proprietors  There- 
fore— 

Voted  that  all  the  Right  Title  Property  and  Demand  of  in  and 
unto  so  much  of  said  Shares  or  Tracts  as  herein  Expressed  and  as 
the  same  is  laid  out  and  planned  & Severred  pursuant  to  the  Grant 
aforesaid,  namely,  in  the  first  Division  Lott  numbered  Sixty  five 
except  forty  acres  of  said  Lott  numbered  Sixty  five,  and  lott  num- 
bered Sixty  six,  in  the  Second  Division,  lott  numbered  ninety  two, 
in  the  third  Division,  Lott  numbered  one  hundred  twelve,  and  Lott 
numbered  One  hundred  eighteen,  be  and  hereby,  is  granted  unto 
the  Said  Samuel  Mitchell  his  heirs  and  assigns — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wene’sday  the  fifth  day 
of  July  next  five  of  ye  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  5th  1758  Wen’esday  five  of  ye 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodlv 
the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  John  Moffatt  Daniel  Peirce  and  George  Jaffrey 
Esqurs  be  a Committee  to  Examine  into  ye  Petition  of  James  Mc- 
Hard  Esqur  &c  for  a Gore  of  land  near  Stark’s  Town  and  to  Transact 
and  Settle  ye  affair  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors  and  to  Convey  the 
Right  & Title  of  Said  Proprietors  to  the  Same  on  Such  Terms  as 
said  Committee  shall  think  proper  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors — 
Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  ye  26th  day  of  July  Insfc 
five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned  a true  Record 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  July  26,  Aug. 
9,  15,  and  Sept.  18,  1758,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


487 


Province  of  Portsmouth  October  18.1758 — Wednesday  five 

New  Hampshr  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James 
Stoodly — The  Proprietors  and  Moderator  not  meeting  according 
to  Adjournment  ye  meeting  Dissolved — 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  15.] 


Province  of  ( Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  EsqiT 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  held  a 
meeting  of  Said  Proprietors,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  in  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province,  on  mondav  the  fifteenth 
day  of  January  Instant,  at  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Com’ittee  or  Person  Appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  Matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever,  or  Convey  any  Part  of  Said  Lands,  not 
already  granted  Conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  Money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expence  of  the  Propriety  that  has  already  arisen,  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise,  and  to  adjust  the  Same — 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon,  execute  or 
Transact  any  matter  relating  to  the  Propriety — to  Consider  or 
Determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action,  which  the  Said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted,  to  Appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to 
appear  for  Said  Proprietors,  and  to  prosecute,  answer  and  defend 
any  Action  or  Suit,  that  is  or  may  be  prosecuted,  by  or  against  Said 
Proprietors,  or  any  Action  they  may  See  Cause  to  espouse  and 
Defend,  and  Conduct  the  Same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution — 
also  to  Vote,  and  Transact  any  Matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought 
of,  for  the  Benefit  of  Said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  January  8th  1759 — 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
John  Moffatt 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Tlios  Packer 


John  Wentworth 
D Peirce 
Jn°  Rindge 
Geo:  Jaffrey 


488 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands 
New  Hampshire  ) purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  New 
Hampshire  held  at  Portsmouth  in  Said  Province  at  ye  Dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder  on  Monday  the  fifteenth  day  of 
January  1759.  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  pursuant  to  a Notifica- 
tion of  Said  Meeting — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  the  Moderator 
of  Said  Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  24th  Ins1 
five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — The  Meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — a true  Record 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  24,  Eeb. 
1 and  8,  1759,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


\ 

Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  22d  1759  Thursday  five 
New  Hampshr  J of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder.  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  the  RevdMr  Samuel  Bacheller  pastor  of  the  west  parish 
in  Haverhill  in  the  County  of  Essex  & Province  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  has  represented  to  the  said  Proprietors  that  the  proprie- 
tors of  said  Haverhill  on  the  6th  of  December  1736  to  enable  him  to 
settle  in  said  parish  granted  him  Seventy  acres  of  Land  which  by 
their  Committee  thereto  appointed  was  on  the  23d  of  May  then  next 
laid  out  to  him  by  the  following  bounds  viz1,  beginning  at  a pitch 
pine  marked  which  is  a bound  of  the  farm  known  by  the  name  of 
Atkinson’s  farm,  thence  running  by  said  Farm  easterly  about  two 
hundred  & eighty  eight  poles  to  a stake  and  Stones  which  is  a 
bounds  also  of  Linforths  farm  & Atkinsons  thence  running  north- 
westerly sixty  six  rods  or  thereabouts  by  Common  land  to  another 
stake  & stones  thence  westerly  to  a stake  and  stones  by  or  near 
Providence  road,  thence  Southeasterly  thirty  eight  rods  to  the 
bounds  first  mentioned  saving  and  reserving  any  part  of  Providence 
road  which  may  run  through  the  same,”  as  may  appear  by  the 
return  of  said  Committee  dated  23d  of  May  1737  Which  tract  of 
Land  falling  within  the  claim  of  said  Proprietors  first  above  men- 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


489 


tioned,  the  said  Bacheller  petitioned  them  for  a grant  of  their  right 
to  the  same,  all  which  being  Considered  as  also  his  possession  and 
Improvement  of  the  said  Land — therefore — 

Voted  that  all  the  right,  title,  Interest,  property  & demand  of  the 
said  proprietors  be  and  hereby  is  granted,  released,  Quit  Claimed 
and  conveyed  to  him  the  said  Samuel  Bacheller  his  heirs  and  assigns 
forever — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  8th  day  of 
march  next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  ye  8th  1759  Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampsh1'  } the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Ad- 
journment— 

Voted  That  the  Clerk  of  Said  Proprietors  pay  Abraham  Bachel- 
der  ten  pounds  old  Tennor  for  his  making  a Plan  of  the  Interval 
and  other  Lands  between  Canterbury  and  Merimac  River — 

Voted  that  all  that  Tract  of  Land  lying  between  the  Tract  of 
Land  granted  by  said  Proprietors  to  lehabod  Robie  Esq1'  & others 
and  that  Tract  of  Land  called  New  Boston,  be  Severed  and  equally 
divided  by  lot,  to  the  Proprietors  in  fifteen  Shares  or  Lots,  to  be  laid 
out  and  divided  into  so  many  Lotts  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  upon 
by  Said  Proprietors 

[Then  follows  a quitclaim  to  Salem  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  213- 

215.— Ed.] 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  twenty 
Second  Ins4  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop13  Cler — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodl}7,  March  22, 
April  4,  18,  25,  and  Mav  9,  1759,  and  adjourned  without  transacting 
any  business. — Ed.] 


490 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  23d  1759  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshr  ( the  Clock  afternoon — at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder — The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  sick  at  his 
house,  could  not  attend  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  meeting  and  no 
meeting  was  held  according  to  adjournment  so  that  the  meeting  was 
dissolved. — a true  Record 

Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  16.] 


Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire ; That  there  will  be  held  a 
meeting  of  said  Proprietors,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province,  on  Monday  the  thir- 
teenth day  of  August  Instant  at  four  of  the  clock  afternoon — 

To  receive  the  report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever  or  Convey  any  part  of  said  lands,  not 
already  granted,  conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  determine  upon  some  method  of  raising  money,  to  defrey  any 
charge  or  expence  of  the  propriety  that  is  already  arisen,  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise,  and  to  adjust  or  Settle  any  accounts  of  said 
Propriety — 

To  appoint  any  person  or  persons  to  Consult  upon,  Execute  or 
transact  any  matter  relating  to  the  Propriety  to  Consider  or  deter- 
mine upon  any  Suit  or  action  which  the  said  Proprietors  may  judge 
proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  appoint  agent  or  agents  to  appear  for 
said  Proprietors,  and  to  Prosecute,  answer  and  defend  any  action  or 
Suit,  that  is  or  may  be  prosecuted,  by  or  against  said  Proprietors 
or  any  action  they  may  see  cause  to  espouse  and  defend,  & Conduct 
the  same  to  final  Judgement  and  Execution  Also  to  Vote  and  Tran- 
sact any  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of,  for  the  benefit  of 

said  Propriety 

Portsmouth  August  1st  1759 


Thos  Packer 
Jn°  Rindge 
R Wibird 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 


Theodore  Atkinson 
Thos  Wallingford 
John  Moffatt 
D Peirce 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


491 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  August  ye  13th  day  1759  four  of  the 
New  Hampshr  j Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  at  the 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder  in  Said  Portmouth  pursuant  to  a 
Notification  for  Said  meeting  bearing  date  ye  first  Instant 

Voted  That  the  Honbl  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting — 

Voted  that  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  & John  Moffatt  Esqur 
audit  & Settle  the  Accompts  of  George  Jaffrey  Clerk  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors and  Report  thereon 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  23d  Instant 
at  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  23,  31, 
Sept.  7,  11,  and  28,  1759,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  October  5th  1759.  Fryday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Wolfeborough  as  printed  in  vol.  28, 

pp.  469-471.— Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  ye  12th  Ins*  five 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  [meeting]  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  12,  Nov. 
6 and  9,  1759,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


492 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  November  27th  1759  Tuesday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  at  a meeting  of  said  Proprietors  on  the  8th  day  of  March 
last  past  it  was  voted  that  all  that  tract  of  land  lying  between  the 
tract  of  land  granted  by  said  proprietors  to  Ichabod  Robie  Esqur 
&c  & that  tract  of  land  called  New  Boston  be  severed  and  equally 
divided  by  lot  to  the  Proprietors  in  fifteen  Shares  or  lotts,  to  be  laid 
out  into  so  many  Lotts  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  upon  by  said 
Proprietors — And  whereas  Mr  Robert  Fletcher  Surveyor  has  been 
requested  by  severall  of  the  said  Proprietors  to  Survey  the  said 
Tract  of  land  and  make  an  equal  division  of  the  same  into  fifteen 
equal  shares  in  one  or  two  Lots  to  a Share  as  the  Quality  of  said 
land  would  best  admitt  of  and  render  a plan  of  the  survey  and  divi- 
sion of  the  same  to  said  Proprietors,  and  as  a plan  of  the  Survey  and 
division  of  said  tract  of  land  was  returned  to  said  proprietors  by 
said  Robert  Fletcher  the  21st  Instant  dividing  said  tract  into  fifteen 
equal  Shares,  two  lotts  to  a Share  & coupled  as  by  said  plan  There- 
fore— 

Voted  that  the  said  plan  be  accepted  and  received  & that  the  divi- 
sion of  said  tract  of  land  be  made  agreeable  thereto  and  that  the 
same  be  drawn  for  by  Lott  in  the  usual  manner  of  drawing  of  Lotts 
in  said  Propriety  at  this  meeting  and  that  the  Lotts  so  drawn  to 
each  of  the  said  fifteen  original  rights  of  said  Proprietors  shall  be  a 
severance  of  said  Tract  of  land  to  eacli  of  the  said  fifteen  proprietors 
Rights  or  Shares  as  respectively  drawn  to  them,  & shall  be  to  them 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever  as  the  lotts  are  drawn — And  that  the 
Clerk  pay  said  Robert  Fletcher  the  sum  of  One  hundred  fifty  six 
pounds  old  Tenor  for  said  Plan  of  Survey  and  Division — 

Pursuant  to  the  above  Vote  for  the  Draft  of  the  fifteen  proprie- 
tors Shares  of  the  tract  of  land  lying  between  the  tract  of  land 
granted  to  Ichabod  Robie  Esqr  &c  & New  Boston  so  called,  the  fol- 
lowing draft  of  Lotts  was  made,  viz1 2 * 4 5 6 7 — 


1st  drawn  to  George  Jaffrey 

2 Thomas  Wallingford  Esqr 

8 . Samuel  Solly  & Clem- 

ent March  Esqrs  . 

4 . . Jothan  Odiorne  Esqrs  Right  . 

5 John  Moffatt  Esqr  . 

6 Richard  Wibird  Esqr 

7 John  Wentworth  Esqrs  Right  . 


N°  18  & N°  24 
N°  10  & N°  17 

N°  21  & N°  14 
N°  20  & N°  12 
N°  27  & N°  30 
N°  4 & N°  5 
N°  22  & N°  28 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


493 


8 . . . Nath1  Meserve  Esqr  & 

C°  Right N°  28  & N°  29 

9 . . . Mark  Hnnking  Wentworth  Esqr  N°  1 & N°  9 


10  . 

. . Thomlison  & Mason  . . . 

. N°  19  & N°  15 

11  . 

Daniel  Peirce  Esqr  & Mary 

Moore 

. N°  8 & N°  18 

12  . 

Joshua  Peirce  Esqr  Right  . 

. N°  2 & N°  11 

13  . 

. . Mr  John  Rindge  .... 

. N°  16  & N°  25 

14  . 

. . Thomas  Packer  Esqr 

N°  7 & N°  6 

15  . 

. . Theodore  Atkinson  Esq1' 

. N°  3 & N°  26 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  the  morrow  Evening 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place,  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov  28  and 
30,  1759,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  ye  1st  1759  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

At  the  request  of  the  reverend  Mr  James  Cushing  Voted  that 
there  be  and  hereby  is  given  and  granted  unto  him  the  said  James 
his  heirs  and  assigns  all  the  right,  title,  Interest,  claim,  Property  and 
demand  of  said  proprietors  of  in  & unto  a certain  tract  of  land  of 
about  four  acres  and  another  tract  of  land  said  to  be  about  twenty 
five  acres  both  laid  out  by  Richard  Hazzen,  James  Ayer  & James 
Pecker  May  7th  1731  and  approved  & confirmed  to  the  said  James 
Cushing  by  the  proprietors  of  the  common  land  in  Haverhill  as  may 
appear  by  a return  thereof,  which  Grant  hereby  made  is  according 
to  the  bounds  in  said  return — 

[Then  follows  a quitclaim  to  certain  lots  in  Amherst  as  printed  in 
vol . 27,  pp.  67-73.— Ed.] 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Fryday  the  14th  Instant 
five  of  the  clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn’d 
a true  record  attest 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler. 


494 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Dec.  14  and 
28,  1759,  and  Jan.  11,  25,  Feb.  8,  22,  March  7,  21,  April  4 and  18, 
1760,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  I Portsmouth  9th  May  1760  fryday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshire  } clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

At  the  petition  and  earnesst  request  of  Elizabeth  Rand  of  Der- 
ryfield  in  said  province  Widow  in  consideration  of  her  having  made 
some  Improvements  on  a tract  of  land  belonging  to  said  Proprietors 
of  about  Sixty  acres  in  said  Derryfield  bounded  easterly  by  London- 
derry Line,  Southerly  by  the  lot  N°  1 laid  out  to  John  Tufton 
Mason,  westerly  by  Merrimack  River  and  northerly  by  land  of  John 
Goffe  Esqr  and  of  her  dependence  thereon  for  her  Support — 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  her  the  said  Eliza- 
beth Rand,  excepting  the  road  or  highway  that  goes  through  said 
Tract  of  Land,  all  the  right,  Title,  Interest,  Claim,  Property  and 
demand  of  said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  said  Tract  of  land,  to 
hold  to  her  and  her  heirs  & assigns  forever. — 

Upon  and  for  the  same  considerations  moved  by  Elizabeth  Rand 
respecting  Rachel  Secum  who  has  in  her  possession  about  forty  acres 
of  the  said  Proprietors  Land  in  Derryfield  aforesaid  bounded  South- 
erly by  land  of  John  Goffe  Esqr  westerly  by  merrimac  river  easterly 
by  Londonderry  Line  and  northerly  by  the  lot  N°  1 laid  out  to  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr 

Voted  That  all  the  right,  estate,  title,  property  & demand  of  said 
Proprietors  to  said  forty  acres  of  land  more  or  less  excepting  the 
road  or  highway  that  goes  through  said  tract  of  land,  be  and  hereby 
is  Granted  to  the  said  Rachel  Secom  her  heirs  and  assigns,  to  hold 
to  her  & them  forever — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wednesday  the  21st 
Instant  at  five  of  the  clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place,  the 
meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

A True  record  attest 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECOKDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


495 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  21st  May  1760  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hainpr  j the  clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wednesday  the  18th  day 
of  June  next  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place, 
the  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 

a true  record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  June  18th  1760  Wednesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshire  J Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Inn- 
holder 

The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  Absent  & the  Proprietors 
not  attending  ye  Meeting  was  dissolv’d — 

A true  record — attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2.  p.  18.] 

Province  of  / NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  That  there  will  be  held  a 
meeting  of  said  Proprietors,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province,  on  Monday  the  Seventh 
day  of  July  Instant,  at  four  of  the  clock  afternoon — 

To  receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  person  appointed  to  do 
or  Transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever,  or  Convey  any  part  of  said  lands,  not 
already  granted,  conveyed  or  Severed — 

To  determine  upon  some  method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
charge  or  expence  of  the  Propriety  that  is  already  arisen,  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise,  & to  adjust  or  Settle  any  accounts  of  said  Pro- 
priety— 

To  appoint  any  person  or  persons  to  consult  upon,  execute  or  trans- 
act any  matter  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  consider  or  determine 
upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors  may  judge 
Proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  appoint  Agent  or  agents  to  appear  for 
said  Proprietors,  & to  Prosecute  answer  and  defend  any  action  or 
Suit  that  is  or  may  be  Prosecuted,  by  or  against  said  Proprietors, 
or  any  action  they  may  see  cause  to  espouse  and  defend,  & Conduct 
the  same  to  final  Judgement  and  Execution — Also  to  Vote  and 


496 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


transact  and  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of,  for  the  benefit 

of  said  Propriety 

Portsmouth  2nd  July  1760 


Theodore  Atkinson 
John  Moffatt 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Jn°  Rindge 
Dan1  Peirce 


Geo:  Jaffrey 
Thos  Wallingford 
R Wibird 
Thos  Packer 


Province  of  ) Pursuant  to  a Notification  for  a meeting  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Proprietors  of  the  lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqnr  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  held 
at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder  at  Portsmouth  in 
Said  Province  on  monday  the  Seventh  day  of  July  1760 — The 
Proprietors  meet  accordingly  and — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Lyndeborough  as 
printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  411. — Ed.] 

Whereas  there  was  a certain  tract  of  Land  Granted  in  the  right 
of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid,  Pursuant  to  their  Power  and  Authority 
to  Sundry  Grantees,  (therein  named)  by  name  of  Manadock  number 
Six  in  Which  Grant  twenty  Shares  are  reserved  besides  three  Shares 
for  publick  uses  vizfc  (one  for  the  first  Settled  Minister,  one  for  the  use 
of  the  ministry,  & One  for  the  use  of  a School  there,  Which  Number 
of  twenty  besides  the  said  three  Publick  Lotts  is  a mistake  and 
shou’d  have  been  but  seventeen  that  is  twenty  in  the  whole  as  may 
fully  appear  by  Comparing  the  Shares  of  the  Grantees  and  the 
declaration  in  the  said  Grant,  that  the  whole  shou’d  be  divided  into 
one  hundred  and  twenty  Equal  shares  &c — 

And  Whereas  it  is  agreed  between  the  Grantors  & Grantees  that 
the  Reserved  Shares  should  be  taken  altogether  in  one  part  of  said 
tract  of  land  laying  out  one  lot  belonging  to  each  of  the  said  Publick 
Shares  as  near  to  the  middle  of  the  said  tract  of  land  as  may  be 
agreeable  to  said  Grant  and  as  is  therein  Ordered — Therefore — 
Voted  that  the  said  mistake  be  and  hereby  is  rectifyed  and  the 
Reserved  shares  hereby  declared  to  be  but  twenty  in  the  Whole 
three  of  which  are  to  be  for  the  publick  uses  aforesaid  and  one  lot  of 
each  laid  out  in  form  aforesaid  & that  the  Other  of  the  said  Seven- 
teen Shares  shall  be  and  hereby  is  declared  to  be  taken,  & lay  in  a 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


497 


square  in  the  Southwest  Quarter  or  part  of  said  tract  of  land,  and 
Also  the  said  three  Public  Shares  aforesaid  shall  be  taken  in  the 
same  Quarter  Observing  the  Order  aforesaid — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourn’d  to  Wednesday  the  23d 
Instant  at  five  of  the  clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place,  the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 

A True  record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  July  23,  Aug. 
6,  20,  Sept.  3,  17,  Nov.  6,  13,  19,  20,  Dec.  2,  16,  and  30,  1760,  and 
Jan.  20,  Feb.  4,  and  17,  1761;  at  the  house  of  Hannah  Horney'  Feb. 
18,  1761;  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  4,  25,  April  8,  22, 
and  May  6,  1761;  at  the  house  of  Ann  Horney  May  20,  1761;  at 
the  house  of  James  Stoodly  June  3 and  10,  1761,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  June  11th  1761 — Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampslk  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  House  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— and  adjourned  to  the  dwelling  house  of  Hannah  Horney 
Innholder — 

At  the  Dwelling  house  of  Hannah  Horney  Innholder,  The  Pro- 
prietors meet  according  to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  an  addition  to  Hopkinton  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  373.— Ed.] 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  on  28th  day  of 
march  1754  did  appropriate  a Tract  of  Land  bounding  on  Gilman 
Town  and  grants  already  made — and  on  Bainstead  and  on  Wini- 
pissiokee  Pond,  Said  Tract  of  land  to  be  Severed  and  divided  into 
Seventeen  equal  Parts  and  shares,  one  of  which  Said  Seventeen 
shares  to  be  reserved  to  be  disposed  of  as  therafter  should  be 
agreed  upon — upon  a motion  made  in  Respect  to  Meshech  Weare  of 
Hampton  Falls  Esqur 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  the  Said  Meshech 
Weare  Esqur  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  four  hundred  Acres  of 
the  Said  reserved  Seventeenth  share  to  be  thereafter  disposed  of,  in 
said  Tract  of  Land — 

upon  Considering  that  Daniel  Marston  late  of  North-IIampton  in 
32 


498 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  yeoman  deceas’d  was  desired  by 
Said  Proprietors  to  forward  and  assist  in  ye  Settlement  of  the  Tract 
of  land  called  ye  Gore  near  alien’s  Town  so  called,  and  for  Said 
Service  was  encouraged  to  expect  a grant  of  a Tract  of  land  In  Said 
Gore,  which  Grant  has  not  been  made — Therefore 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Theodore  Mars- 
ton  Son  of  the  Said  Daniel  Marston  Deceas’d  in  Consideration  of 
his  father’s  Service  in  forwarding  and  Assisting  ye  Settlement  of 
Said  Gore — and  in  lieu  of  said  intended  Grant — one  hundred  and 
fifty  Acres  in  the  One  Seventeenth  reserved  Share,  in  the  Tract  of 
land,  bounding  on  Gilman-town  and  Grants  by  this  Propriety  already 
made  and  on  Barnstead  and  by  Winipissiokee  Pond,  to  be  Severed 
and  divided  into  seventeen  equal  shares  or  Parts — the  Said  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  Acres  to  be  to  him  the  Said  Theodore  Marston  his 
Heirs  and  assigns  forever — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  day 
of  July  next  five  of  y®  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder — The  meeting  was  accordingly 
adjourned 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  July  1 and 
22,  1761,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  2d  1761  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  House  of 
James  Stoodley  Innholder — The  Moderator  of  this  meeting  being  at 
Boston — the  meeting  dissolved — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  19.] 

Province  of  \ NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprs  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampr  That  there  will  be  held  a Meet- 
ing of  said  Proprs  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Inn- 
holder in  Portsm0  in  said  Province,  on  Fryday,  the  2nd  day  of 
October  next,  at  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


499 


To  receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  person  appointed  to 
do  or  Transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever,  or  Convey  any  part  of  said  lands,  not 
already  granted,  conveyed,  or  Severed — 

To  determine  upon  some  method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
charge  or  expence  of  the  Propriety,  that  is  already  arisen,  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise,  & to  adjust  or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  said  Pro- 
priety— 

To  appoint  any  Person,  or  persons  to  consult  upon,  execute,  or 
transact  any  matter  relating  to  the  Propriety ; to  consider  or  deter- 
mine upon  any  Suit  or  Action,  which  the  said  Proprs  may  judge 
proper  to  be  prosecuted,  to  appoint  agent,  or  agents  to  appear  for 
said  Prop18,  & to  Prosecute  answer,  and  defend  any  action,  or  Suit, 
that  is  or  may  be  Prosecuted,  by  or  against  said  Proprietors,  or  any 
action  they  may  see  cause  to  espouse,  & defend,  & conduct  the  same 
to  final  Judgment,  & Execution,  Also  to  vote  & transact,  any 
matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of,  for  the  benefit  of  said  Pro- 
priety— 

Portsm0  Sepr  30th  1761 — 


John  Moffatt 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Theodore  Atkinson 
Tho8  Wallingford 


Thos  Packer 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
D Peirce 
R Wibird 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  October  2d  1761.  Fryday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  a Notifi- 
cation for  Said  meeting — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  EsqiT  be  moderator  of 
this  Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the 
eighth  Instant  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop"  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  ye  8,h  1761  Thursday  three 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 


500 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Whereas  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  was  formerly  pass'd  for  run- 
ning and  marking  out  the  inland  curve  line  of  the  land  belonging  to 
Said  Proprietors  according  to  the  Several  original  Patents  or  Grants 
pursuant  to  which  the  Said  line  was  begun  and  partly  run  but  has 
not  yet  been  compleated — Therefore — 

Voted  that  the  Said  line  be  finished  & compleated  as  Soon  as  may 
be  and  that  Walter  Bryent  and  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqurs  are  hereby 
chosen  and  authorized  to  perform  the  Same  & are  to  employ  proper 
assistance  for  that  purpose  accordingly  and  to  mark  Said  line  in  the 
best  manner  they  can — and  to  be  paid  by  this  Propriety  on  their 
Returning  the  Plan  of  the  Same — 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Thomas  Packer 
Esqur  his  Heirs  & assigns  all  the  Right  & Title  of  the  Proprietors  to 
a tract  or  peice  of  land  that  lay’s  common  and  undivided  at  Suncook 
River  opposite  to  Buck  Street  Lots  and  bounded  as  follows  on  the 
North  West  by  Sunkook  River  & on  the  north  East  by  Sixty  two 
Acres  of  land  reserved  for  the  Proprietors  use  as  laid  out  by  Coll° 
Meserve  & George  Jaffrey  as  A Committee  for  said  Proprietors — 
and  on  the  South  east  by  Lot  N°  12.  in  the  Second  Range  drawn  to 
the  Right  of  John  Wentworth  Esqu1'  and  on  the  South-West  on  a 
gore  of  land  granted  to  Clement  march  Esqur  with  other  Lands  of 
Said  march  his  Said  Gore  lay’s  to  the  North  East  of  the  Lott  N°  15 
in  the  third  Range  drawn  to  the  Right  of  Samuel  Solley  & Clement 
March  Esqur 


Province  of  ) in  the  months  of  October  & november  Anno 
Newhampr  £ Domini  1761  I the  Subscriber  with  Sundry  other 
persons  being  Imployed  by  the  Proprietors  of  the  Land  in 
newhampshire  purchased  of  John  tufton  mason  Esqr  went  to 
Samonfall  River  & to  the  head  thereof  then  on  the  Province  Line 
until  we  where  at  Sixty  miles  Distance  from  the  Sea  from  the 
mouth  of  Pecataqua  Habour  according  to  my  Runing  & the 
Computation  and  order  of  the  governor  & CounCell  to  me  in 
order  to  my  Runing  the  Province  Line  pursuant  to  the  order  of 
the  King  In  Councel  & at  Said  Sixty  miles  Distance  wee  marked 
a Spruce  tree  as  mentioned  at  the  N.  E.  Corner  of  this  Plan  & 
from  thence  Run  the  Coase  & Distance  as  mentioned  & Layed 
Down  on  this  plan  from  Said  Spruce  tree  to  about  the  middle  of 
the  head  of  wenepesocke  Pond  & about  two  miles  north  west 
thereof  about  the  head  thereof  then  Provision  failing  us  we  Came 
home  & we  Spotted  the  Curve  Line  well  & in  this  Survey  and 
all  the  other  Lines  Laid  Down  in  this  Plan  I have  Done  it  to 
Best  of  my  Scill  & Judgement  tho  Some  of  the  other  Lines  in 
this  Plan  are  Laid  Down  by  Conjecture 

Walter  Bryent  Surveyor 


the  Spruce  Standing  in  the  Prov- 
ince Line  Stands  between  two  Ex- 
ceding  high  mountains  on  a Little 
hill  about  50  Rods  to  y«  East  of 
Said  mountain  that  Lays  in  Said 
Province  which  tree  with  Sundry 
other  trees  by  him  are  well  Spotted 
& Sundry  Letters  put  on  them  as 


agreeable  to  Sundry  other  Surveys  formerly 
made  by  me  according  to  my  Best  Scill  & Judg- 
ment — 


Walter  Bryent  Sur1 


. - 

■ •:  • v-  : 

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■ 

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,,  y,  * yy P}-  n • , fj  • f " ' 

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v.ov  ..  : .•  ••  :i  vr 

j a..  Y v ••>  • of i i u . b8  y 

3 r , v,  • • . t>  ' «<  : 

/)  ■■  ■ It1  !lv  ‘ 

. t "i  • fl'  /,r!>  : • ’ i <<•  : 


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Y rli  ■>  >i  ■ 

vr.  t>  >fed  ipnov/i  iast 


\ » ; ' " 


} -•  v ft?  : • • ■ J=  IM  »LrtI  J ■ ' I 

>ci.  : --Ktivo*.  i -t  no  .'fife  •*'  1-^0 >•  -.0  b 

>.  <]  :iW  JU.K1K  bt!J5  f " V • • ■'  i< 

* liu  >r  n.u..  9/  yd  I 3V  IJ.  ;:c  >noc  - 
v1  *y.  iu  1 if-iUo  ®Id«  • Y» 


v!  ?,.?!<»>  ?.y.  hlu  > is>«Uo  di' Uc.  '>3  9l'Y  • £<■ 
'yLu|  vilfDc.  jofi  xM  °*  411X1  -d  'b*™ 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


501 


[Plan  of  Wolfeborougli.~\ 


Whereas  in  the  Grant  made  to  William  Earl  Treadwell  Henry 

«/ 

Apthorp  and  others  on  the  5th  of  October  1759  there  was  a mistake 
in  fixing  the  Boundaries  so  that  the  Grantees  cannot  have  and  hold 
the  land  According  to  the  Intention  of  the  Grantors  therein  There- 
fore voted  that  all  the  land  represented  by  the  Plan  above  delineated 
and  the  Limits  thereof  shall  be  and  hereby  are  Granted  to  the  Said 
Grantees  mentioned  in  Said  Grant  of  the  5th  of  October  aforesaid 
their  Associates  and  their  Respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  on  the 
Terms  Limitations  and  Conditions  expressed  in  the  Said  Grant 
provided  it  do  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grants — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be-adjourned  to  Tuesday  ye  10th  day  of 
November  next  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-9  Cl 


502 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  November  ye  10th  1761  Tuesday  five 
New  HampslT  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  & John  Moffatt  Esqur  a Committee 
apointed  to  adjust  & Settle  the  Proprietors  Accots  with  George 
Jaffrey  Proprs  Clerk  who  produced  Said  Accots  and  made  Report 
thereon,  as  on  file — 

Voted  that  the  Said  Report  be  and  hereby  is  accepted  and  that 
the  Said  George  Jaffrey  be  and  hereby  is  discharged  of  the  Sums  he 
chargeth  said  Proprs  with  in  his  Said  Accots  and  that  ye  Cash  in  his 
hands,  the  Ballance  of  said,  Accots  be  divided  to  ye  fifteen  Proprie- 
tors or  their  orders  except  ye  sum  of  forty  three  pounds  two  shillings 
Sixpence  Sterlg,  he  received  of  James  McHard  Esqur,  for  land  Sold 
him  by  a Com'ittee  in  behalf  of  said  Proprietors,  which  sum  Said 
Jaffrey  is  to  keep  in  his  hand  for  said  Proprietors  till  further  orders 
of  said  Proprietors. 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  18th  Ins4 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place  the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourn'd 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  November  18th  1761  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  ( five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling  house 
of  James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  26th  Instant 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  November  26th  1761,  Thursday  five 
New  HampslT  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Ad- 
journment— 

Whereas  Stephen  Gerrish  of  Contoocook  in  the  Province  aforesaid 
Gentleman  hath  Represented  that  he  hath  made  Improvement  on  a 
Certain  Parcel  of  Land  lying  near  said  Place  called  Contoocook,  & 
between  that  and  the  Township  of  Canterbury  Bounded  as  follows 
viz* — Beginning  at  Merrimack  River  Joining  on  Kent's  farm  so 


' 


. 

. 

, •- " - ....  ■ v 

. V 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


503 


Called,  thence  Running  East  fifteen  Deg.  North  One  hundred  & 
Sixty  Poles,  then  North  fifteen  Deg:  West  two  hundred  & Eighty 
Rods  or  Poles  then  West  fifteen  Deg:  South  One  hundred  & Sixty 
Poles  to  the  River  aforesaid,  and  then  by  said  River  to  the  place 
where  it  begins,  and  was  Sollicitous  to  Obtain  a Title  from  said 
Proprietors,  & therefore  Desired  a Grant  of  their  Right  to  said 
Land.  Wherefore  in  Consideration  of  his  Improvements,  & for  his 

further  Encouragement  therein 

Voted — that  all  the  Right,  Title,  Claim,  Property  & Demand  of 
said  Proprietors  of  in  and  unto  the  said  Tract  of  Land  Bounded  as 
aforesaid,  being  by  Estimation  about  three  hundred  acres,  not 
infringing  upon  the  Property  or  Possession  of  any  other  Person  or 
Persons  Be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  him  the  said  Stephen  Gerrish 

his  Heirs,  and  Assigns  forever 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  on  the  28tb  day  of 
March  1754  did  Appropriate  a tract  of  Land  bounding  on  Gilman 
Town,  & Grants  already  made,  and  on  Barnstead,  and  on  Winnipis- 
siokee  Pond,  said  tract  of  Land  to  be  Severed,  and  divided  into 
Seventeen  equal  Parts,  and  Shares,  one  of  which  said  Seventeen 
shares  to  be  reserved,  to  be  disposed  of  as  thereafter  shou’d  be 
agreed  upon — at  the  Motion  and  request  of  Major  Samuel  Hale  of 
Portsmouth,  It  is  therefore — 

Voted  That  he  have  all  the  Right  and  Title  of  said  Proprietors  in 
three  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  said  Seventeenth  Part  or  Share 
reserved  to  be  disposed  of,  as  Should  be  thereafter  agreed  upon,  to 
him  and  his  Heirs  forever — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  16th  day 
of  December  next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Dec.  16, 1761, 
and  Jan.  6,  1762,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  January  20th  1762  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  f of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Moderator  nor  Pro- 
prietors meeting  according  to  Adjournment  The  Meeting  Dissolved 
a true  Record  attes1  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


504 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol  2,  p.  20.] 


Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprs  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ( Lands  purchased  of  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Esq  within 
the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a Meeting  of 
said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder 
in  Portsm0  in  said  Province,  on  Wednesday  the  3rd  day  of  February 
next  at  four  of  the  Clock  Afternoon — 

To  receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever,  or  Convey  any  part  of  said  lands,  not 
already  Granted,  Conveyed,  or  Severed — 

To  determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  to  clefrey  any 
Charge  or  expence  of  the  Propriety,  that  is  already  arisen,  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise,  & to  adjust,  or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  said  Pro- 
priety— 

To  appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  consult  upon,  execute,  or 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  consider  or 
determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors  may 
judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted,  to  appoint  agent  or  agents  to  appear 
for  said  Proprietors,  & to  Prosecute,  answer  & defend  an}7  Action 
or  Suit,  that  is,  or  may  be  Prosecuted,  by  or  against  said  Proprietors 
or  any  Action  that  they  may  see  cause  to  espouse,  & defend,  and 
Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgenk  and  Execution,  Also  to  vote  and 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of  for  the  benefit 
of  said  Propriety — 

Portsm0  Jany  22nd  1762 — 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Thos  Packer 


D Peirce 
John  Moffatt 
Jn°  Rindge 
Geo:  Jaffrey 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  3d  1762  Wednesday  four 
New  Hampshire  ( of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  House  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  pursuant  to  a Noti- 
fication for  that  purpose — 

Voted  that  The  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  moderator  of  this 
Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  17th 
Instant  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  the  Meeting 
was  accordingly  adjourned 
a true  Record 


attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


505 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stooclly  Feb.  IT, 
March  3,  and  10,  1762,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  24th  1762  Wednesday  five  of 
New  HampslF  J the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stooclly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 
Voted  That  that  Tract  of  Land  lying  on  the  North  Eastern  side 
or  part  of  Winipissiokee  Pond  and  granted  to  Wm  Earl  Treadwel 
Henry  Apthorp  Ammi  Ruhammah  Cutter  David  Sewal  &c  on  ye  5th 
day  of  October  1759,  be  divided  by  two  Lines  cutting  Said  Tract  at 
right  Angles  as  near  may  be  agreable  to  Said  Grant,  that  is  for 
Quantity  & Quality,  and  that  Quarter  the  Western  Part  or  Angle 
that  is  Numbered  2.  on  ye  Plan  of  Said  Tract  be  laid  for  ye  use  of  ye 
Grantors,  agreable  to  Grant  that  is  one  fourth  part  of  ye  whole  of 
Said  Tract  for  Quantity  & Quality  as  aforesaid  at  the  Expence  of  ye 
Grantees — 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  Seventh 
day  of  April  next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
The  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop19  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  7Wl  1762  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stooclly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 
Voted  That  the  Township  promised  to  Cap1  Ephraim  Marston 
and  now  moved  for  by  Major  Jonathan  Moulton  be  granted  to  Said 
Moulton  & Associates,  and  shall  Contain  fifty  Square  miles  of  land 
and  no  more  and  bounded  as  follow’s — it  shall  begin  at  the  South 
East  Corner  of  ye  Township  lately  granted  to  Samuel  Palmer  Esqur 
and  his  Associates,  at  Winepissiokee  pond — and  run’s  north  35  Ds 
west  to  ye  north  or  Curve  line  of  Mason’s  Patent,  and  then  run’s  on 
Said  line  easterlv  so  far  as  that  a line  run  South  east  Seven  miles, 
then  South  West  to  Winepissiokee  pond  then  bounding  by  said  Pond 
to  ye  place  where  it  began — shall  compleatly  contain  Said  fifty 
Square  miles  of  land,  exclusive  of  ye  north  easterly  point  or  Neck  of 
land  tli at  run’s  into  Said  Pond — and  under  Such  Reservations  and 
Limittations  as  shall  be  hereafter  agreed  upon — 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  21st  Ins4 
five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — the  meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest : Gep:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl 


506 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  219t  1762.  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Afternoon,  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  12th  day 
of  May  next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place  The 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1’8  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  12th  1762  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshr  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  the  Plan  of  ye  Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Nathaniel 
Gookin  & others  and  returns  of  ye  laying  out  of  the  first  and  Second 
Division  of  Lotts  as  on  file,  be  accepted,  and  that  ye  drawing  of  the 
Lotts  be  now  made  at  this  meeting  which  were  drawn  accordingly 
as  on  file — 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  held  on  the  thirtieth 
day  of  June  1752  granted  to  the  Proprietors  of  Gilman  Town  so 
called  in  said  Province  & their  assigns  all  thier  Right  Title  Claim 
Interest  Estate  Property  and  Demand  of  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and 
unto  ye  Tract  of  Land  called  Gilman  Town  as  ^ Said  Grant — only 
reserving  to  ye  Proprietors,  ye  Grantors,  Eighteen  shares,  each  equal 
for  Quantity  and  Quality  with  the  other  Single  shares  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  of  Gilman  Town,  which  reserved  shares  are  to  lye  in  a 
body  altogether,  to  be  laid  out  on  the  northerly  part  of  Said  Town- 
ship between  their  Second  Division  and  the  north  line  of  Said  Town- 
ship from  the  pond  called  Winnepiseokee  Pond  and  so  running  back 
till  the  whole  Quantity  aforesaid  shall  be  made  up,  that  the  said 
Proprietors  of  Gilman  Town  at  their  own  Expence  lay  out  ye  Same 
reserved  land  and  make  a Division  thereof  as  ye  said  Grantors  shall 
direct  & order  and  return  an  exact  plan  thereof  &c — and  upon  Con- 
sideration of  the  manner  of  ye  laying  out  ye  Reserved  Land  afore- 
said to  ye  Rights  of  ye  Proprietors  ye  Grantors — 

Voted  That  the  Said  Reserved  Land  be  laid  out  to  ye  fifteen  Pro- 
prietors Rights  or  shares  into  two  equal  Lots,  and  the  Lots  coupled 
to  make  all  v®  Rights  equal  for  Quality  as  near  as  may  be,  and  when 
a Plan  of  said-laying  out  shall  be  returned,  to  be  drawn  for  by  lot, 
and  so  Severed  to  each  of  the  fifteen  Proprietors  Rights — and  that 
the  Clerk  be  desired  to  write  ye  Purport  of  this  Vote  to  ye  Proprie- 
tors of  Gilman  Town  and  to  request  that  y®  laying  out  and  ye  Plan 
thereof  be  returned  as  soon  as  may  be — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


507 


Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  2d  day 
of  June  next  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

a true  Record  attes4  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  June  2,  16, 
and  July  7,  1762,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  September  the  1st  1762 — at  the 
New  Hampshire  \ house  of  James  Stoodly  Innholder  Wednesday 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  Moderator  being  out  of  the 
Province,  no  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  being  held,  the  meeting 
dissolv’d — 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[Then  follow,  in  vol.  6 of  the  manuscript  records,  the  grant  of 
Mason,  and  draft  of  lots,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  468-473;  (a  plan 
is  also  found,  which,  being  similar  to  that  printed  on  p.  474,  of  vol. 
27,  though  less  in  detail,  it  is  not  considered  advisable  to  repro- 
duce;)  the  grant  of  Wilton,  plan,  draft  of  lots,  and  acceptance  of 
grant,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  447-453 ; the  grant  of  Rindge, 
acceptance  of  grant,  plan,  and  draft  of  lots,  as  printed  in  vol.  28, 
pp.  198-204;  the  grant  of  Jaffrey,  plan,  draft  of  lots,  and  accept- 
ance of  grant,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  380-386 ; the  grant  of 
Dublin,  plan,  draft  of  lots,  and  acceptance  of  grant,  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  pp.  171-178;  the  grant  of  Marlborough,  plan,  and  accept- 
ance of  grant,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  446-450;  the  grant  of 
Nelson,  plan,  and  acceptance  of  grant,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  3- 
8 ; the  grant  of  Stoddard,  draft  of  lots,  and  acceptance  of  grant,  as 
printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  263-272,  and  also  a plan  ; the  grant  of  Wash- 
ington, plan,  draft  of  lots,  and  acceptance  of  grant,  as  printed  in 
vol.  28,  pp.  394-403;  the  grant  of  Peterborough  Slip,  plan,  draft  of 
lots,  and  acceptance  of  grant,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  335-341. 
— Ed.] 


508 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  21.] 

Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Lands,  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a 
Meeting  of  said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  in  Portsmouth,  in  said  Province  on  Wednesday  the  ninth 
clay  of  February  next,  Four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 

TO  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee,  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety — 

TO  Grant,  Sell,  Sever,  or  Convey  any  part  of  said  Lands,  not 
already  Granted,  Conveyed,  or  Severed — 

TO  determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defray  any 
Charge,  or  Expence  of  the  Propriety  that  is  already  arisen,  or  that 
may,  or  shall  arise,  & to  adjust,  or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  said 
Propriety — 

TO  appoint  any  Person,  or  Persons,  to  consult  upon,  execute,  or 
transact,  any  matter  or  thing,  relating  to  the  Propriety  to  Consider, 
or  determine  upon  any  Suit,  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  appoint  agent,  or  agents  to 
appear  for  said  Proprietors,  and  to  Prosecute,  answer,  & Defend, 
any  Action,  or  Suit,  that  is  or  may  be  Prosecuted,  by,  or  against 
said  Proprietors,  or  any  Action,  that  they  may  see  Cause  to  espouse 
& Defend,  & Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution, 
also,  to  vote,  & transact  any  matter  or  thing,  that  shall  be  tho’t  of, 
for  the  Benefit  of  said  Propriety — 

Portsm0  Jany  25th  1763 — 

Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
John  Moffat t 
D Peirce 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  February  9th  1763  Wednesday  four 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  Pursuant  to  a Notification, 
bearing  date  at  Portsmouth  January  25th  day  anno  Domini  1763 
that  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in  New  Hampshire,  would  be  held  at  Ports- 
mouth in  Said  Province  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Inn- 
holder on  Wednesday  the  ninth  day  of  February  in  Said  year,  at 
four  of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  at  Said  Time 
and  place — and — 


Tho8  Packer 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Jn°  Rindge 
Geo:  Jaffrey 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


509 


Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  Second 
day  of  March  next,  to  meet  at  this  place,  at  five  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon— the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourn’d — 
a true  Record — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  2,  23, 
April  13,  27,  May  11,  25,  June  8,  22,  July  6,  20,  27,  and  Sept.  21, 
1763,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  September  ye  22d  1763  Thursday  four 
New  HampslT  \ of  ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Peirce  & George  Jaffrey  Esqurs  be  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a Committee  to  agree  with  and  employ  Walter  Brient 
Esqur  or  any  other  Surveyor  to  make  and  return  an  exact  Plan  of 
the  Proprietors  land  lying  situate  between  Gilman  Town  Barnstead 
New  Durham  and  Winipisioke  pond  and  of  any  other  Tracts  of 
land  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Propriety  that  they  may  judge  expe- 
dient to  be  measured  and  plann’cl  and  So  to  mark  the  Angles  and 
lines  in  his  Several  Surveys  and  Plans  that  they  may  be  easily  found 
hereafter — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourn’d  to  meet  at  this  place  on  Wednesday 
next  ye  28th  Ins1  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Sept.  28,  Oct. 
5,  12,  Nov.  2,  and  16,  1763,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  17th  1763  Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampslfi  i the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment 


510 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Moultonborough  as  printed  in  vol. 

27,  pp.  521-524. — Ed.] 

This  Meeting  is  adjourned  to  Fry  day  ye  25th  Ins*  five  of  the  Clock 
afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

A true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  25th  1763  Fryday  five  of 
New  Hampsh1  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjournment — 

The  Meeting  is  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  ye  29th  Instant  five  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  29th  1763  Tuesday  five 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  forfeited  lots  in  Sanborn  ton  to  the 
town  proprietors,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  242. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  11th  day  of  Janu- 
ary next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cler 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  11th  1764  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Innholder — no  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  was  held  the  Moderator 
being  absent,  at  Boston  in  ye  Province  of  ye  Massa  Bay — The  Meet- 
ing dissolv’d 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  22.] 

Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  held  a 
Meeting  of  said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


511 


Innholder  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  Wednesday  the  Eighth 
day  of  February  next,  five  of  the  clock  afternoon 

To  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever  or  Convey,  any  part  of  said  Lands  not 
already  Granted,  Conveyed,  or  Severed. 

To  Determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  to  Defrey  any 
Charge  or  Expence,  of  the  Propriety,  that  is  already  arisen  or  that 
may  or  shall  arise  & to  adjust  or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  said  Pro- 
priety— 

To  appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  consult  upon,  Execute,  or 
Transact,  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  Consider, 
or  determine  upon  any  Suit,  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  Prosecuted  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to 
appear  for  said  Proprietors  & to  Prosecute,  answer  and  Defend,  any 
Action,  or  Suit,  that  is,  or  may  be  Prosecuted  by,  or  against  said 
Proprietors  or  any  that  they  may  see  Cause  to  espouse  and  Defend 
& Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  and  Execution,  also  to  vote 
and  transact  any  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of  for  ye 

Benefit  of  said  Propriety 

Portsm0  Jany  20tb  1764 


Theodore  Atkinson 
R Wibird 
D Peirce 
Thos  Packer 


Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Jn°  Rindge 
Samuel  Moffatt 
Geo:  Jaffrey 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  8th  1764  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Innholder — Pursuant  to  a Notification  of  the  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  in 
New  Hampshire  Notifying  a Meeting  of  said  Proprietors  to  be  held 
on  Said  day  at  Said  dwelling  house  at  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon — 
The  Proprietors  meet  accordingly — and — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  the  Moderator 
of  this  Meeting — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  nextthe  15th  Instant, 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cler: 


512 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Feb.  15,  20. 
22,  March  7,  21.  22,  April  4,  11.  25,  May  9,  28,  June  6,  20.  July  4, 
11.  and  18,  1764.  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  25th  1764  Wednesday  five  of 

, %/ 

Xew  Hampshire  \ ye  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling-house  of  Cap1 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  it  has  been  Suggested  to  said  Proprietors  that  some 
persons  haye  attempted  to  and  others  have  encroached  upon  and 
trespassed  on  the  Proprietors  Lands,  or  on  lands  Granted  and 
Severed  within  ye  Patent  and  unless  a Speedy  Stop  to  Such  Prac- 
tices is  made — Trespasses  may  encrease  and  occasion  much  trouble 
in  removing  a greater  number  of  Trespassers,  than  appear’s  at 
present.  Therefore 

Voted  That  Thomas  Packer  Daniel  Peirce  and  George  Jaffrey 
Esqurs  be  and  are  hereby  are  appointed  a Committee  for  and  in 
behalf  of  Said  Proprietors  to  enquire  into  and  Search  out  any  Tres- 
passes or  Encroachments  committed  by  any  Persons  upon  any  of 
their  Lands  undivided  and  unsevered,  or  on  any  of  their  particular 
or  Severed  Rights,  and  also  of  Trespasses  on  any  of  the  lands 
granted  to  any  other  Persons;  and  to  prosecute  or  procure  a Prose- 
cution in  the  law  against  any  Trespasser  or  Trespassers,  they  shall 
judge  Expedient — and  at  ye  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors — and  to 
make  report  of  their  Proceedings  to  Said  Proprietors  at  their  meet- 
ing, when  effected — 

Whereas  there  is  a Gore  or  tract  of  land  of  said  Proprietors 
unapropriated  by  them,  lying  on  ye  Southwesterly  Side  of  Canter- 
bury and  between  said  Canterbury  and  Merrimack  River,  and  bound- 
ing  Southeasterly  on  ye  Town  of  Bow — part  of  which  Sundry 
Persons  of  Canterbury  have  made  Some  motion  to  make  a purchase 
of  but  are  dilatory  in  making  their  Proposals — Therefore — 

Voted  that  Thomas  Packer  Daniel  Peirce  and  George  Jaffrev 
Esqurs  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a Com’ittee.  and  be  and  hereby 
are  authorized  and  impowered  for  and  in  behalf  of  said  Proprietors 
to  make  any  Agreements  with  any  Persons  for.  and  make  Sale  of 
any  part  of  Said  Premisses  and  make  and  execute  any  deed  or  deeds 
for  ye  Same — or  have  Said  Tract  of  land  or  any  part  thereof  divided 
into  fifteen  equal  parts  and  shares  to  A for  ye  original  Rights  of  ye 
fifteen  purchasers  of  Cap1  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  and  to  have  ye 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


513 


Same  laycl  out  into  Such  divisions  as  they  shall  think  best  for  ye  use 
of  Said  Proprietors,  and  that  ve  particular  Rights  of  said  Proprietors 
be  drawn  for  as  usual  at  thier  Meeting — and  to  be  done  at  their  joint 
Expence — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  8th  day  of  August 
next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  8,  15, 
29,  Sept.  5,  7,  12,  and  26,  1764,  and  adjourned  without  transacting 
any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  the  7th  day  1764  at  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Dwelling  house  of  Cap*  James  Stoodly  Innholder — 
five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon — the  time  and  place  to  which  the  Meet- 
ing of  the  Proprietors  was  adjourned — The  Moderator  of  Said  meet- 
ing not  appearing,  he  being  then  out  of  the  Province  The  meeting 
dissolv'd — 

attest  : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl: 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  23.] 

Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  Given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampr  \ the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a 
Meeting  of  said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  Cap*  James 
Stoodly  Innholder  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  Wednesday 
the  9th  day  of  Janry  next  five  of  the  clock  afternoon — 

TO — Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed 
to  do  or  transact  any  matter,  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety — 
TO — Grant  Sell  Sever,  or  Convey,  any  part  of  said  Lands,  not 

already  Granted  Conveyed  or  Severed. 

TO — Determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  to  Defrey, 
any  Charge  or  Expence  of  the  Propriety  that  is  already  arisen,  or 
that  may,  or  shall  arise  & to  adjust  or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  said 
Propriety — 

TO — Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon  Execute,  or 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  the  Propriety  to  Consider* 
33 


514 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


or  determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to 
appear  for  said  Proprietors,  & to  Prosecute,  answer  & defend  any 
Action  or  Suit  that  is  or  may  be  Prosecuted,  by  or  against  said 
Proprietors,  or  any  that  the}^  may  see  Cause  to  Espouse  & Defend  & 
Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution  also  to  vote  & 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of  for  the  Benefit 
of  said  Propriety 

Portsm0  Decr  10th  1764. 


Theodore  Atkinson 
J Tufton  Mason 
D Peirce 
Thos  Packer 


Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
R Wibird 
Geo:  Jaffrey 
Samuel  Moffat t 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  ye  9th  1765,  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house 
of  Cap1  James  Stoodly  Innholder,  The  Proprietors  meet  agreable  to  a 
Notification  for  that  Purpose  dated  December  10th  1764 — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esqur  be  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  16th  Ins1  five  of 

the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  16th  1765  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
Cap1  James  Stoodly  Innholder — the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
* adjournment 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  thursday  next  ye  17th  Insfc  five  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  17th  1765. — Thursday  five 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Capfc  James  Stoodly  Innholder.  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment. 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  by  adjournment, 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


515 


on  the  28th  clay  of  March  1754  Voted  that  the  Tract  of  Land  bound- 
ing on  Gilman  town,  and,  on  the  Grants  by  this  Propriety  already 
made,  on  Barnsteacl  and  by  Winipisiokee  Pond,  and  also  to  appro- 
priate all  the  Lands  included  within  said  Tract  in  the  manner 
Express’d  in  said  Vote — and  Walter  Bryent  Esqur  at  the  Request 
of  said  Proprietors,  hath  run  out,  marked,  and  divided  said  Tract  of 
Land,  into  Seventeen  equal  Shares,  in  two  Divisions  or  Lots,  and 
two  Lots  joining  & bounding  on  Gilman  Town  line  & Winipisiokee 
pond  &ca — and  returned  a Plan  thereof;  and  said  Lots  are  coupled 
to  be  drawn  for,  and  marked  on  said  Plan  Except  two  Lots  marked 
on  said  Plan  not  to  be  drawn  for — Therefore 

Voted  That  the  said  Plan  be,  & hereby  is  approved  Accepted,  & 
Allowed  of,  and  that  the  Lots  be  now  drawn  for  & marked  on  the 
Plan,  and  that  the  same  Lots  as  so  marked  be  and  hereby  shall  be 
Severed  to  & for  the  Right  & Property  of  the  Persons  to  whom  so 
drawn  and  marked  on  said  Plan  to  them  in  Severalty  & to  their 
Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever,  and  the  said  two  Lots  last  mentioned  not 
to  be  drawn  for  are  to  be  disposed  of  as  shall  be  hereafter  Deter- 
mined by  said  Proprietors  with  any  other  part  of  Lots  Contained  in 
said  Plan,  not  already  Voted  or  disposed  of,  by  said  Proprietors — 

At  this  Meeting  the  Lots  were  drawn  for,  and  the  Persons  names 
were  Entered  accordingly,  on  the  Plan  above-mentioned  to  whom 
they  were  drawn  agreeable  to  the  above  Vote — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  23d  day  of 
this  Instant  5 of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  23d  1765  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
Capfc  James  Stooclly  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

The  meeting  wras  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  ye  24th  day  of  this 
Instant  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  24th  1765  Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Cap* 
James  Stoodly  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment 


516 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Then  follows  the  grant  of  New  Hampton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p. 
110.— Ed.] 

Whereas  the  Said  Proprietors  are  willing  to  do  all  they  can  to 
Encourage  the  Settlement  of  the  lands  belonging  to  their  Propriety, 
and  for  that  Purpose  freely  to  Grant  from  time  to  time  to  such  Per- 
sons who  are  likely  to  Settle  the  same  agreeable  to  the  Grants — 
Therefore  Voted  that  there  be  & hereby  is  Granted  on  the  Terms 
and  Conditions  hereafter  Express’d  all  our  right  Title  & Interest  in 
& to  the  tract  of  Land  hereafter  mentioned  Viz1  To  Dr  Clement 
Jackson,  James  Stoodly  Esq1’  & Hugh  Hall  Wentworth  five  hundred 
& ten  Acres  of  Land  each  to  be  laid  together,  the  said  Quantity  to 
the  said  Wentworth  being  in  Satisfaction  of  so  much  was  Promised 
to  his  father  John  Wentworth  Esqr  and  to  the  said  Hugh  Hall  Went- 
worth three  hundred  Acres  more  in  Satisfaction  of  so  much  given  to 
him  by  Joshua  Peirce  Esq1'  in  & by  his  last  Will  & Testament  to  be 
laid  at  the  Easterly  end  of  Wolfbo rough  and  bounded  as  follows  viz. 
beginning  at  the  East  Corner  of  said  Wolf  borough  thence  running 
North  forty  Eight  Deg.  East  three  hundred  rods  thence  North  West 
three  Miles  thence  South  forty  Eight  Deg.  West  three  hundred  rods 
to  Wolf  borough  then  South  East  by  said  Wolf  borough  to  the  place 
where  it  begins.  To  have  and  to  hold  to  them  their  heirs,  and  Assigns 
for  ever,  their  Several  & Respective  number  of  Acres  aforesaid  in 
Severalty  within  the  said  Limits  to  be  joined  to  said  Wolfborough  as 
part  of  that  Township  and  the  said  Grantees,  are  hereby  held  Obliged 
& bound  to  the  same  Terms  & Conditions  as  the  Grantees  of  said 
Wolfborough  to  all  Intents  and  Purposes  Each  for  himself  his  Heirs 
& Assigns 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  30th  day  of 
this  Ins1  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest : * 1 Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  30, 
Feb.  13,  27,  March  13,  April  3,  and  17,  1765,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  1st  1765.  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
Cap*  James  Stoodly  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
Adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


517 


[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Fitz william  as  printed  in  vol.  27, 

pp.  264-266. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  15th  Ins4  five  of  ye 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  May  15th  1765 — The  meeting  was 
New  Hampshr  j adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  29th  Ins4  five  of  yL 
Clock  afternoon 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  may  29411  1765  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  Afternoon  The  Moderator  of  this  meeting 
being  confined  to  his  house  by  Sickness  and  the  Proprietors  not 
meeting — the  Meeting  dissolved — a true  Record — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[Then  follow,  in  vol.  6 of  the  manuscript  records,  the  draft  of  lots 
in  Fitzwilliam  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  267-269,  and  a plan  not 
materially  different  from  that  between  pp.  266  and  267 ; a plan  of 
Alton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.60 ; and  a plan  of  a gore  between 
Weare  and  New  Boston  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  436. — Ed.] 


[Mason ian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  24.] 

Province  of  ) NOTICE  is  hereby  Given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampsr  j the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tuff  ton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a 
Meeting  of  said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqr  Innholder  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  Tuesday  the  31st 
Instant  at  four  of  the  clock  afternoon — 

TO  Receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  appointed 
to  do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety 
TO  Grant  Sell,  Sever  or  Convey  an}7  part  of  said  Lands  not 
already  Granted  Conveyed  or  Severed — 


518 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


TO  Determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  money  to  Defrey 
any  Charge  or  Expence  of  the  Propriety  that  is  already  arisen  or 
that  majr  or  shall  arise  and  to  adjust  or  Settle  any  Accots  of  said 
Propriety — 

TO  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon,  Execute  or 
transact  any  matter,  or  thing,  relating  to  the  Propriety,  to  Consider 
or  determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  Prosecuted,  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to 
appear  for  said  Proprietors  and  to  Prosecute  answer  & defend  any 
Action  or  Suit  that  is  or  may  be  Prosecuted  by  or  against  said  Pro- 
prietors or  any  that  they  may  see  Cause  to  Espouse  & Defend  and 
Conduct  the  same  to  final  Judgement  & Execution  also  to  vote  & 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of  for  the  Benefit 

of  said  Propriety 

Portsm0  December  16th  1765. 


Theodore  Atkinson 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Thos  Packer 
D Peirce 


Samuel  Moffatt 
Jn°  Rindge 
J:  Tufton  Mason 
Geo:  Jaffrey 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  December  81st  1765  Tuesday  four 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder,  The  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  pur- 
chased of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur  within  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  meet  agreable  to  a Notification  for  holding  a meeting  of 
Said  Proprietors,  at  Said  time  and  place,  dated  December  ye  16th 
1765— 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  be  the  Modera- 
tor of  this  Meeting — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  forfeited  lots  in  Meredith  to  the  town 
proprietors,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  487. — Ed.] 

Whereas  William  Stark  of  Starks  Town  hath  petitioned  the  Pro- 
prietors to  confirm  and  allow  the  Exchange  of  the  ninth  Lot  in  the 
third  Range  in  Said  Stark’s  Town  which  was  allotted  for  a School 
Lot,  for  the  twelfth  Lot  in  the  fourth  Range  to  be  appropriated  for  a 
School  Lot,  and  it  appearing  by  a Certificate  under  ye  hand  of  the 
proprietors  Clerk  of  said  Starks  Town  that  they  had  voted  and 
freely  consented  to  ye  above  said  Exchange  of  Lots  on  Condition 
that  the  Said  Stark  should  purchase  the  Said  twelfth  Lot  in  the 
fourth  Range  of  Said  Stark’s  Town  to  lay  for  the  use  of  the  School 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


519 


in  Said  Town — and  it  being  also  certifyed  that  ye  Said  Stark  had 
purchased  the  said  twelfth  Lot  in  the  fourth  Range  accordingly  to 
lay  for  the  use  of  Said  School — Therefore — 

Voted  that  the  Exchange  of  the  Said  Lots  for  the  School 
aforesaid,  is  approved  of  and  hereby  is  allowed  ratifyed  and  con- 
firmed — 

The  Meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  fifteenth  day  of  Janu- 
ary next  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  15,  29, 
Feb.  19,  March  5,  and  19,  1766,  and  adjourned  without  transacting 
any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  2d  1766  Wednesday  four  of  the 
New  Hampslfi  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  Joshua  Tolford  Esqr  hath  Petitioned  the  Proprietors  to 
grant  to  him  or  Exchange  with  him  the  Lot  Numbered  Seventy  two 
in  the  first  Division  of  Lots  in  the  tract  of  Land,  granted  to  John 
Tolford  Esqr  & others  for  his  Lot  in  said  granted  tract  of  Land 
numbered  Sixtv  six  in  said  first  Division  of  Lots  in  order  to  the 
making  a Settlement  with  the  Mill  Lot  assigned  to  such  Person  as 
would  undertake  to  erect  Mills  for  the  use  & Benefit  of  the  Grantees 
& Settlers  of  said  Tract. — Therefore 

Voted  that  upon  Condition  that  the  said  Joshua  make  a good  & 
sufficient  Deed  of  Conveyance  of  said  Lot  numbered  Sixty  Six  in 
said  first  Division  of  Lots  of  said  Tract  to  the  said  Proprietors  & 
shall  erect  good  Mills  on  the  Mill  Priviledge  reserved  in  said  Tract 
of  Land,  that  the  said  Proprietors  hereby  grant  all  their  Right  Title 
& Property,  of,  in  & to  the  said  Lot  numbered  seventy  two  in  the 
said  first  Division  of  Lots  in  said  tract  of  Land  to  the  said  Joshua 
Tolford  his  Heirs  & assigns — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ve  16th  Instant  four  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


520 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  16th  1766  Wednesday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
A d j o ur  n m e n t 

Forasmuch  as  it  may  be  necessary  for  this  Propriety  to  have  Some 
Person  to  appear  for,  and  represent  them  in  great  Britian — therefore 
Voted  That  John  Wentworth  of  Portsmouth  in  New  Hampshire 
Esqur  who  is  now  in  London  be  and  hereby  is  appointed  Agent  to 
this  Propriety  and  impowered  and  authorized  to  appear  for  and 
represent  them  before  his  Majesty,  or  any  of  the  Courts,  Boards  or 
Offices  in  London,  and  there  to  Prosecute  and  defend  Our  Title  to 
the  Sd  Propriety  in  every  Respect,  as  he  may  think  for  the  Benefit 
or  Advantage  of  this  Propriety — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  -30th  Inst1  five  of  ye 

Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  April  30, 
May  14,  26,  June  17,  July  9,  23,  Aug.  6,  20,  27,  Sept.  i0,  and  24, 
1766,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  and  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  Septr  29th  1766  Monday  five  of  the 
New  HampslT  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Effingham  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
247_249.— Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  15th  day  of  October 
next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  15  and 
21,  1766,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


521 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  12th  1766  five  of  the  clock 
New  Hampr  j afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 

Esqr  Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Voted  that  there  be  & hereby  is  granted  to  James  Mcherd  of  Hav- 
erhill in  the  County  of  Essex  & Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
Esqr  in  Consideration  of  his  Conveying  to  John  Moffatt,  Daniel 
Peirce  & George  Jaffrey  Esqrs  in  trust  for  the  use  of  said  Proprietors 
all  his  right,  title  Interest  & Demand  in  & unto  a Certain  Tract  of 
Land,  which  they  in  the  Year  1758  Convey’d  to  him,  all  the  Right, 
title,  Interest,  Claim,  Property  & Demand  of  said  Proprietors  in  & 
unto  a certain  Tract  of  Land  in  New  hopkinton  Containing  Sixteen 
hundred  Acres  bounded  as  follows  vizfc  beginning  at  the  South  West 
Corner  of  said  Hopkinton  thence  runs  Easterly  One  hundred  & 
Eighty  rods  on  Weare’s  Town  to  the  line  run  by  Walter  Bryent 
Esqr  for  the  dividing  line  between  the  said  Proprietors  & the  Pro- 
prietors of  said  Hopkinton,  thence  running  Northerly  bounding  on 
N°  6 on  the  West  and  the  said  Brvents  line  on  the  East  keeping  the 
breadth  of  One  hundred  & Eighty  rods  until  said  Sixteen  hundred 
Acres  is  compleated — To  have  and  to  hold  to  him  the  said  James 
McHard,  his  Heirs  & Assigns  forever — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  26th  Ins1  five  of  the 
Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  November  26th  1766  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  Adjournment — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  tenth  day  of 
December  next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — a 
true  Record — 

attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  December  10th  1766  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  \ five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  at  Portsmouth 
Septr  29t,‘  1766,  did  grant  to  Nath1  Gookin,  Thomas  Marston  & 
Samuel  Marston  & others,  a Tract  of  Land  in  said  Province,  within 
the  Claim  of  said  Proprietors,  containing  Six  Miles  Square  A bounded 


522 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


by  tlie  Bounds  expressed  in  said  Grant,  which  said  Tract  was 
granted  to  said  Persons  & others  the  28th  day  of  June  1749,  but 
being  forfeited  & Surrendered  to  said  Grantors,  Sixteen  of  those 
Persons  who  were  inserted,  in  said  last-mentioned  Grant  are  not 
inserted  in  the  Grant  first-mentioned,  but  Sixteen  other  Persons 
placed  in  their  Stead,  & their  Lots  to  be  drawn  for  in  Portsmouth 
under  the  Care  & Direction  of  said  Grantors.  Therefore 

Voted  that  the  said  Sixteen  Lots  or  Shares  be  now  drawn  for  as 
Thomas  Parsons  of  Exeter  appears  in  Behalf  of  said  Grantees  to 
attend  to  the  drawing  of  said  Lots  and  said  Sixteen  Lots  or  Shares 
were  drawn  to  & for  the  said  Sixteen  Persons  as  in  a Schedule  on 
file — 

The  Meeting  was  Adjourned  to  Wenesday  the  24th  Insfc  to  meet  at 
this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Dec.  24, 
1766,  Jan.  7,  21,  Feb.  4,  18,  March  3,  11,  and  12,  1767,  and  ad- 
journed without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 

[The  adjournment  of  Dec.  24  is  followed,  in  vol.  6 of  the  manu- 
script record,  by  a plan  of  Lyndeborougli  as  printed  in  vol  27,  p. 
410 ; the  draft  of  lots  in  Goffstown  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  309- 
312;  draft  of  lots  in  Dunbarton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  201-202; 
draft  of  lots  in  Sanbornton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  240-242;  draft 
of  lots  in  Meredith  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  483-485  ; draft  of  lots 
in  Wakefield  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  359-362;  draft  of  lots  in 
Middleton  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  498-499;  draft  of  lots  in  New 
Durham  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  102-104;  draft  of  lots  in  Effing- 
ham as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  244-246;  draft  of  lots  in  Weare  as 
printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  431-432 ; draft  of  lots  in  Salisbury  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  pp.  221-222;  draft  of  lots  in  Sutton  as  printed  in  vol. 
28,  pp.  309-311  ; draft  of  lots  in  Andover  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
87-88 ; draft  of  lots  in  Henniker  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  330- 
332;  draft  of  lots  in  Moultonborough  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
525-528;  draft  of  lots  in  Hill  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  338-340. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  13,h  1767  Fryday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampsh1  \ Clock  beforenoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder — the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


523 


[Then  follows  the  renewal  of  the  grants  of  Jaffrey  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  387 ; and  of  Alexandria  as  printed  on  p.  11  of  the  same 
volume. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  25th  Ins1  five  of  the 
clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  25, 
April  1,  15,  22,  29,  May  6,  13,  20,  June  3,  10,  24,  July  1,  8,  29,  30, 
Aug.  6,  13,  26,  31,  Sept  4,  9,  16,  and  23,  1767,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  Septr  30th  1767  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Voted  that  Coll0  Atkinson  be  and  hereby  is  authorized  to  write  to 
Cap1  Jonathan  Barnard  James  Morril  & Ezekiel  Evens  in  answer  to 
their  Application  to  the  Proprietors  for  the  Township  called  N°  1 — 
in  ye  line  of  Towns  & receive  their  Reply  and  make  Agreement  for 
the  Same  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  and  make  Report  of  his  Pro- 
ceedings, as  Soon  as  may  be — 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  an  extension  of  time  to  the  proprietors 
of  Nelson  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  8. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  and  mr  Samuel  Moffatt  be  and 
are  hereby  appointed  a Committee  to  agree  with  any  Surveyor  to 
run  the  Pantent  Curve  line  from  the  north  boundary  line  of  the 
Province  of  the  Mass8  Bay  where  mason’s  Patent  line  intersect's 
said  line  on  ye  Southerly  Side  of  ye  Patent  as  soon  as  it  may  be  con- 
veniently done  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Proprietors,  and  at  their  Ex- 
pence and  make  Report  of  doings  therein — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  14th  day  of  October 
next  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop™  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  14  and 
28,  1767,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


524 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  4th  1767  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampsh1-  j the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Stoddard  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
276-279.— Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  25th  Ins1  five  of  ye 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  25,  Dec. 
16,  and  28,  1767,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  December  24th  1767  Eleaven  of  the 
New  Hampsh1-  \ Clock  before  noon  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Daniel 
Peirce  Esqur  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Warner  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
379-381. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  6th  day  of  January 
next  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — a true  Record 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  6,  20, 
Feb.  3,  10,  18,  March  2,  and  3,  1768,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  the  4th  1768  Fryday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  following  address  be  presented  to  Isaac  Rindge 
Esqur  Surveyor  general  of  all  his  Majesty’s  Lands  within  the  Pro- 
vince of  New  HampslP  and  Sign’d  by  the  Clerk  in  behalf  of  ye 
Prop1-9  viz1 — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


525 


Province  of  ) To  Isaac  Rindge  Esqur  Surveyor  General  of  all 
New  Hampshr  j his  Majesty’s  Lands  in  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire— 

The  Petition  and  Request  of  the  Owners  and  Proprietors  of  the 
land  com’only  called  Masons  Patent  Lands  lying  within  the  Pro- 
vince of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid  Sheweth 

That  that  part  of  the  Patent  under  which  the  Said  Proprietors 
claim  that  lyes  within  the  Said  Province  is  bounded  on  the  South  or 
South  West  by  the  Province  line  between  this  Province  and  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  and  on  the  north  Easterly  Side  of  Said  Patent 
by  the  dividing  Line  between  this  Province  and  the  Tract  hereto- 
fore called  the  Province  of  Main,  and  by  a line  com’encing  at  a Sta- 
tion on  one  of  the  aforesaid  divisional  lines  sixty  miles  from  the  - 
Atlantick  Ocean  and  ending  at  another  Station  on  the  other  divi- 
sional line  at  the  Same  Distance  of  Sixty  miles  from  the  Ocean 
aforesaid,  and  by  a line  extended  from  one  of  these  Stations  to  the 
other  drawn  in  Such  a Method  as  that  all  parts  of  the  said  last  men- 
tioned line  may  be  Sixty  miles  from  the  said  Atlantick  Ocean — the 
Petitioners  would  further  Suggest  that  the  last  mentioned  Line  as  a 
dividing  line  between  his  majesty’s  land  and  land  granted  by  his 
majesty  into  Townships  to  a great  number  of  Grantees  and  your 
Petitioners  and  the  Grantees  claiming  under  them — Now  to  prevent 
Disputes  that  may  probably  arise  in  and  about  the  said  last  men- 
tioned Line  between  his  majesty’s  Tenants  and  your  Petitioners  and 
their  Tennants,  your  Petitioners  conceive  that  it  would  be  of  great 
Utility,  if  not  absolutely  necessary  to  prevent  the  Disputes  and  Con- 
fusion that  may  hereafter  ensue  to  have  the  Said  Line  run  and  Suffi- 
ciently marked  out  with  Such  observations  Marks  and  Monuments 
described  in  a Plan  thereof  made  in  the  course  of  Said  line  as  may 
be  necessary  to  ascertain  the  Same  in  all  time  to  come  — 

We  therefore  most  earnestly  intreat  that  you  will  as  soon  as  mav 
be  consistant  with  your  pleasure,  to  order  one  of  your  Officers  to  run 
the  said  line  and  to  return  a Plan  thereof  taking  notice  therein  of 
Such  rivers  Ponds  and  Mountains  as  may  be  necessary  now  and  here- 
after to  ascertain  the  Same — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  16th  Ins1  five  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop19  Cl 


526 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  March  16tb  1768  Wednesday  five 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  meeting  was  ad- 
journed to  the  next  day,  being  thursday,  ye  17th  Ins*  five  of  the 
Clock  Afternoon,  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  17th  1768  Thursday  five  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Washington  as  printed  in  vol.  28, 
p.  405. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  30th  Ins4  five  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  30, 
April  13,  May  4,  11,  and  18,  1768,  and  adjourned  without  transact- 
ing any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  / Portsmouth  May  25th  1768  Wednesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshr  j Clock  afternoon — the  Proprietors  meet  at  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  Portsmouth  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  Daniel  Peirce 
and  George  Jaffrey  Esqurs  be  and  hereby  are  apointed  a Committee 
to  Agree  with  and  employ  a good  able  Surveyor,  and  suitable  Chain- 
men  to  measure  perambulate  and  mark  the  Sixty  mile  line  from  the 
Sea  through  Piscataqua  River  upon  ye  northern  boundary  line  of 
masons  Grant,  and  get  a Plan  thereof  to  be  return’d  as  Soon  may 
be — and  also  to  have  any  mistake  rectifyed  of  ye  Curve  line — near 
the  Said  Sixty  mile  line  at  ye  Expence  of  the  Said  Proprietors 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  8th  day  of  June 
next  five  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


527 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  June  8,  22, 
July  6,  20,  29,  Aug.  10,  and  17,  1768,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  August  18th  1768  Thursday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  before  Noon  The  Proprietors  meet  at 
the  Dwelling  House  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  according  to 
ad  j o ur  n m e n t 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  certain  lots  in  Fitzwilliam  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  p.  272. — Ed.] 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  and  John 
Moffatt  Esqurs  be  a Com'ittee  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  to 
audit  and  Settle  the  Accots  of  George  Jaffrey  Clerk  of  the  said 
Proprietors,  and  to  report  the  Same  to  Said  Proprietors  at  their 
meeting — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  81st  Ins4  five  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attes4  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  31, 
Sept.  9,  13,  Oct.  12,  19,  Nov.  9,  23,  Dec.  7,  and  21,  1768,  and  Jan.  4, 
5,  11,  and  18,  1769,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  January  19th  1769  Thursday  five  of 
New  IIampshr  j the  Clock  Afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  an  additional  Grant  be  made  to  Coll0  Jonathan  Moulton 
Esqur  according  to  the  Form  of  the  Vote  now  read,  but  Suspended 
to  be  recorded  till  the  Proprietors  of  Sandwich  petition  this  Pro- 
priety for  a Grant  of  all  their  Right  to  lands  within  the  Bounds  of 
Sandwich,  on  which  Petition  this  Propriety  agrees  to  grant  their 
Right  without  any  Reservation  to  Themselves  of  any  land  but  Subject 
to  the  usual  and  Customary  Terms  of  Cornpleating  the  Settlement  of 
Said  lands — Voted  that  the  Grant  now  made  to  Said  Moulton  shall 
run  on  the  curve  line  Eight  Miles  instead  of  Seven  and  three  quar- 
ters first  entered  and  be  made  So  accordingly — 


528 


CHARTED  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  of 
February  next — 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first 
day  of  February  next  four  of  ye  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the 
dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  Place — 
The  Clerk  of  this  Propriety  being  absent  from  this  meeting  by 
Sickness — This  Entry  is  attested 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  ModeraP 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  February  1st  1769  Wednesday  four  of 
New  HampslT  ) the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Voted  That  there  be  a Committee  appointed  and  Chosen  to  take 
under  Consideration  the  Agreement  entered  into  between  the  Gran- 
tees of  Moultonborough  and  the  Claimers  of  a Tract  of  Land 
granted  by  the  Governour  & Council  by  the  name  of  Sandwich  and 
also  the  Petitions  of  the  Claimers  of  the  Several  Tracts  called  Tam- 
worth  Eaton  & Burton  & to  make  a report  to  this  meeting  upon  the 
adjournment  and  That  Theodore  Atkinson  George  Jaffrey  & Jona 
Warner  Esqurs  be  the  Committee  for  the  above  purpose  and  to  make 
Report  as  above — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  15th  Ins1  four  of  ye 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a True  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  Febry  15th  Wednesday  four  of  the 
New  Hampslir  ] Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Inholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment 

Several  Persons  making  Petition  and  application  to  Said  Proprie- 
tors, for  their  Grant  or  Quit-Claim  to  Sundry  Peices  of  land  within  a 
Tract  formerly  granted  by  the  Government  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  by  the  name  of  Contoocook,  but  lately  Incorporated  a Town- 
ship by  the  Governour  & Council  of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire, 
by  the  name  of  Boscawen — Said  Tract  being  within  Mason’s 
Patent — and  the  Petitioners  shewing  the  Conveyances  from  ye 
Rights  first  granted  by  the  massa  Government 

The  Said  Proprietors  willing  to  encourage  the  Settlers  & Im- 


KECOKDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


529 


provers  in  Said  Township  and  for  other  Considireation  The  Said 
Tracts  of  land  not  being  granted  or  Quitclaimed  by  Said  Proprietors 
— be  it  Therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  & Property  of  Said  Proprietors  in 
and  to  the  peices  of  land  within  Said  Boscawen,  hereafter  men- 
tioned, be  and  hereby  is  granted,  namely  To  Isaac  Noyes  of  New- 
bury in  the  County  of  Essex  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
The  original  Right  of  Samuel  Little,  House  Lott  N°  39 — on  Queen 
Street  Interval  Lot  N°  46 — in  middle  Interval  80  Acres — Lot  N°  54 
— 100  Acre  Lot  N°  2 — 45  Acre  Lot  N°  8 — to  Stephen  Cross  of  New- 
bury Port  in  Said  County  & Province  for  the  Original  Right  of  John 
Wait — Interval  Lot  N°  12— home  Lot  N°  6 — 80  Acre  Lott  N°  91 — 
also  80  Acre  Lot  N°  6 — and  all  the  Commons  undivided  land  belong- 
ing to  the  whole  Right  of  Edward  Emery.  To  Richard  and  John 
Little  both  of  Said  Newbury  the  whole  Original  Right  of  Tristram 
Little — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  day  of  March 
next  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — a true  Record — 

attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  1,  15, 
and  29,  1769,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  11th  1769  Tuesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampshire  J Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  ad- 
journment— 

Upon  the  Petitions  and  Request  of  Sundry  Persons  for  Grants 
and  Quit  Claims  of  Several  peices  of  land  in  Boscawen  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  which  were  included  in  a grant  of  Tract  of 
Land  made  by  the  Government  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  by  the  name  of  Contoocook  which  Grant  being  relinquished  as 
illegal  by  said  Petitioners  and  being  Sensible  that  Said  Tract  of  Land 
lay’s  within  Mason’s  Patent  The  Proprietors  willing  to  encourage 
the  Settlements  & Improvements  in  Said  Township,  and  on  other 
Considerations — it  is  therefore — 

Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  and  Interest  of  Said  Proprietors  in 
one  hundred  Acre  Lot  of  land  in  Said  Boscawen,  laid  out  to  the 
Original  Right  of  Stephen  Moody  of  Said  Boscawen,  be  and  hereby 
34 


530 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


is  granted  to  Joseph  Atkinson  of  Said  Boscawen  his  heirs  & assigns 
for  ever 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  Joseph  Gerrish  and 
Samuel  Gerrish  both  of  Newbury,  in  ye  County  of  Essex  and 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Gentlemen  their  heirs  and 
assigns  for  ever  all  the  right  Title  and  Interest  of  Said  Proprietors 
in  and  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  Acres  of  land,  being  part  of  the 
farm  originally  laid  out  to  Benjamin  Bird,  over  the  River  called 
black  Water,  in  Said  Boscawen — also  to  an  Eighty  Acre  Lot,  drawn 
to  the  original  Right  of  George  Little  in  Said  Boscawen — also 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  Samuel  Gerrish  of 
Newbury  in  the  County  of  Essex  and  Province  of  the  massachusetts 
Bay — and  Henry  Gerrish  of  Boscawen,  in  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  Gentlemen  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  all  ye  Right  & 
Title  of  sd  Prop1-8  to  one  Eighty  Acre  Lot  of  land  in  Said  Boscawen, 
originally  laid  out  to  Daniel  Peirce — also 

Voted  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  Benjamin  Coker  of 
Newbury  Port,  in  the  County  of  Essex,  and  Province  of  ye  massa- 
chusetts Bay  Yeoman,  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  all  the  Right 
Title  & Interest  of  Said  Proprietors,  of  in  and  to  one  Eighty  Acre 
Lot  of  land  in  Said  Boscawen,  laid  out  to  the  original  Right  of 
Stephen  Moody — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  10th  day  of  may 
next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  May  10,  24, 
June  7,  July  5,  19,  Aug.  16,  Sept.  20,  and  Oct.  25,  1769,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  8th  1769  Wednesday  four 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Wolfeborough  as 
printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  473. — Ed.] 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Atkinson  of  Newbuiw  in  the 
County  of  Essex  in  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New 
England  yeoman,  for  a grant  or  Quit  Claim  to  Sundry  peices  of  land 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


531 


in  Boscawen  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  conveyed  and  Sold 
to  him  by  Thomas  Foss  of  Boscawen  aforesaid  Yeoman,  by  his  deed 
bearing  date  the  6th  day  of  March  1769  and  recorded  in  the  Record 
of  Deeds  for  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Lib.  97.  fol  195 — upon 
Consideration  of  Said  Application  it  is  determined  and 

Voted,  that  if  the  peices  of  land  hereafter  mentioned  have  not 
been  already  granted  by  Said  Proprietors,  laying  in  Said  Boscawen 
viz4  one  eighty  Acre  lot  laid  out  to  ye  orignal  right  of  John  Akers, 
also  one  Eighty  Acre  Lot  adjoining  the  aforementioned,  laid  out  to 
the  original  Right  of  Jonathan  Plummer;  also  one  hundred  Acre 
Lot  adjoining  thereto,  except  forty  Acres  of  ye  land  beforementioned 
conveyed  to  Jesse  Flanders  before  the  date  of  Said  Deed — and  as 
Said  Tracts  of  land  are  bounded  in  the  Records  of  Said  Boscawen — 
That  all  the  Right  and  title  of  Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  to  The 
Said  Tracts  of  land,  except  ye  Said  forty  Acres  thereof,  be  & hereby 
are  granted  to  the  Said  Nathaniel  Atkinson  his  heirs  and  Assigns 
forever — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  13th  Ins4  ten  of 
the  Clock  before  noon,  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Geo:  Jaffrey  attest  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  13, 
20,  21,  24,  27,  and  Dec.  27,  1769,  and  Jan.  3,  10,  and  17,  1770,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  7th  1770  Wednesday  four 
New  Hampshire  ) of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  met  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

The  Grantees  of  ye  Tract  of  land  granted  to  Ebenezer  Varney  &c 
on  Consideration  of  ye  Terms  proposed  to  renew  ye  forfeited  Grant 
Sent  down  their  Vote  on  Said  proposed  Terms 

Voted  That  the  Proprietors  are  determined  to  renew  their  grant 
to  Such  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Ebenezer 
Varney  on  ye  Terms  proposed  to  the  Agents  of  said  Grantees  by 
said  Prop ri tors — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  yc  14th  Ins4  ten  of 
ye  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 
a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop™ — 


532 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Feb.  14,  21, 
26,  March  7,  and  14,  1770,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  21st  1770  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshr  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  regrant  of  Middleton  and  the  draft  of  reserved 
lots  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  514-516 ; and  the  grant  of  further 
time  to  Wakefield  proprietors  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  362. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  28th  CurP  five 
of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  28 
and  April  4,  1770,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
— Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  11th  1770  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampslir  \ the  Clock  Afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

Voted  That  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  & Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs 
and  mr  Peter  Pearce  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a Com’ittee  of 
Said  Proprietors  to  employ  a Surveyor  to  run  Such  Lines,  and  make 
Such  Surveys,  and  return  Such  Plans  thereof  as  they  Shall  think 
proper  for  the  advantage  and  Benefitt  of  the  Proprietors,  and  that 
the  Same  be  done  by  the  Surveyor  upon  Oath,  and  the  Chainmen 
who  may  be  employed  in  the  above  Service  be  also  under  Oath,  for 
the  faitlifull  performance  of  the  part  they  be  employed  in  the  Prem- 
ises, and  that  the  above  Service  be  done  as  Soon  as  conveniently 
may  be 

The  Meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  25th  Instant  ten  of 
the  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  in  this  place 
a true  Record  attest : 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


533 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  25th  1770  Wednesday  ten  of 
New  HampslP  ) the  Clock  before  noon — The  meeting  was  adjourned 
to  Wednesday  the  ninth  day  of  May  next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon 
to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqu1'  Innholder  in 
this  place 

a true  Record — Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Moderator 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  May  9th  1770  Wednesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampsh1  j Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  and  mr  John  Penhallow  be  a 
Comittee  to  examine  into  the  Reports  of  ye  Settlements  at  New 
Durham,  and  of  Menadnock  N°  5 — and  make  Report  of  what  they 
think  best  for  the  Proprietors  to  determine  in  Respect  to  Said  Town- 
ships— 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  16th  Ins1  five 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  Place — 

a true  Record  attes1  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  May  16  and 
30,  1770,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  13th  1770  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshr  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Grantees  of  Leavets  Town 
So  called,  not  complying  with  the  Terms  of  their  Grant  be  referred 
to  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  and  mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Com’ittee  and 
to  Report  what  they  think  will  be  the  best  Interest  of  the  Proprie- 
tors to  determine  upon  the  affair,  and  as  Soon  as  they  can  con- 
veniently— 

Upon  Consideration  of  the  Application  of  Messr8  George  Meserve 
and  Stephen  Batson  for  land  in  the  Propriete,  in  lieu  of  a Proprie- 
tor’s Right  in  the  Tract  of  land  or  Township  sold  by  ye  Proprietors 
to  Cap1  Jonathan  Barnard  and  others,  which  was  claimed  by  Said 
Meserve  in  his  fathers  Right,  the  late  Coll°  Nath11  meserve,  and  Said 


534 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Batson  claiming  a Proprietor's  Right  in  New  Hopkington  in  the 
Right  of  his  wife,  Daughter  of  Said  Coll0  Meserve — the  Proprietors 
having  also  sold  ye  greatest  part  of  their  Interest  in  Said  New  Hop- 
kington, they  having  Sold  their  Interest  in  both  those  Tracts  to  defrey 
the  Common  Expence  of  the  Propriete — and  it  being  also  repre- 
sented that  as  Coll0  Joseph  Blanchard  and  the  Said  Coll0  Meserve 
Joseph  Green  Deceas’d,  and  Paul  March  being  jointly  interested  in  a 
fifteenth  Share  in  this  Propriete,  and  having  Severed  and  divided 
their  Respective  Interests  in  Said  Share,  So  yfc  their  Right  in  the 
said  Tracts  of  land  Sold  to  Cap1  Jona  Barnard  &c  and  in  New  Hop- 
kington aforesaid,  became  ye  Property  of  Said  Coll°  Meserve,  and 
Since  his  Decease,  his  Right  in  Said  Tracts  are  become  the  Right  of 
the  Said  George  meserve,  and  Stephen  Batson  in  the  Right  of  his 
wife — and  Said  George  Meserve  desiring  a grant  made  to  him  may 
be  made  in  the  Proprietors  unapropriated  Lands  lying  north  East 
of  Wolf  borough  and  contiguous  or  as  near  as  may  be  to  his  Lotts  in 
Wolfborough,  and  Said  Batson  desiring  a grant  made  to  him  may  be 
contiguous  to  Said  Meserve’s  grant — It  is  therefore  determined  and 
Voted  that  the  Said  George  Meserve  have  five  hundred  Acres  to  be 
laid  out  joining  on  Wolf bou rough  and  to  the  land  granted  to  Dr 
Clement  Jackson  James  Stoodly  Esqur  & mr  Hugh  Hall  Went- 
worth in  parrellel  lines  with  said  land ; and  Stephen  Batson  in  Right 
of  his  wife,  have  five  hundred  Acres  of  land  joining  to  Said 
Messerve’s,  in  the  Same  form  and  as  the  Said  two  five  hundred  Acre 
Lotts  is  the  fifteenth  Proprietors  Share  owned  by  Said  Coll0  Blanch- 
ard Coll0  Meserve  Joseph  Green  & Paul  March — it  is  also  Voted 
that  there  be  laid  out  fourteen  one  thousand  Acre  Lots  in  Said  un- 
apropriated land  to  and  for  the  other  fourteen  Proprietors  Shares,  as 
equally  as  may  be — and  a Plan  thereof  made,  and  drawn  for  by  lot 
to  the  Said  other  fourteen  Proprietors  Rights — and  that  as  soon  as 
conveniently  may  be — 

Whereas  there  has  been  Application  to  this  Propriete  requesting 
that  the  Bounds  of  the  Tract  of  land  Sold  to  Jonathan  Barnard  & 
others  may  be  run  and  marked  by  a skillfull  Surveyor  by  order  and 
Direction  of  the  proprietors  ye  Vendors — and  the  Charge  of  the 
Same  to  be  defreyed  by  the  Vendees  or  those  who  hold  under  them 
— Therefore  Voted  that  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  and  Mr  Peter  Pearce 
be  a Committee  to  have  the  Same  performed  at  the  Expence  of 
aforesaid  Vendees  &c — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  and  Thomas  Packer  Esqurs  and  mr 
Peter  Pearce  be  a Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  this  Propriete  to 
consult  about  & transact  any  matter  relative  to  the  boundary  lines 
of  ye  Gore  so  called,  between  Barnstead  Gilman  Town,  or  any  other 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


535 


Town  whereby  the  Interest  of  the  Propriete  may  be  affected  or 
injured — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  20th  Current  ten  of 
the  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  June  20,  21, 
and  27,  1770,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 

—Ed.] 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  July  11th  1770  Wednesday  the  Pro- 
New  HampslT  j prietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  and  George  Jaffrey  Esqurs  and  mr 
Peter  Pearse  be  a Committee  in  behalf  of  this  Propriety  to  advise 
with  mess1’8  Livermore  & Parker  Esqurswhat  may  be  thought  advisa- 
ble to  be  done  by  this  Propriety  in  relation  to  their  Grants  of 
Moultonborough  taking  under  Consideration  the  Several  Grants 
additional  Grants  Votes  and  the  Course  and  Periods  of  the  lines 
together  with  Conditions  of  the  Grants  &c  and  to  make  a report  as 
Soon  as  they  conveniently  can — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  25th  Ins1  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  July  25th  1770  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampsh1  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Voted  That  mr  John  Penhallow  and  mr  Peter  Pearse  be  a Com- 
mittee to  Audit  mr  John  Quigly’s  Acco1  and  Walter  Brient  Esqur 
his  Acco1  exhibited  -this  day  and  make  Report  thereon  as  soon  as 
may  be — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  first  day  of 
August  next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  ye  Dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  EsqiP  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attes1  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl 


536 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  1,  2,  8, 
22,  29,  Sept.  12,  26,  Oct.  10,  17,  and  24,  1770,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  31  1770  Wednesday  four  of 
New  HampslT  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  mr  Peter  Peirce  and  mr  John 
Penhallow  be  a Committee  to  examine  the  bounds  of  the  first  Grant 
to  Jonathan  Moulton  Esqur  &c  and  the  Grant  to  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqur  and  to  represent  the  Same  in  a Plan,  and  what  vacant 
land  lay’s  between  Said  grants,  and  Said  Grants  and  Wolf- 
borough — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  mr  Peter  Peirce  and  mr  John 
Penhallow  be  a Committee  to  Treat  with  Andrew  McMillan  Esqur 
a Committee  for  ye  Proprietors  & Inhabitants  of  Rumford  or  Con- 
cord about  a Conveya  and  the  Terms  thereof  in  behalf  of  this  Pro- 
priete  for  a Gore  of  land  referred  to  in  sd  McMillans  Petition  and 
report  thereon  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  Seventh  day  of 
November  next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  in  this  place — a true  Record 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  7th  1770  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  ) three  of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  meeting  was 
adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet 
at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this 
place — 

a true  Record  attes4  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) The  Proprietors  met  according  to  adjournment 
New  Hampshire  j November  14th  1770 

The  clerk  being  not  well  in  Health  being  Absent 
Therefore  Voted  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Tempore. 

Voted  That  the  plan  of  Tuftonborough  exhibited  by  the  Com- 
mittee the  Hon1  Daniel  Rogers  Esqr  Mr  Peter  Pearse  and  John  Pen- 
hallow be  accepted. 


3c*}f  of  / Inch  to  I tUilt 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


537 


Voted  That  the  Township  of  Tuftonborough  be  run  out  by  Mr 
Robert  Fletcher  agreeable  to  the  Lines  laid  out  upon  said  plan  of 
Tuftonborough  and  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  be  Desired  to  send  for 
the  said  Mr  Robert  Fletcher  to  run  out  the  said  Township  of  Tufton- 
borough agreeable  to  the  Directions  that  shall  be  given  him  by  the 
Committee  and  make  return  thereof  as  soon  as  Possible  to  the  Pro- 
prietors, and  the  said  Expence  to  be  Defrayed  by  the  Grantees, 
according  to  the  Petition  of  John  Moffatt  Esqr 

Voted.  That  the  Hon1  Daniel  Rogers  Esqr  Mr  Peter  Pearse  and 
John  Penliallow  be  and  hereby  are  a Committee  to  agree  with  suit- 
able Persons  to  cut  a Passable  road  from  Wolfeborough  to  Conway 
upon  the  best  Terms  they  can,  and  as  soon  as  Possible,  and  make 
report  accordingly 

Whereas  a number  of  People  are  making  Improvements  at  Places 
called  Tanmouth  & Eaton,  Therefore  voted,  That  George  Jaffrey 
Esqr  the  clerk,  be  Desired  to  notify  them  that  the  same  is  within  the 
Proprietors  claim,  and  that  he  cause  the  same  to  be  advertized  in 
the  public  Prints. 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  21st 
Instant  at  three  OClock  in  the  afternoon  of  said  Day  to  be  held  at 
the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Inholder  in  this  Place, 
and  the  meeting  is  accordingly  adjourned. 

John  Penhallow  Clerk,  P.  Tempore 
Attest  Theodr  Atkinson  Moderatr 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  21 
and  28,  1770,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  12th  1770  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  \ four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

A Committee  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Tract  of  land  granted  to 
Samuel  Palmer  Esqur  and  others,  now  called  Meredith,  viz1  Josiah 
Sanborn  and  Ebenezer  Smith  Esqur  in  behalf  of  Said  Grantees, 
present  a Plan  made  by  a Committee  of  Said  grantees  being  more 
correct  and  exact  than  the  Plan  formerly  returned  by  Said  Grantees 
to  the  Proprietors  ye  Grantors — which  Plan  is  attested  by  said  Com- 
mittee— upon  Representation  of  said  Plan — 

Voted  that  Said  Plan  be  and  hereby  is  accepted  and  approved 


538 


CHARTER,  RECORDS. 


of  as  a true  Plan  of  ye  Divisions  of  said  Tract  of  land  now  called 
Meredith — 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Jedediah  Jewett  of  Rowley  in  the  County  of 
Essex  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Clerk  for  a grant  of  a 
whole  Right  or  Share  of  land,  excepting  the  house  Lot  N°  55,  and 
the  Interval  lot  N°  43,  which  was  the  original  Right  of  Eleazer 
Peirce  laying  in  Boscawen  lately  called  Contoocook,  and  which,  in 
the  year  1738,  Said  Jedediah  purchased  of  Andrew  Bohanan, — for 
encouragement  of  the  Settlements  of  those  lands  and  other  Consider- 
ations— 

Therefore  Voted  That  all  the  Right  Title  and  Interest  That  the 
Proprietors  now  have  in  the  Said  whole  Right  or  share  of  land  in 
Boscawen  except  the  Said  house  lot  n°  55  and  said  Interval  lot  N° 
43 — be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  Jedediah  Jewet  his  heirs 
and  assigns — and  also  one  house  Lot  and  one  Interval  Lot  in  Said 
Boscawen  belonging  to  ye  original  Right  of  John  Poor — 

Voted  that  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  Peter  Pearse  and  John  Penhallow 
be  a Committee  to  examine  the  Papers  belonging  to  this  Propriete 
and  Sort  the  Same  to  be  placed  in  file 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  19th  Ins4  five 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder,  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1*  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Dec  19,  1770, 
Jan.  2,  9,  16,  23,  30,  Feb.  13,  20,  27,  and  March  6,  1771,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  13th  1771  Wednesday  five  of  the 
New  Hampslfi  j Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  That  mr  John  Penhallow  and  mr  Peter  Pearse  be  a Com- 
mittee to  audit  the  Accots  of  John  Quigly  and  any  others  that  are 
filed — and  to  make  report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be — 

Whereas  Thomas  Packer  Esqur  has  informed  the  Proprietors  that 
he  had  prosecuted  one  John  Atwood  for  Trespassing  on  his  division 
in  the  Society  land  So  called,  and  that  on  trial  of  the  Case  on  the 
Appeal  at  the  Super  Court  of  Judicature  held  in  February  last 
Judgement  was  rendered  against  him  for  Cost,  and  the  Trespass 
continued  on  his  lot  in  the  Division  of  Society  Land — therefore 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


539 


Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  mr  John  Pehallow  and  mr 
Peter  Pearse  be  a Committee  to  enquire  into  the  State  of  the  Case 
to  know  how  far  the  general  Interest  of  the  Proprietors  is  affected 
by  the  Event  of  the  Case  and  to  make  Report  theron  as  soon  may  be 
The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  20th  Ins1  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodley  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  20 
and  April  3,  1771,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  17th  1771  Wednesday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Whereas  The  Proprietors  are  well  informed  that  the  Grantees 
have  not  complyed  with  the  Terms  of  the  last  Grant  of  the  Tract  of 
Land  called  manadnock  N°  Seven,  notwithstanding  their  repeated 
neglects  of  complying  with  the  Terms  of  former  and  repeated  grants 
after  Forfeiture — It  is  now  determined  unanimously  at  this  meeting, 
that  the  Proprietors  will  reassume  and  reenter  on  all  the  forfeited 
land  of  Said  Manadnock  N°  Seven — and  that  the  Clerk  is  now  desir- 
ed and  directed  to  write  to  Coll0  Sampson  Stoddard  & Jona  Blanchard 
Esqur  To  advise  them  of  their  Determination  of  reentering  into  Said 
Tract  of  Land  and  reassuming  their  Land  so  forfeited  by  ye  non- 
compliance  of  the  Terms  of  the  Grant — 

This  meeting  was  adjourned  to  W eclnesday  the  first  day  of  may 
next  nine  of  the  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  May  l9t  1771  Wednesday  nine  of 
New  Hampshr  J the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  House  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment The  Moderator  being  absent  by  Sickness  did  not  attend  There- 
fore it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Proprietors  that  this  meeting  be  de- 
solved — 

a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cler 


540 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  35.] 

Province  of  J NOTICE  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshr  ( the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tuff  ton  Mason  Esqr 
within  the  Province  of  new  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  held  a 
meeting  of  said  Proprietors  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodley 
Esqr  Inholder  in  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  on  Monday  the  24th 
Instant  at  three  O Clock  in  the  Afternoon. — 

TO  receive  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person,  appointed  to 
do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relating  to  said  Propriety. — 

TO  Grant,  sell  sever  or  convey  any  part  of  said  Lands  not  already 
Granted,  Conveyed  or  Severed. — 

TO  Determine  upon  some  Method  of  raising  Money  to  Defray 
any  charge  or  Expence  of  the  Propriety,  that  is  already  arisen  or 
that  may  or  shall  arise,  and  to  adjust  or  settle  any  accounts  of  said 
Propriety. — 

TO  appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon  Execute  or 
transact  any  Matter  or  Thing  relating  to  the  Propriety  to  Consider 
or  Determine  upon  any  suit  or  action,  which  the  said  Proprietors  may 
Judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted  to  appoint  Agent  or  Agents  to  appear 
for  said  Proprietors,  and  to  prosecute  answer  & defend  any  action  or 
suit  that  is  or  may  be  prosecuted  by  or  against  said  Proprietors,  or 
any  that  they  may  see  Cause  to  espouse  & defend  and  conduct  the 
same  to  final  Judgment  & Execution  also  to  vote  & transact  any 
Matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  of,  for  the  Benefit  of  said 

Propriety. 

Portsm0  June  6th  1771 — 


Geo:  Jaffrey 
John  Moffatt 
Jn°  Rindge 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Jonathan  Warner  for 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth 
Daniel  Peirce 


Peter  Pearse  for  the  Right 
of  Jotham  Odiorne  Esqr  Decd 
Peter  Pearse  for  Thos 
Wallingford  Esqr 
Thos  Packer 
Clem1  March 
John  Penhallow  for  the 
Right  of  Riclid  Wibircl 
Esq  Decd 


June  24th1771 — 

The  Notification  & Signing  the  same  on  the  other  Side  is  a Copy 
of  the  Notification  publish’d — 
attes* 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


541 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  24th  17T1  The  Proprietors  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqur 
in  New  Hampshire  meet  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  in  Said  Portsmouth  on  Monday  being  the  Said  Day,  at  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon,  pursuant  to  a Notification  for  Said  Meet- 
ing— 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  be  Moderator 
of  this  Meeting 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  nine  of  the  Clock 
beforenoon  to  meet  at  this  Place 

a true  Record — attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  June  26th  1771  Wednesday  nine  of 
New  Hampshr  ) the  clock  beforenoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  Peter  Pearse  and  John  Penhal- 
low  be  a Committee  to  Treat  with  John  Fisher  Esqur  and  Jonas  Minot 
about  two  Tracts  of  Land  or  Townships,  viz1  with  John  Fisher  Esqur 
about  the  Township  of  Hereford  and  with  Jonas  Minot  about  the 
Township,  called  Bradford  Township  and  to  make  return  of  their 
Report  thereon  to  the  Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqu1’  Peter  Pearse  and  John  Penhal- 
low  be  a Committee  to  Conferr  with  Walter  Brient  Esqur  who  appears 
in  behalf  of  the  Grantees  of  ye  Government  of  ye  Township  of  Eaton, 
and  treat  with  them  about  Terms  for  a grant  of  any  of  Said  Tract  of 
Land  and  make  return  of  their  Report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be 
The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  ten  of  the  clock  before 
noon  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Inn- 
holder in  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Portsmouth  June  28th  1771  Fryday  ten  of  the 
Clock  beforenoon  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

John  Fisher  Esqur  having  made  application  to  the  Proprietors  for 
a grant  of  a Tract  of  land  to  make  Settlements,  and  it  appearing 
that  the  Tract  of  land  described  by  the  following  boundaries  viz1  be- 
ginning at  the  north  West  Corner  of  New  Concord  or  N°  8 So  called, 
on  the  curve  patent  line,  from  thence  running  by  Said  N°  8 to  the 
north  east  corner  thereof  from  thence  to  the  Southerlj7  corner  of 


Province  of 
New  Hampshire 


542 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Parry’s  Town,  So  called,  from  thence  by  the  Southe  Westerly  Side 
of  said  Parry’s  Town  to  the  north  West  Corner  thereof  from  thence 
west  to  the  Curve  line,  from  thence  on  the  curve  line  to  the  first  point 
where  the  bounds  begin — and  it  appearing  that  the  tract  of  land 
described  within  Said  boundaries  is  not  under  Grant  or  the  grants 
of  every  part  thereof  being  forfeited  by  the  failure  of  compliance 
with  the  Conditions  or  Terms  of  any  grant  of  any  part  of  the  Prem- 
ises and  reverting  to  the  Said  Proprietors,  and  in  expectation  of 
having  the  Said  Tract  of  land  under  Settlement,  are  determined  to 
make  Said  Fisher  a grant  thereof  on  certain  Conditions  and  Reser- 
vations, if  he  shall  have  a compleat  Survey  of  the  Tract  of  land 
contained  within  said  Boundaries,  and  have  a true  and  exact  Plan 
thereof  made  and  returned  to  Said  Proprietors  within  three  months 
from  this  date 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  three  of  the  Clock  this  afternoon  to 
meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsm0  June  28th  1771  the  Proprietors  meet 
New  Hampshr  ) according  to  Adjournment 
Whereas  the  Proprietors  have  granted  Sundry  Tracts  of  Land, 
called  Parrys  Town,  Heidlebourg  and  Alexandria — the  Grantees  of 
those  Tracts  of  land  have  wholly,  or  in  great  part,  forfeited  their 
Grants  by  not  fulfilling  the  Conditions  or  Terms  of  their  Respective 
Grants — and  as  mr  Jonas  Minot  having  applyed  to  the  Proprietors 
for  a grant  of  a Tract  of  land  to  make  Speedy  Settlements  on  Such 
land — and  in  expectation  of  having  either  of  those  Said  Tracts  of 
land  Speedily  Settled — Therefore  the  Proprietors  propose  to  grant  to 
Said  Minot  one  of  those  Said  forfeited  Tracts  and  consent  to  his 
going  thereon  to  view  the  State  of  the  Settlement  of  either  of  those 
Tracts  if  any  be  made  thereon — and  that  he  have  an  exact  Survey 
made  of  the  outlines  of  the  Tract  and  make  a true  Report  if  any 
Settlements  be  made  thereon  by  virtue  of  a former  grant,  and  by 
whom — and  a true  plan  of  ye  outlines  and  Contents  of  the  Tract  of 
land  he  desires  the  Grant  of — which  is  intended  to  be  made  upon 
certain  Conditions  & Considerations — and  that  his  Return  be  Made 
to  this  propriete  within  two  months  from  this  date 

Whe  reas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  on  November  14th 
1770 — Voted  that  the  Township  of  Tufftonborough  be  Run  out  by  mr 
Robert  Fletcher  Agreable  to  Lines  Laid  out  upon  a Plan  Exhibitted 
by  the  Committee,  Daniel  Rogers  Esqr  mr  Peter  Pearse  and  John 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


543 


Penhallow,  and  Make  Return  thereof  as  Soon  as  Possible  to  the  Pro- 
prietors at  the  Expence  of  the  Grantees  of  Tufftonborough  and  as  the 
said  Fletcher  has  been  Applied  to  to  Run  the  Lines  of  Tufftonbor- 
ough Agreable  to  the  Said  Plan,  who  Could  not  Attend  that  Service, 
and  it  being  thought  Necessary  that  the  Lines  of  said  Tufftonborough 
be  Run  and  Ascertained — Therefore  Voted  that  the  Committee  before 
Mentioned  be  and  hereby  are  Authorized  and  Empower’d  to  have 
the  said  Lines  Run  and  Ascertained  by  some  Suitable  Persons  that 
they  Shall  think  Proper  to  Employ  and  the  Expence  of  the  Same  be 
paid  by  the  Grantees  or  Owners  of  Tufftonborough,  According  to  the 

Petition  of  John  MofTatt  Esqr 

Voted  that  mr  William  Whipple  and  mr  Peter  Pearse  be  a Com- 
mittee to  Conferr  with  the  Proprietors  of  Gilman  Town  about  the 
incroachments  of  the  Proprietors  of  Gilman  Town  on  the  Gore,  so 
called,  & to  know  what  the  Intention  of  Gilman  Town  Proprietors 
is  respecting  that  Incroachment — and  to  report  to  the  Proprietors 

what  they  think  will  be  best  to  be  done  in  that  affair 

Voted  that  John  Fisher  Daniel  Peirce  and  Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs 
messrs  John  Penhallow  Peter  Pearse  and  William  whipple  be  a 
Com’ittee  to  examine  into  and  render  the  State  of  the  Proprieter’s 
affairs  to  the  Proprietors 

Mr  Jonas  Minot  is  requested  to  take  a View  of  the  Tract  of  land 
called  Bradford  Town,  and  report  the  Quality  of  the  Same  to  the 
Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  17th  day  of  July 
next  ten  of  the  Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 

James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  Place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-9  Cl 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  July  17th  1771  Wednesday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  before  noon — the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — 

Whereas  the  Grantees  of  Sundry  Tracts  of  lands  for  Townships 
have  not  complyed  with  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  their  respective 
Grants,  vizfc  of  That  Tract  called  Alexandria,  that  Tract  called 
Parry’s  Town,  that  Tract  called  Heidlebourg,  that  Tract  called  New 
Chester,  & that  Tract  called  New  Briton — Therefore  Voted  the 
Grants  of  Said  Tracts  of  land  be  forfeited,  and  Some  Person  or  Per- 
sons be  imediately  employed  to  reenter  and  take  Possession  of  those 
said  rI>acts  of  Land  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  the  Grantors  ; 
and  that  the  Said  Proprietors  reasume  their  former  Estate  in  those 


544 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Said  Tracts,  and  forthwith  dispose  of  or  make  new  Grants  of  the 

same  upon  Such  Terms  and  Conditions  as  they  shall  agree  upon 

Voted  that  John  Fisher  Esqur  messrs  William  Whipple  and  Peter 
Pearse  be  a Com’ittee  to  employ  Agent  or  Agents  in  behalf  of  the 
Proprietors,  to  enter  into  & upon  the  Tracts  of  Lands  called  Parry’s 
Town,  Alexandria,  Heidlebourg,  New  Chester,  & New  Briton,  to 
reasume  the  former  Right  and  Possession  of  the  Proprietors,  and  to 
examine  what  Improvements  and  Settlements  and  buildings  are  made 
upon  either  of  Said  Tracts  of  Land,  and  by  whom  made,  and  make 
return  of  a Report  of  the  Same  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

John  Fisher  Esqur  returning  a Plan  of  Survey  of  a Tract  of  Land 
described  in  a Proposal  made  and  entered  at  the  meeting  of  the  Pro- 
prietors held  on  the  28th  day  of  June  1771 — Voted  that  the  Said 
Plan  be  accepted — and  that  Messrs  John  Penhallow  William  Whip- 
ple and  Peter  Pearse  be  a Committee  to  make  Terms  and  Conditions 
for  a grant  of  the  Tract  of  land  described  in  Said  Plan,  and  make  a 
Return  of  their  Proceedings  as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  Proprietors  Clerk  be  and  hereby  is 
desired  to  Write  to  the  Grantees  of  the  Tracts  of  Lands,  called 
Parry’s  Town,  Alexandria,  Heidlebourg,  New  Chester,  and  New 
Briton,  to  inform  them  respectively,  that  as  the  Grants  of  those  Tracts 
of  land,  are  forfeited  by  the  Tenour  of  those  Grants,  for  the  Neglect 
of  the  Grantees  not  complying  with  the  Terms  and  Conditions 
of  their  Respective  Grants,  and  that  the  Proprietors  the  Grantors, 
will  im’ediately  reenter  upon  the  Said  Tracts,  and  reasume  their  former 

Right  & Possession  of  the  Premises 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  80th  Ins1  ten  of  the 
clock  before  noon  to  be  held  at  ye  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 

Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attes1  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  30th  1771  Tuesday  ten  of  the 
New  HampslF  j Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  & John  Fisher  Esqurs  and  mr  William 
Whipple  be  a Committee  to  conferr  with  the  Committee  of  the  Town- 
ship of  Savill  as  they  have  Suggested  that  there  may  be  occasion  of 
Dispute  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  Tract  of  land  called  Here- 
ford and  Said  Savill,  and  make  a Report  of  their  Conferrence 

Voted  that  John  Fisher  & Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs  and  mr  William 
Whipple  be  a Committee  to  conferr  with  any  Persons  who  shall 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


545 


appear  in  behalf  of  New  Chester  referring  to  ye  Grant  and  forfeiture 
of  said  new  Chester,  and  to  report  to  the  Proprietors  ye  Circum- 
stances of  ye  Conference 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  14th  day  of  August 
next  ten  of  the  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  August  14th  1771.  Wednesday  ten 
New  Hampshr  ( of  the  Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  15th  Instant  nine  of 
the  clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stood- 
ley  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  August  15tb  1771  Thursday  nine  of 
New  HampslT  j the  Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 

Upon  the  Report  of  the  Committee  to  employ  an  agent  for  to 
reassume  the  Possession  of  Townships  forfeited,  and  to  get  informa- 
tion of  what  improvements  have  been  made  in  any  of  Said  Town- 
ships— who  have  reported  as  on  file — 

Voted  that  the  Township  of  Alexandria  rest  in  the  disposal  of  this 
Propriety  as  they  shall  determine — 

Voted  that  mr  Jonas  Minot  have  the  preferrence  in  the  Grant  of 
the  Township  of  Alexandria  if  he  shall  agree  to  have  a grant — upon 
such  Terms,  Reservations,  obligations  and  Conditions,  as  shall  be 
propos’d  or  agreed  upon  by  a Committee,  who  shall  be  appointed, 
for  to  agree  with  him  thereon — 

Jonathan  Warner  & Daniel  Peirce  Esqurs  desire  their  Dissent  to 
the  Vote  imediately  entered  before  the  Entry  of  this  Dissent — 
Voted  Daniel  Rogers  and  George  Jaffrey  Esqurs  & mr  William 
Whipple  be  a Committee  to  conferr  with  mr  Jonas  Minot  about  a 
grant  of  Alexandria,  and  agree  with  him  on  Such  Terms  Reserva- 
tions Obligations  and  Conditions  as  they  think  will  be  for  the 
Interest  of  the  Proprietors — 

it  being  desired  that  Persons  present  at  meeting  when  the  fore- 
going votes  were  pass’d  be  noted  in  this  place — which  were  vizfc 
Theodore  Atkinson  Esqur  Jona  Warner  Esqur  Daniel  Peirce  Esqur 
35 


546 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


George  Jaffrey  Esqur  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  John  Fisher  Esqur  mr 
William  Whipple  mr  Peter  Pearse 

Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  & Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs  and  mr  Wil- 
liam Whipple  & mr  John  Penhallow  & mr  Peter  Pearse  be  a Com- 
mittee to  conferr  with  and  treat  with  the  late  owners  or  claimers  of 
the  Tract  of  land  called  Parry’s  Town  concerning  the  Terms  and 
Conditions  of  a new  Grant  and  make  a Report  of  their  doings 
therein  and  also  to  conferr  with  the  late  owners  or  claimers  of  New- 
Chester  concerning  Terms  and  Conditions  of  a new  grant,  and  make 
report  Of  their  doings  therein — and  also  to  conferr  with  the  late 
owners  or  claimers  of  New  Britton  concerning  Terms  and  Conditions 
of  a new  Grant  and  make  a Report  of  their  doings  therein — 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  Second  day  of 
October  next  ten  of  the  Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record,  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  2d  1771.  Wednesday  ten  of 
New  HampslT  \ the  clock  before  noon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  in  Portsm0  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  be  added  to  the  Committee  to 
make  Terms  and  Conditions  for  a grant  of  the  tract  of  land 
described  in  a proposal  made  and  entered  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Proprietors  held  on  the  28th  day  of  June  1771 — 

Voted  that  the  Agreement  made  by  a Committee  of  this  Propriete 
with  the  Committee  of  Rumford  so  called,  be  carried  into  execution 
by  a grant,  upon  condition  of  ye  Compliance  of  ye  Com’ittee  of  Rum- 
ford  on  their  part 

Voted  That  Daniel  Peirce  George  Jaffrey  & Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs 
& mr  John  Penhallow  be  a Committee  to  prosecute  an}^  Suits  in  law 
respecting  the  Propriete  that  may  be  thought  necessary  for  to  prose- 
cute or  defend — at  the  Expence  of  the  Propriete 

Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  Daniel  Rogers  Esqurs  mess13  William 
whipple  Peter  Pearse  and  mr  John  Penhallow  be  a Committee  to 
enquire  into  ye  unapropriated  or  Common  Land  in  Dunbarton  and 
hear  any  Propoposal  of  Caleb  Page  Esqur  or  any  others  of  the 
Grantees  of  Dunbarton  respecting  Said  unapropriated  lands,  and 
make  Report  of  their  opinion  on  the  Premises — 

And  that  the  Said  Committee  hear  mr  Enoch  Bartlet  on  his  Peti- 
tion and  make  Report  thereon 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


547 


The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  thursday  the  3d  of  this  Inst  three 

of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  3d  1771  Thursday  three  of 
New  Hampshr  ( the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqu1  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  a quitclaim  to  a part  of  Concord  as  printed  in  vol. 

27,  p.  156.— Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  7th  of  this  Instant  nine  of  the 
clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr9  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  7,  8,  16, 
and  23,  1771,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  30tb  1771  Wednesday,  at 
New  Hampshire  j the  Dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Inn- 
holder the  Proprietors  meet  to  which  time  and  place  the  meeting  was 
adjourn’d — 

Voted  that  Messrs  Peter  Pearse  William  Whipple  and  John  Pen- 
hallow  be  a Committee,  to  employ  Some  Suitable  Person  or  Persons 
to  examine  into  the  Settlements  and  improvements  made  in  Manad- 
nock  N°  7 granted  to  Sampson  Stoddard  Esq1'  &c  that  a true  State 
thereof  & the  Bounds  as  marked  may  be  known — and  also  of  any 
other  tract  of  land  granted  by  the  Proprietors,  as  there  may  be 
occasion — and  to  make  Report — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  fryday  nine  of  the  Clock  before 
noon  being  the  first  day  of  november  next  to  meet  at  this  place 
a true  Record — attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cler: 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  November  1st  1771.  fryday  nine  of  the 
New  IiampslT  \ Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Whereas  there  was  a Committee  appointed  the  2d  day  of  October 
last  to  prosecute  any  Suits  in  law  &c  which  Comtee  have  not  acted  on 


548 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Said  appointment  It  is  now  Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  & Daniel 
Rogers  Esqurs  William  whipple  Peter  Pearse  and  John  Penhallow 
or  any  two  of  them  be  the  Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors to  prosecute  answer  and  defend  any  Action  Suit  or  process 
and  Appeal  Commenced  or  to  be  commenced  for  or  against  Said 
Proprietors,  in  their  name,  to  appear  plead  and  pursue  to  final 
Judgement  & Execution — 

Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  Daniel  Rogers  and  William  whipple 
be  a Committee  to  employ  any  Person  or  Persons  to  put  on  any 
Settlers  on  the  Tract  of  land  called  Alexandria,  for  and  in  behalf  of 
Said  Proprietors 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  6th  Ins4  ten  of 
ye  Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  November  6th  1771  Wednesday  at 
New  Hampshire  j the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqur  Inn- 
holder the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  renewal  of  the  grant  of  Andover  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  91.— Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  13th  of  this 
Ins1  three  of  the  clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  ye  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place,  a true  Record — 

attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  13  and 
27,  1771,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  December  4th  1771  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshr  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Whereas  Sundry  Persons  made  a motion  of  making  a Purchase  of 
a Tract  of  land  called  Bradford  Town  and  the  Proprietors  being 
undetermined  in  what  manner  of  appropriating  Said  Tract  whether 
by  Sale,  Dividing  it  amongst  themselves  or  otherwise — Therefore — 
Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  Esqur  messrs  John  Penhallow  & Peter 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


549 


Pearse  be  a Committee  to  Consider  in  what  manner  the  Proprietors 
should  improve  their  Interest  in  that  Tract  of  land  and  report  ac- 
cordingly— 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  ye  5th  Inst  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  5th  1771,  three  of  the  Clock 
New  Hampskr  J afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqur  Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — 
The  Committee  apointed  yesterday  to  consider  and  report  what 
manner  the  Proprietors  should  improve  their  Interest  in  that  tract  of 
land  called  Bradford  Town — report  that  they  had  been  treating 
with  persons  on  the  Sale  of  said  Tract  of  land,  but  could  not  agree 
on  the  Terms  of  Sale — and  those  persons  being  present,  propose 
taking  a grant  of  the  Same — the  Proprietors  agree  to  make  a grant 
of  Said  Tract,  on  Condition  of  reserving  to  the  proprietors  two  fifth 
parts  of  ve  whole  to  their  use;  and  of  having  forty  Families  Settled 
and  resident  on  ye  Grantees  part  within  four  years  &ce  and  Voted 
that  the  Said  Committee  have  a grant  prepared  in  the  usual  Form 
of  other  Terms  and  conditions  of  said  Proprietors  grants  of  Lands — 
with  a Bond  for  the  grantees  to  execute  for  ye  performance  of  ye 
Terms  of  the  Grant — 

It  being  mentioned  that  Sundry  Tracts  of  Land  granted  by  the 
Government,  which  were  within  Mason’s  Grant  and  purchased  by 
the  Proprietors ; and  those  Government  Grants  being  forfeited,  and 
it  being  Suspected  that  petitions  would  be  made  to  Government  for 
renewal  of  those  Grants;  it  was  moved  and  Voted  that  Daniel 
Peirce  and  Daniel  Rogers  Esqrs  and  mess19  John  Penhallow  William 
Whipple  and  Peter  Pearse  be  a Committee  to  wait  upon  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governour,  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors,  to  inform  his  Ex- 
cellency of  the  Infringements  of  the  late  Grants  of  the  Government 
on  the  Proprietors  Lands — and  to  pray  the  favour  of  his  Excellency 
that  no  further  grants  of  Government  may  be  made  within  the 
claim,  or  lines  bounding  Masons  Grant,  as  they  have  been  run  by 
Authority — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  the  10th  Ins*  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1"9  Cl 


550 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  10th  1771  Tuesday  three  of 
New  HampslF  \ the  clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

upon  a motion  made  in  behalf  of  John  Fisher  Esqr  as  his  Request, 
that  the  Proprietors  engage  that  the  Bond  he  is  to  give  for  the  per- 
formance of  the  Conditions  and  Terms  of  the  Grant  to  be  made  to 
him  of  Fisliersfield — upon  the  forfeiture  of  the  Bond,  the  Same  Shall 
be  prosecuted  within  twelve  months — therefore  Toted  that  upon 
forfeiture  of  Said  Bond  the  Same  be  prosecuted  within  twelve 
months  after  the  forfeiture  of  the  Penalty — 

Voted  That  each  Proprietor  the  Grantors  shall  be  obliged  to 
Settle  a Familey  on  his  particular  share  or  Right,  which  Shall  be 
laid  out  and  Severed  to  his  Right,  in  the  Tract  of  land  to  be  granted 
to  John  Fisher  Esqr  (called  Fisliersfield)  within  five  years  after  his 
Share  therein  shall  be  allotted  and  Severed,  and  in  failure  thereof 
the  delinquent  Proprietor  shall  forfeit  to  those  of  the  Proprietors 
who  shall  settle  a familey  on  their  respective  Rights  or  shares  in 
Said  Tract,  one  hundred  Acres  of  said  Delinquents  Right  or  share, 
on  which  a Family  shall  not  be  Settled  within  Said  Term  of  five 
years — 

Voted  that  the  Tract  of  Land  called  Bradford  Town,  and  the 
Gores  and  Tracts  adjacent,  be  and  hereby  is  determined  and  resolved 
to  be  divided  and  Severed  to  and  among  the  Proprietors,  and  that 
the  Same  be  Surveyed,  laid  out  and  divided  as  Soon  as  may  be,  and 
upon  Such  Terms  and  Limittations  of  Settlement  as  shall  be  agreed 
upon  by  the  Proprietors — 

Voted  that  James  Mitchel,  upon  Aplication,  may  have  a Lease  of 
a meadow,  in  CampbeFs  Gore  so  called,  till  Severed  to  any  of  the 
Proprietors,  and  that  the  Clerk  give  such  a lease — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  18th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  18th  1771  at  the  dwelling 
New  Hampsh1  j house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder — the  Pro- 
prietors meet  according  to  adjournment — The  meeting  was  ad- 
journed to  Thursday  the  26th  Ins4  three  of  the  clock  afternoon  to  be 
held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


55 1 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  26th  1771  Thursday  three 
New  Hampr  \ of  the  clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esq1'  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

Voted  that  Jonas  Minot  be  and  hereby  is  desired  authorised  and 
impowered  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  to  sue  any  Trespassers  on  the 
tract  of  land  called  alexandria,  at  the  expence  of  this  Propriete,  and 
also  to  Settle  forty  Families  or  persons  on  Said  Tract  of  land,  agre- 
able  to  the  Intention  of  a grant  tQ  be  made  to  him  &c  and  to  engage 
to  defend  them  in  their  Settlements 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Fryday  the  27th  Ins1  Eleaven  of  the 

Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  December  27th  1771  Fryday  Eleaven 
New  Hampshr  j of  the  Clock  beforenoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqur  Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  that  Jonas  Minot  Gentleman  be  and  hereby  is  desired, 
authorised,  and  impowered,  in  behalf  of,  and  in  the  name  or  Names 
of  Said  Proprietors,  to  Sue,  prosecute,  and  defend  to  final  Judgement, 
any  person  or  persons,  who  have  entered  or  worked  on  the  Tract  of 
land  within  Said  Province,  called  alexandria,  or  any  who  may  enter 
or  work  on  Said  Tract  of  land  without  the  leave  of  Said  Proprietors, 
at  the  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors — and  the  Said  minot  is  hereby 
further  impowered  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  to  Settle  forty  Fam- 
ilies or  persons  on  Said  Land  ; and  to  engage  to  defend  them  in  their 
Settlements  there,  at  the  charge  of  Said  Proprietors — any  Vote  here- 
tofore pass'd  notwithstanding 

Whereas  many  affairs  relative  to  this  Propriete  occurring  which 
require  a Speedy  Determination  and  Dispatch  ; and  many  affairs  are 
omitted  to  be  done  in  Season,  to  the  Detriment  of  the  Proprietors 
Interest,  when  their  meetings  are  under  Adjournment — and  many 
Accidents  frequently  prevent  a Sufficient  number  of  the  Proprietors 
attending  at  the  meetings,  at  the  times  to  which  they  are  adjourned, 
sufficient  to  pass  a Vote — Therefore  Voted  That  George  Jaffrey  & 
Daniel  Rogers  Esqr8,  mess18  William  Whipple  John  Penhallow  and 
Peter  Pearse,  and  Daniel  Peirce  Esqr  or  any  three  of  them,  be  and 
hereby  are  a Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors  to 
transact  all  affairs  relating  to  Said  Propriete,  (excepting  the  grant- 
ing of  any  Lands)  to  be  done  at  the  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors — 
The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  8th  day  of  January 


552 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  8 and 
22,  1772,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  February  5th  1772,  Wednesday 
New  Hampshr  j three  of  ye  clock  afternoon — the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  renewal  of  the  grant  of  Washington  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  409. — Ed.] 

Voted  that  the  Committe  appointed  on  the  27th  day  of  December 
to  transact  affairs  for  the  Propriete  are  authorised  and  impowered  to 
employ  and  Substitute  any  person  or  persons  to  act  and  do  any 
matter  or  thing  in  behalf  of  Said  Propriete  as  the  Said  Comittee  or 
any  three  of  them  shall  See  cause — 

Voted  that  Said  Committee  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  to  grant 
any  tract  of  Land  upon  the  road  on  or  near  Ossipee  River  for  any 
accomodation  for  keeping  a Ferry  over  that  River,  and  agree  with 
any  person  to  keep  Said  Ferry  upon  Such  Terms  as  they  shall  think 
proper  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Propriete 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  Fishersfield,  now  Newbury,  to  John 
Fisher,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  91-93. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  19th  Insfc  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Feb.  19,  26, 
March  11,  24,  April  8,  15,  and  29,  1772,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsm0  May  13th  1772  Wednesday  four  of  the 
New  Hamp  \ Clock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  The  Proprietors  Meet  According  to  Adjourn- 
ment 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


558 


The  Clerk  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  being  at  Boston — 

Therefore  Voted  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro.  Teme 
Voted  This  Meeting  was  Adjourn’d  to  Wednesday  the  20th  Day  of 
Instant  May  four  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  Place — 
a True  Record  Attest 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro.  Teme 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  May  20,  June 
8,  17,  July  1,  and  15,  1772,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  July  29th  1772  Wednesday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Whereas  there  is  an  Island  lying  in  the  Westerly  part  of  Winipi- 
siokee  Pond,  which  has  heretofore,  been  called  distinguished  and 
known  by  the  name  of  Governour’s  Island,  not  Severed  to  The  par- 
ticular Right  of  any  Proprietor — and  as  his  Excellency  John  Went- 
worth Esqr  has  greatly  encouraged  and  promoted  the  Settlement  of 
the  Lands  about  Said  Pond,  by  his  improvements  and  Cultivation  in 
Wolfborough;  and  from  the  personal  Respect  born  by  Said  Proprie- 
tors to  his  Excellency — It  is  considered — and  Therefore  Voted  That 
all  the  Right  Title  Interest  and  Estate  of  Said  Proprietors  of,  in  and 
to  the  Said  Island  in  Winipisiokee  Pond,  called  distinguished  and 
known  by  the  name  of  Governours  Island — be  and  hereby  is  granted 
to  His  Excellency  John  Wentworth  Esqr  To  have  and  to  hold  the 
said  Island  to  him  the  Said  John  Wentworth  Esqr  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  5th  day  of  August 
next,  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr8  Cler: — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  5 and 
12,  1772,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  | Portsmouth  August  13th  1772  Thursday  nine  of 
New  JIampshr  \ the  Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 


554 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  be  & hereby  is  desired  to  write 
to  the  Clerk  of  the  Grantees  of  Leavets  Town  So  called,  requesting 
that  Said  Grantees,  within  two  months  from  this  date,  or  as  Soon  as 
may  be,  Shew  Cause  to  this  Propriete  why  they  have  not  complyed 

with  the  Terms  of  their  Grant 

Voted  that  the  Committee  apointed  by  a Vote  of  the  27th  Decem- 
ber 1771  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  and  authorized  to  place  as 
many  Settlers  on  the  land  joining  to  the  road  lately  opened  between 
Wolf  borough  & Conway,  & also  on  any  other  road  in  that  part  of 
their  lands,  that  may  be  opened  the  next  Autumn,  on  the  best 
Terms  they  can  agree  with  Such  Settlers — 

Voted  that  Daniel  Rogers  Esqr  have  four  hundred  Acres  of  land 
laid  out  to  him  and  his  heirs  between  Wolfeborough  & Leavets 
Town,  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  friday  next  the  14th  Insfc  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 

Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  14,  Oct. 
23,  and  28,  1772,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  November  4th  1772  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  ) three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house 
of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  New  Boston  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  72. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wenesday  next  the  11th  Instant 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1'8  Cler. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  11,  25, 
Dec.  2,  9,  23,  and  30,  1772,  and  Jan.  4,  11,  18,  Feb.  1,  15,  24,  and 
March  17,  1773,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


In  Pursuanc  of  My  Instructions  from  the  Committe  of  the  Proprietors  of  Masons  Pattent  I 
have  Laied  out  in  the  Town  of  Camden  for  Said  Proprietors  Shiers  of  Reservation  thirtey  Lotts 
Containing  three  Hundred  and  Sixtey  acres  Each  for  their  first  Reservation  Lotts  in  Said  Town 
in  three  Differant  Siteuations  and  in  three  Divisions ; The  first  Division  is  Laied  out  in  the 
North  West  Corner  of  Said  Town  in  two  Ranges,  five  Lotts  in  a Range  and  Runs  Parelal  With 
the  town  Lines  three  Hundred  twenty  three  Rods  Long  & one  Hundred  Eighty  four  Rods  Wide 
and  Contains  three  Hundred  Sixtey  acres  in  Each  Lott 

The  Second  Devision  of  Said  Shiers  or  Lotts  is  Laied  out  on  the  East  Boundrey  Line  of  Said 
town  and  Begans  at  a Beach  tree  in  Said  Line  3 miles  two  hundred  & thirtey  Rods  from  the 
South  East  Corner  of  Said  town  and  Runs  North  82°  Degres  West  (by  the  North  Side  of  a 
Large  Rock  about  12  feet  high  & 5 Rods  Long)  Said  Lotts  are  three  Hundred  twenty  Rods 
Long  & one  hundred  Eighty  Six  Rods  Wide  and  Lays  Parelal  With  the  Lins  of  the  town  Con- 
tains three  hundred  Sixty  acres  in  Each  Lott  as  they  are  markd  out  on  this  Plan,  in  two  Ranges 
five  Lotts  in  a Ranee  Numbered  from  one  to  five  in  Each  Range 

The  third  Division  of  Said  Shiers  is  Laied  out  in  the  South  East  Corner  of  Said  town  — and 
Layes  in  two  Ranges  five  Lotts  in  a Range  320  Rods  Long  186  Rods  Wide  the  Courses  of  there 
Lins  is  Parelal  With  the  Lines  of  the  town  the  Lotts  are  Numbred  from  one  to  five  in  Each 
Range  as  markd  on  the  Plan,  and  Contains  360  acres  in  Each  Lott 

The  Last  fifteen  Lotts  of  Reservation  Shiers  Contains  1 50  acres  in  Each  Lott  and  are  Laid 
out  in  three  Differant  Sitevations  the  first  four  Lotts  are  Laied  out  about  the  Midel  of  Limbreck 
North  Line  on  the  South  Boundrey  Line  of  Said  Camden  and  is  160  Rods  Each  Lott  Long,  on 
the  town  Line  S 8o°  E.  and  150  Rods  wide  Each  Lott  back  N io°:  East  and  are  Numberd 
1 : 2 : 3 : 4 as  Marked  on  this  Plan  and  Contains  150  acres  Each  Lott 

The  Second  Sitevation  of  150  acre  Lotts,  Laies  in  the  South  West  Corner  of  Said  Town  and 
Bounds  on  the  South  and  West  Boundrey  Lines  of  the  town,  and  is  Laied  out  in  three  Ranges 
two  Lotts  Deap  160  Rods  S 8o°  E & 152  Rods  N 28°  East  Contains  150  acres  in  Each  Lott 
and  Numbred  from  five  to  ten  as  mark'1  in  this  Plan,  and  on  Every  Corner  tree  of  the  Lotts  — 
the  Last  five  Lotts  of  150  acre  Each  is  Laid  out  on  the  East  Boundrey  Line  of  the  town  and 
Lays  Betwen  the  Second  and  third  Divisions  of  the  first  Rservation  Lotts,  and  are  130  Rods 
Long,  N 28°  E,  and  1 10  Rods  Wide,  North  8o°  West,  and  are  marked  on  Each  Corner  tree  of 
the  Lotts  B R N°  xi . xil : xin : xim : X\  as  Each  tree  is  Numbre  & markd  in  this  Plan 
The  4 Lotts  La:ed  out  in  Cambells  Gore  is  to  make  Good  those  taken  out  of  Camden  by 
Hillsburough,  the  Lott  N°  1 in  Cambell's  Gore  is  to  Make  up  What  is  take  out  of  N°  1 in  the 
Sacond  Division  of  Reservation  Lotts  in  the  first  Rang,  by  Hillsburough  and  N°  2 in  the  third 
Division  and  Lott  N°  2 in  Said  Gore  Makes  up  Lott  N°  xil  in  the  one  hundred  fifty  acre  Lotts 
taken  out  By  hillsburough,  and  Lott  N°3  in  Said  Gore,  Makes  Good  Lott  N°  xi  in  Said  hundred 
fifty  acre  Lotts,  The  Lott  N°  4 in  said  Cambells  Gore  that  is  Laid  out  and  a Lott  of  Sixty  a 
marked  on  this  Plan  Not  Yet  Layed  out  Will  Make  Good  for  all  the  Land  taken  out  of  Lott 
N°  1 in  the  third  Division  of  Reservation  Lotts  in  the  first  Range  and  Lott  N°  xm  in  the  150 
acres  Lotts  : the  Lott  N°  1 in  the  3d  Division  N°  xm  in  the  Last  Reservation  and  N°  4 and  the 
Sixtey  acres  in  the  Gore  not  Laid  out  Should  be  afixed  to  one  proprators  Shear,  With  one  Lott 
More  Where  you  pleas  to  fix  it  to  make  a Whole  Shear 
finished  this  Survey  the  13th  of  Septr  1772 

Hubartus  Neal  Survr 


I have  also  Laid  out  35  Lotts  in'the  Town  of  Bradford  besides  the 
Lott  that  Prisburey  is  on  Containing  100  acres  Each  and  are  marked  and 
Numbred  on  the  trees  in  the  Lines  and  Ranges  at  Each  Corner  tree 
Named  in  the  Lotts  and  at  Each  Corner  of  the  Lotts  in  this  Plan 

all  the  Lotts  on  almsbury  Line  is  200  Rod  Long  & 80  Rods  Wide 
Except  the  Corner  Lott  on  Haneker  Line  also,  all  the  other  Lotts  Except, 
those  that  are  Partely  in  a Gore  that  Lais  on  the  angeling  Lines  of  the  town, 
and  the  two  Lotts  in  Prisbures  Range,  and  the  two  Lotts  on  the  West 
side  of  Bradford  Pond  that  Joines  too  it,  Whose  Courses  and  Distences 
are  Discribed  in  the  plans  of  the  Lotts  as  also  all  the  other  Lotts  Laid 
out  in  the  town 

Laid  out  Sep‘  2,h  1772 


Hubartus  Neal  Surv 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


555 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  14th  1773  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  Afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  Adjournment — 

Reuben  Kidder  Esq1  presenting  to  the  Proprietors  at  this  meeting 
a Plan  of  Camden  with  the  reservations  of  the  Proprietors  therein 
delineated,  (and  some  lots  in  Campbels  Gore  adjacent,  occasioned  by 
Hillsborough  running  into  the  tract  intended  to  be  granted  to  Said 
Kidder)  which  Plan  being  approved  of — Therefore — 

Voted  that  it  be  and  hereby  is  accepted  as  a true  Plan  of  Said 
Camden  with  ye  Reservations  to  the  Grantors  as  therein  delineated 
The  meeting  was-  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  the  16th  Ins1  ten  of  the 
Clock  before  noon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  hoiise  of  James  Stoodly  April  16,  17? 
and  19, 1773,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  20th  1773  Tuesday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampshr  j Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  Adjournment — 

Voted  and  Resolved  that  the  Committee  of  this  Propriete, 
Speedily  and  vigorously  prosecute  in  the  law,  for  the  recovery  of  the 
lands  granted  by  this  Propriete,  on  which  the  terms  and  Conditions 
of  the  Grants  are  not  comply ed  with — and  also  that  Said  Committee 
take  Some  Methods  to  ascertain  what  lands  are  ungranted  and  undis- 
posed of  by  the  Proprietors,  and  to  be  informed  of  the  Quantity  and 
Quality  of  the  Same — and  Such  tracts  of  land  as  will  not  admitt  of  a 
Division  of  one  hundred  Acres  to  each  Proprietors  Right,  the  Said 
Committee  may  Sell  the  Same  for  the  advantage  of  the  Proprietors 
as  they  shall  think  best — unless  the  Proprietors  shall  otherwise 
order  in  respect  to  any  of  Said  ungranted  tracts  of  land 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  19th  day  of  may 
next  five  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1'8  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  May  19,  June 
9,  30,  July  1,  2,  and  3,  1773,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


556 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  7th  1773  Wednesday  five 
New-Hampshr  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the*  regrant  of  Alexandria  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp. 
29-34.— Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  14th  Instant  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  j Portsmouth  July  14th  1773  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshr  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
a d j o u r n m e n t — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Alexandria  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  pp.  35-37. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  fryday  next  the  16th  Inst1  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler — 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  July  16th  1773  Fryday  three  of  the 
New  HampslT  j Clock  afternoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esq1'  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  21st  Ins*  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — a true  Record — 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler. 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  21st  1773  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampsh1-  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Washington  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  414. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


557 


The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the  22d  Inst4  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  July  22d  1773 — Thursday  three  of 
New-Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  fourth  day  of 
August  next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record — Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cler: 


Province  of  ) Portsm0  Aug4  4th  1773  Met  According  to  Ad- 
New  Hamp  j journment  at  the  Dwelling  House  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqr  Innholder — 

Voted — John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Tern6 — 

Voted  This  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  11th  Day  of 
Aug4  at  Three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling 

House  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  Place 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  P.  Tern 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  August  11th  1773  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshr  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  18th  Inst4  three 
of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl 


Province  of  } Portsmouth  August  18th  1773,  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon — at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder,  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
Adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  renewal  of  the  grant  of  Sutton  as  printed  in 

vol.  28,  pp.  326-327.— Ed.] 


558 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  29th  day  of  Septem- 
ber next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  29th  1773  Wednesday 
New  Hampshr  ( three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to 

Thursday  next  the  30tb  Instant  ten  of  the  Clock  beforenoon  to  be 



held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  the  Hon:  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  in 
Portsmouth  aforesaid,  at  ten  of  the  Clock  beforenoon — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop19  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  September  30th  1773  Thursday  ten 
New  Hampsh1'  \ of  the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
the  Hon:  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

Voted,  that  for  and  in  Consideration  of  the  Sum  of  One  hundred 
and  fifty  nine  Pounds  lawfull  Money  of  Said  Province,  to  us  in  hand, 
before  the  making  this  Grant,  paid  by  David  Chandler  of  Andover, 
in  the  County  of  Essex  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Gen- 
tleman, there  be  and  hereby  is  given  and  granted  unto  the  Said  David 
Chandler  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  All  our  right  and  Property 
of  in  and  to  a certain  Tract  of  Land  Situate  at  a place  called  the 
Slip,  in  the  County  of  Hillsborough,  and  Province  of  New-Hamp- 
shire,  within  the  Claim  of  Mason's  Patent  (except  what  Land  may 
justly  belong  to  Caleb  Jones  within  the  bounds  of  the  after  described 
tract  of  land)  The  whole  of  which  said  tract  of  land  including  what 
belong’s  to  Said  Jones,  contains  Six  hundred  and  nine  Acres,  more 
or  less,  and  is  bounded  as  follow’s — viz1  Beginning  at  a Stake  and 
Stones  at  Souliegan  River,  from  thence  running  South  one  degree 
east,  one  hundred  and  ninety  two  rods  by  Amherst  line,  to  a Stake 
and  Stones ; then  west  one  degree  South,  three  hundred  and  twenty 
rods,  to  a red  Oak;  then  running  north,  one  degree  east,  three  hun- 
dred and  ninety  Rods  by  Wilton  to  a white  Oak  ; then  East,  one 
hundred  and  ninety  rods,  by  Lyndeborough,  to  a Stake  and  Stones, 
then  South  one  degree  east,  two  hundred  rods  by  Duxbury  School 
farm  to  Souhegan  river;  and  then  running  by  Said  river;  as  that 
run’s  to  the  place  first  began  at,  excepting  and  reserving  out  of  Said 

premises,  so  much  land  as  justly  belong’s  to  Said  Caleb  Jones 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  Said  Premises,  with  all  the  Privileges  and 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


559 


Appurtenances  thereof  (except  as  before  excepted)  to  him  the  said 
David  Chandler  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  his  and  their  only  proper 
Use  and  benefit  forever,  and  that  Said  Proprietors,  their  Heirs  and 
Successors  shall  and  will  warrant  and  defend  the  same  granted  Prem- 
ises to  him  the  Said  David  Chandler,  his  heirs  and  Assigns  forever, 
against  any  person,  who  may  or  shall  claim  the  Same  Premises,  from 
by  or  under  said  Proprietors,  their  Heirs  or  Successors. — And  that 
in  case  the  Said  David  Chandler,  his  Heirs,  Executors  Administra- 
tors or  Assigns  Shall  at  any  time  hereafter  be  evicted  and  ousted,  of 
Said  Premises,  or  any  part  thereof,  by  legal  Process,  the  Said  Propri- 
etors hereby  for  themselves,  their  Heirs  and  Successors  Covenant  and 
engage  to  repay  to  the  Said  David,  his  Heirs,  Executors  or  Adminis- 
tors,  the  Consideration  Sum  herein  before  expres’t,  or  in  proportion 
to  Such  part  as  he  shall  be  ousted,  with  lawfull  Interest  for  the  Same 
untill  paid,  which  Said  Sum  and  Interest  Shall  be  in  full  Satisfaction 
of  all  Damage,  the  Said  David,  his  Heirs  Executors  or  Administra- 
tors may  Sustain  by  the  Loss  of  Said  Land  as  aforesaid — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  Sixth  day  of 
October  next  ten  of  the  Clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodley  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  1 Portsmouth  October  6th  1773  Wednesday  ten  of 
New  HampslP  J the  Clock  beforenoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next 
the  13  Ins1  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house 
of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest  : Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cl 


Province  of  ( Portsmouth  October  13th  1773  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon,  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

William  Presbury  having  made  improvement  in  a tract  of  land 
called  Bradford  town  to  Approbation  of  the  Proprietors,  and  having 
petitioned  for  a grant  of  the  lot  where  he  has  improved,  with  a Small 
addition,  for  Encouragement  of  Said  Presbury,  therefore 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  William 
Presbury  his  heirs  and  assigns — all  the  Right  title  and  Interest  of 
Said  Proprietors  of  in  and  to  a certain  Tract  or  lot  of  land  in  Said 
Bradford-town  lying  and  bounded  north  Westerly  on  Eishersfield  and 


560 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


runs  from  the  north  Westerly  Corner  of  Lot  N°  10  to  the  South 
Westerly  Side  of  Almsbury  river,  thence  running  South  easterly  on 
the  westerly  Side  of  said  river  till  it  come’s  to  the  northerly  Corner 
of  Lot  N°  26,  thence  on  the  north  Westerly  Side  line  of  lot  N°  26, 
thence  north  westerly  partly  on  lot  N°  11  and  partly  on  lot  N°  10  to 
Fishersfield  to  Said  North  Westerly  corner  of  N°  8 — and  also  an  ad- 
dition to  said  Tract  of  land,  of  a piece  contain8  fifteen  Acres  more  or 
less  bounded  as  follow’s  beginning  at  the  north  Westerly  corner  of 
Lot  N°  8 — and  thence  running  on  the  easterly  Side  of  Almsbury 
river  till  it  come’s  opposite  to  the  northerly  Corner  of  N°  26, 
and  thence  running  on  a line  on  the  Same  Course  of  the  north- 
erly Side  line  of  N°  26  from  the  easterly  Side  of  said  river,  to  the 
South  westerly  Side  line  of  Lot  N°  8 and  thence  on  the  westerly  Side 
line  of  Lot  N°  8 to  the  north  westerly  Corner  of  Lot  N°  8 where,  it 
join’s  to  Fishersfield — 

Voted  that  the  Committee  for  transacting  the  Buisness  of  the  Pro- 
priete,  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  and  desired  to  agree  with  Cap1 
John  Putney,  and  as  many  other  persons  as  they  shall  think  best,  to 
Settle  any  number  of  the  one  hundred  Acre  lots  laid  out  in  Bradford 
Town  upon  Such  Terms  Conditions  and  Security  foi  performance  of 
Settlement  as  they  think  proper  for  the  Purpose 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  20th  Ins1  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly 
Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  20,  27, 
Nov.  3,  4,  24,  Dec.  8,  and  22,  1773,  and  adjourned  without  transact- 
ing any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  December  29th  1773  Wednesday 
New  HampslT  \ three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  mr  Jaffrey  at  the  request  and  desire  of  the  Proprietors 
wrote  to  major  Willard  and  Cap1  Ephraim  Heald  to  Survey  the  Im- 
provements and  Buildings  made  on  that  Tract  of  land  called  Manad- 
nock  N°  6 — and  major  Willard  having  made  a Report  of  a Survey 
thereof,  but  not  reporting  the  Same  wholly  of  his  own  knowlege, 
which  has  been  objected  to — Therefore — 


KECOBDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


561 


Voted  that  mr  Jaffrey  write  again  to  Cap1  Ephraim  Heald  to  desire 
that  he  will,  as  Soon  as  may  be,  go  to  Manadnock  N°  6 and  Survey 
the  Same  So  as  to  return  a Report  to  the  Proprietors,  of  all  the  Im- 
provements and  buildings  made  within  said  Tract  as  Soon  as  may  be, 
upon  his  own  Observation  and  mr  James  Blanchard  to  pay  him  for 
the  whole  Expence  for  his  Trouble  and  Service  therein — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  12th  day  of  January 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Jan.  12,  26, 
and  Feb.  9,  1774,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  16th  1774,  Wednesday 
New  Hampshr  ( three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

Voted  that  mr  John  Peirce  be  added  to  the  Comittee  for  general 
affairs  of  the  Propriete — 

Voted  that  messrs  William  whipple  and  John  Penhallow  be  a 
Comittee  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  the  Propriete — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  23d  Instfc  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James 
Stood [ly]  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr9  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  23(1  1774  Wednesday  three 
New  HampslJ  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  renewal  of  the  grant  of  Nelson,  and  the  drawing 
of  reserved  lots,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  47-49. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  9Ul  day  of  March 
next  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house 
of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 

30 


562 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  9,  23, 
April  6,  14,  and  15,  1774,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  \ Portsmouth  April  20th  1774  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Hampshr  \ the  Clock  Afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  drawing  of  reserved  lots  in  Newbury  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  94. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  27th  Instant 
five  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 

Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  April  27th  1774  Wednesday  five  of 
New  Ilampshr  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  a quitclaim  to  Pelham  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  175. 
—Ed.] 

Voted  that  Ephraim  Hackit  who  is  Settled  upon  Bear  Camp  river 
be  encouraged  to  go  on  with  his  improvements  there,  and  if  he  doth, 
a convenient  Tract  of  one  hundred  Acres,  including  his  improve- 
ments, shall  be  granted  to  him,  as  soon  as  the  Same  be  laid  out 
The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  4th  day  of  may 
next  five  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  in  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  May  4,  18, 
25,  June  8,  15,  29,  July  6,  20,  and  Aug.  3,  1774,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  1 Portsmouth  August  10th  1774.  Wednesday  four 
New  Hampshr  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
James  Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


563 


[Then  follows  the  drawing  of  reserved  lots  in  Peterborough  as 
printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  193. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  24th  Inst4  four  of 
the  clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Met  According  to  Adjournment  this  26th  Day  of  August  at  the 
House  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr — 

Voted  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Temp6 — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  31st 
Instant  four  O Clock  Afternoon  to  Meet  at  this  Place — 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Temp6 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Aug.  31  and 
Sept.  1,  1774,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  Wednesday  Sept1  28th  1774  the  Pro- 
New  Hamp1'  \ prietors  Meet  According  to  Adjournment — at  the 

House  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr 

Voted  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Temy 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Wednes- 
day the  12th  Day  of  October  Next  at  Three  O Clock  in  the  After- 
noon to  Meet  at  this  Place — 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  P.  Teme 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Oct.  12  and 
26,  1774,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  1 Portsmouth  November  2'1  1774,  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire — > three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  at  the  Dwelling 
Rockingham  Ss  ) House  of  James  Stoodly  Esq1'  Inholder,  the 
Proprietors  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

[Then  follows  the  vote  for  the  sale  of  land  between  Peterborough 
and  Lyndeborough  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  424. — Ed.] 


564 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the 
9th  Instant  at  three  O Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the 
dwelling  House  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  Inholder  in  Portsmouth. — 

Attest  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Tempore 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  Nov.  9,  16, 
30,  Dec.  7,  14,  21,  and  28,  1774,  Jan.  11,  25,  Feb.  8,"  15,  and  21, 
1775,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  February  22d  1775  Wednesday 
New  Hampsh1’  j three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  dwelling 
House  of  James  Stoodly  Esq1’  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

Whereas  it  is  Suggested  there  are  Trespassers  on  Some  of  the 
Proprietors  Lots,  which  are  Situated  on  the  east  Side  of  Contoocook 
River,  in  the  Society  land,  So  called,  either  on  Col:  Atkinsons  Lot 
or  Some  other  of  the  Proprietors  Lot,  occasioned  by  a Mistake  of  the 
Line  of  Halestown,  or  Weare — It  is  therefore  Voted  that  Col: 
Atkinson  or  any  Person  on  whose  Lot  aforesaid,  the  Said  Trespasses 
are  committed,  be  desired  forthwith  to  prosecute  Said  Trespass  at 
the  Expence  of  the  Propriete 

[Then  follows  the  vote  in  regard  to  land  sold  Joshua  Holt  and 
John  Abbott  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  426. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  day  of  march 
next — three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the  dwelling  house 
of  James  Stoodly  Esq1'  in  this  place 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  1st  1775 — Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshr  ) of  the  Clock  Afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  Adjournment — and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to 
Fryday  next  the  third  Instant  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be 
held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  James  Stoodly  Esqr  in  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  March  3d  1775  Fryday  three  of  the 
New  HampslF  ( Clock  afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  James 
Stoodly  Esqr  Innholder — The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn-  , 
ment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


565 


[Then  follows  the  division  of  Ossipee  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  139. 
—Ed.] 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  Daniel  Rogers  Esqr 
the  Lot  N°  46 : containing  four  hundred  Acres,  as  laid  out  in  the 
Plan  returned  by  James  Hersey  of  the  forty  five  five  hundred  Acre 
Lots  bearing  date  September  1st  1774 — which  is  in  full  Considera- 
tion of  a Right  in  a Township  which  he  formerly  held,  but  was  with 
the  Township,  regranted  by  the  Proprietors — 

The  Meeting  w7as  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  22d  Ins1  four  of  the 
Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  James  Stoodly  March  22, 
April  5,  19,  and  May  3,  1775,  and  at  the  house  of  Nathaniel  Folsom 
May  31,  July  5,  Aug.  9,  and  Sept.  19,  1775,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


Province  of  ) Portsmouth  October  24th  1775  Tuesday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  did  not 
meet  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Nathaniel  Folsom  Innholder  on  Said 
day  according  to  adjournment — the  Town  being  alarmed  with  a 
Visit  of  the  King’s  Ships  in  the  River — None  of  the  Proprietors  did 
attend  at  the  meeting  beside  the  Clerk  & so  the  meeting  dissolved, 
a true  Record  attest  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  41.] 

State  of  ) Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in 
New  Hampshire,  that  there  will  be  held  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprie- 
tors at  the  dwelling  house  of  Nathaniel  Folsom  in  Portsmouth  in 
Said  State  on  Thursday  the  23rt  day  of  July  Ins1  four  of  the  Clock 
afternoon — 

To  Receive,  or  demand,  the  Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person 
appointed  to  do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing  relative  to  Said 
Propriete. — 

To  Grant  Sell  or  Sever  or  convey  any  part  of  Said  Lands,  not  al- 
ready granted  Severed  or  conveyed  by  Said  Proprietors. — 


566 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
charge  already  arisen,  or  that  may  or  shall  arise,  and  to  require,  adjust 
or  Settle  any  Accounts  of  Said  Propriete — 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  Consult  upon,  execute  or 
transact  any  matter  or  thing  relative  to  Said  Propriete,  to  Consider 
and  determine  upon  any  Suit  or  Action  which  the  Said  Proprietors 
may  judge  proper  to  be  prosecuted,  to  appoint  agent  or  Agents  to 
Act  and  appear  for  Said  Proprietors,  & to  prosecute,  answer  & defend 
any  Action  or  Suit  that  is  or  may  be  prosecuted,  by  or  against  Said 
Proprietors;  or  any  they  may  See  cause  to  espouse  & defend  and 
conduct  ye  Same  to  final  Judgement,  also  to  Vote  & transact  any 
matter  or  thing  that  shall  be  thought  by  Said  Proprietors,  for  the 
Benefitt  of  Said  Proprietors — 

Portsmouth  July  6th  1778 

Theodore  Atkinson  Daniel  Rogers 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth  John  Penhallow 

John  Peirce 

Wm  Pearne  in  behalf  of  the  Heirs  of  Thos  Wallingford  Esqr 
Wm  Whipple  in  behalf  of  John  Moffatt  Esqr 
Geo:  Jaffrey  Mehe4  Odiorne 

Jonathan  Warner  for  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Esqr 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  July  23d  1778 — Thursday  The  Pro- 
New  Hampshire  \ prietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire  meet  at  the  dwelling  House  of  Na- 
thaniel Folsom,  agreable  to  a Notification  of  Said  Meeting,  dated  July 
6th  1778— 

Voted  That  the  Honble  Daniel  Rogers  Esq1  be  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  29th  Ins4  four 
of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  Place 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  Nathaniel  Folsom  July  29, 
Aug.  12,  26,  Sept.  9,  16,  23,  and  30,  1778,  and  at  the  house  “ partly 
improved  by  mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store  ” Oct.  5 and  13, 1778,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


567 


State  of  1 Portsm0  Octobr  15th  1778  Met  According  to  Ad- 
New  Hampr  > journm* 

Rockingham  ss  ) Voted — John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Teme — 
Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  Next  21 
Instant  at  three  O Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  of  John  Penhallow 
Improved  by  him  as  a Store — 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Tern6 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Oct.  21,  28, 
and  Nov.  18,  1778,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  December  2d1778,  Wednesday,  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  Daniel  Rogers  George  King  Esqrs  mr  John  Peirce  and 
Cap1  Wm  Pearne  be  a Committee  to  take  into  Consideration  the  me- 
morial of  John  Moffatt  Esqr  & Cap*  Woodbury  Langdon  to  examine 
into  the  true  State  of  ye  Grant  to  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr — and  to 
make  a Report  to  the  Proprietors  on  the  Premises,  as  soon  as  may 
be 


The  Meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  9th  Ins*  to  meet  at 
this  place — a true  Record 


attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1*8  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Dec.  9 and 
16,  1778,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  j Portsmouth  December  219t  1778 — Monday  nine 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  clock  before  noon,  at  the  house  of  m1  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store — The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

Voted  that  in  Case  John  Moffatt  and  Woodbury  Langdon  Esqr8 
release  all  their  Right  Claim  and  Demand  to  all  the  Lands  granted 
by  Said  Proprietors  to  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  (under  whom  Said 
Moffatt  and  Langdon  hold)  lying  in  the  County  of  Strafford  and 
State  of  New  Hampshire  not  contained  within  the  bounds  herein  after 


568 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


described  and  fixed  as  the  future  bounds  of  the  lands  now  called 
Tuftonborough  And  in  case  the  Said  Moffatt  and  Langdon  shall 
likewise  release  all  their  right  and  Interest  to  Theodore  Atkinson  and 
Mark  H.  Wentworth  Esqrs  and  each  of  them  to  any  lands  they  and 
each  of  them  own  in  the  Township  of  Ossipee  that  may  be  included 
within  the  aftermentioned  Bounds  of  Said  Tuftonborough,  and  to 
the  Said  Proprietors,  the  two  hundred  Acres  of  land  within  Said 
Tuftonborough  engaged  by  Said  Proprietors  to  John  Dudley — The 
Bounds  of  Said  Tuftonborough  Shall  be  Fixed  in  future  as  follow’s 
viz4,  beginning  at  the  Corner  of  Wolfborough  at  Winter  harbour  on 
Winipisiokee  Pond  and  then  running  by  Said  Pond  to  the  Southerly 
Corner  of  Moultonborough  on  Said  Pond  then  north  East  on  Moul- 
tonborough  line  about  Six  Miles  to  ye  easterly  Corner  of  Said 
Moultonborough  then  Southerly  on  a Streight  line  from  Said  last 
Corner  to  the  north  Corner  of  Wolfborough  then  running  South 
westerly  on  wolfborough  Line  to  the  Bounds  begun  at.  The  Lands 
within  these  Bounds  shall  be  held  and  enjoyed  by  the  Said  Moffatt 
& Langdon  and  others  (claiming  said  Lands  under  the  Said  Mason) 
their  Heirs  and  assigns — Upon  Conditions  the  Said  Moffatt  & Lang- 
don shall  within  ten  days  from  this  date  release  all  their  right  and 
Interest  to  any  lands  as  aforesaid  with  Special  Warranty  against  any 
persons  claiming  from  by  or  under  them  or  the  Said  mason — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  ye  28th  Ins4  ten  of  the 
Clock  beforenoon,  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  mr  John  Penhallow  in 
Portsmouth,  improved  by  him  as  a Store — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  December  28th  1778  monday  ten  of 

New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  house  of  mr  John  Pen- 
hallow in  Said  Portsm0  improved  by  him  as  a Store — the  Proprietors 
meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Whereas  John  Moffatt  & Woodbury  Langdon  Esqrs  have  fully  per- 
formed the  Condition  of  the  Vote  of  said  Proprietors  passed  the  21st 
day  of  December  1778 — Voted  that  the  Same  Vote  be  and  hereby  is 
confirmed  and  that  the  Lands  within  the  Bounds  of  Said  Tuftonbor- 
ough, as  therein  fixed,  be  confirmed  to  the  Said  Moffatt  Langdon  & 

others,  claiming  under  Said  Mason  as  therein  mentioned 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  ve  29th  Ins4  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


569 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  December  29th  1778  Tuesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  John  Pen- 
hallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  Adjournment — The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  5th  day 
of  January  next  to  be  held  at  this  place  three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


State  of  } Portsmouth  January  5th  1779  Tuesday  three  of 

New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  drawing  of  the  second  division  of  reserved  lots 
in  Lyndeborough  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  428. — Ed.] 


Voted  that  mr  John  Costello  be  paid  the  Sum  of  £12-15-11  wch 
he  paid  for  the  State  Tax  of  the  1000  Acres  of  land  reserved  by  the 
Proprietors  in  Lot  N°8  in  the  Society  Land,  So  called,  being  for  State 
Tax  for  the  year  1777 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  19th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  mr  Jn°  Penhallow  im- 
proved by  him  as  a Store  in  this  Place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  19th  1779  Tuesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Mr  John  Pen- 
hallow improved  by  him  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment;  and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  2d 
day  of  February  next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this 
place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  February  2d  1779  Tuesday  Three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John  Pen- 
hallow improved  by  him  as  a Store  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Marlborough  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  p.  463. — Ed.] 


570 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  ye  16th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  / Portsmouth  February  16th  1779  Tuesday  Three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  House  of  INI1  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next 
the  22d  Ins1  ten  of  the  clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  / Portsmouth  February  22d  1779  Monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Hillsborough  as  printed 

in  vol.  27,  p.  355. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  10th  day  of  march 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


State  of  / Portsmouth  March  10th  1779  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  house  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  Messrs  John  Penhallow  and  John  Peirce  be  a Commit- 
tee to  employ  Cap1  Hubartes  Neal  to  have  the  vacant  land  adjacent 
to  Iviersarge  mountain  Surveyed  and  a plan  thereof  return'd  to  this 
Propriety  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  24tb  Ins1  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  March  24th  1779  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  House  improved  by 
mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  7th 
day  of  April  next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
place — 

a true  Record  attest : 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr3  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


571 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  April  7th  1779  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  improved  by  him  as  a Store  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  Messrs  John  Penhallow  John  Peirce  and  Cap1  William 
Pearne  be  a Committee  to  employ  Cap4  Hubartes  neal  or  Some  good 
Surveyor  to  take  a Survey  of  the  ungranted  land  in  and  about  the 
Mountain  Kier  Sarge  and  to  lay  out  the  Same  into  one  hundred 
Acre  Lotts,  also  Cambells  Gore  so  called,  and  the  land  ungranted 
between  Washington,  So  called,  and  Fishersfield  so  calld ; and  the 
land  not  laid  out  in  lotts  in  Bradford  Town — and  that  the  hundred 
Acre  lotts  in  each  of  Said  Tracts,  be  So  marked,  and  numbered  in 
the  Plans  of  each  tract  that  they  may  be  joined  as  to  make  a draft 
of  the  Same  as  equal  as  may  be — 

Voted  That  the  Clerk  Advertise  in  the  News  Papers  the  1000 
Acres  of  land  in  the  Society  land  so  called  reserved  in  ye  great  Lot 
N°  8,  for  Sale,  also  the  500  Acre  lot  in  New  Chester  also,  two  Rights 
in  Alexandria  of  the  Proprietors — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  the  8th  Inst4  three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop19  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  April  8, 
21,  May  5,  19,  and  June  2,  1779,  and  adjourned  without  transacting 
any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  June  23d  1779  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  House  improved  by 
mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  grant  of  a lot  in  Lyndeborough  to  Joseph 
Blanchard  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  431. — Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  14th  day  of  July 
next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  meet  at  this  place — a true 
Record — 


Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cl 


572 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Then  follows,  in  vol.  7 of  the  manuscript  records,  the  draft  of 
lots  in  Goffstown  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  309-312;  in  Dunbarton 
as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  201 ; in  Sanbornton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp. 
240-242;  in  Meredith  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  483-485;  in  Wake- 
field as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  359-362;  in  Middleton  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  498;  in  New  Durham  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  102-104; 
in  Effingham  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  244-246;  in  Weare  as  printed 
in  vol.  28,  p.  431;  in  Sutton  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  pp.  309-312;  in 
Andover  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  87  ; in  Henniker  as  printed  in  vol. 
27,  pp.  330-332 ; in  Moultonborough  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  pp.  525- 
528.— Ed.] 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  July  14,  28, 
and  Aug.  11,  1779,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 

State  of  } Met  According  to  Adjournment  Wednesday  Septr 

New  Hampr  ) 8th  at  the  Store  of  John  Penhallow 

Voted  John  Penhallow — Clerk  Pro.  Teme 

Voted  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  the  15th  Day 

of  September  Three  O Clock 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro.  Teme 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Sept.  15, 
22,  and  27,  1779,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. 
—Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  September  29th  1779  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  j three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  im- 
proved by  mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  corrected  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Marlborough 
as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  464. — Ed.] 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  20tb  day  of  October 

next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


573 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Oct.  20,  27, 
Nov.  3 and  10,  1779,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  November  24th  1779  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  \ three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon  at  the  house  of  mr 
John  Penhallow  improved  him  as  a Store — Some  of  the  Proprietors 
meet — the  moderator  being  absent  at  Notingham  the  Meeting  dis- 
solved— 

a true  Record — attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1’8  Cl 


[Masonian  Papers,  Yol.  2,  p.  43.] 

State  of  New  \ Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Hampshire  \ Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New 
Hampshire  that  there  will  be  held  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  at 
the  House  of  Mr  John  Penhallow  partly  improved  by  him  as  a Store 
in  Portsmouth,  in  Said  State,  on  Wednesday  the  15th  day  of  Decem- 
ber next  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon^ — 

To  receive  or  demand  a Report  of  any  Committee  or  Person  ap- 
pointed by  Said  Proprietors,  to  do  or  transact  any  matter  or  thing 
for  Said  Proprietors — 

To  Determine  upon  Some  Method  of  raising  money  to  defrey  any 
Charge  already  risen,  or  that  may  or  shall  arise  to  the  Propriety; 
and  to  require  and  adjust  and  Settle  any  Account  relative  to  Said 
Proprietors — 

To  Grant,  Sell,  Sever  and  Convey  any  part  of  Said  Lands,  not 
already  granted  Severed  or  conveyed  by  Said  Proprietors. 

To  Appoint  any  Person  or  Persons  to  consult  upon  execute  or 
transact  any  Matter  or  thing  relative  to  the  Interest  or  Concern  of 
Said  Propriety — 

Portsmouth  November  29th  1779 — 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth 

Mehet  Odiorne 

Jonathan  Warner  for  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Esq 

John  Penhallow 

for  Coll1  Wallingford  Heirs  Will1"  Pearne 

Geo:  Atkinson 

Daniel  Rogers 

Wm  Whipple  for  John  Moffatt  Esqr 

Geo:  Jaffrey 


574 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  December  15th  1779  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  j three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  house  of  Mr 
John  Penhallow  partly  improved  by  him  as  a Store — The  Proprie- 
tors of  the  lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New 
Hampshire,  meet  pursuant  to  a Notification  dated  the  29th  day  of 
November  last,  notifying  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprietors  would  be 
held  at  the  abovesaid  time  and  place — 

Voted  That  the  Honl,le  Daniel  Rogers  Esar  be  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next,  the  22d  Inst4 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Dec.  22 
and  29,  1779,  Jan.  5 and  12,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  transact- 
ing any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  January  14th  1780  Fryday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  beforenoon  at  the  dwelling  house  of 
George  Jaffrey  Esqr  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  Meeting  held  on  October  25th 
1749,  had  granted  unto  John  Thomlinson  Esr  of  the  City  of  London 
two  shares  in  a Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Samuel  Palmer  Esqr  & 
others  (now  called  Meredith)  which  Two  shares  have  not  been 
ascertained  to  Said  Thomlison  or  his  heirs  or  assigns — Therefore 
Voted  that  the  Shares  or  Lotts  as  they  Stand  on  the  Plan  of  Said 
tract  of  Land,  (now  called  meredith)  and  the  Draft  of  the  Lotts  of 
the  Same,  viz*  one  share  being  N°  8 in  1st  division  4th  Range  N°  34  in 
2d  division  & N°  34  in  3d  division  the  other  Share  N°  5 in  1st  division 
1st  Range  in  N°  9 in  2d  division  N°  9.  in  3d  division  be  and  are  hereby 
ascertained  to  the  Said  Thomlinson  his  Heirs  and  assigns — and  as 
there  be  two  other  Shares  in  Said  Meredith  drawn  for  to  use  the 
Proprietors  which  are  not  appropriated,  Also  Voted  that  one  share 
viz*  Lot  N°  2 — 1st  division  4th  Range  N°  33 — 2d  division  N°  33 — 3d 
division — be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Heirs  of  Mathew  Liver- 
more Esqr,  deceased — and  that  one  other  share  in  Said  Meredith  viz* 
Lot  N°  10 — 1st  divis11  5th  Range  N°  52 — 2d  division  N°  52.  3d  division 
— be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  William  Parker  Esqr  his  Heirs  and 
assigns — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


575 


The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  26th  Inst,  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  m1  John  Penhallow 
partly  improved  by  him  as  a Store  in  Portsmouth — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Jan.  26, 
Feb.  2,  14,  21,  March  6,  20,  and  27,  1780,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  April  8d  1780  Monday  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  } Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  partly  improved  by 
mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  That  William  Whipple  Esqr  mr  John  Penhallow  & mr  John 
Peirce  be  a Comittee  to  Sell  the  tract  of  land  called  Cambell’s  Gore 
to  the  best  advantage  for  the  Proprietors  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  10th  Ins4  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place — a true  Record 

attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  April  10th  1780  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon,  at  the  House  of  mr  John  Penhal- 
low improved  by  him  as  a Store  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the 
17th  Ins4  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  } Portsmouth  April  17th  1780  Monday  Three 

New  Hampr  > O Clock,  Meet  According  to  Adjournment  at  the 
Rockingham  ss  ) Store  Improv'd  by  John  Penhallow — 

Voted — John  Penhallow — Clerk  Pro.  Tern® 

Whereas  by  a Vote  of  said  Proprietors  passed  the  8<l  Day  of  April 
1780 — William  Whipple  John  Penhallow  Esqrs  and  Mr  John  Peirce, 
were  impowered  as  a Committee  to  sell  the  tract  of  Land  called 
Cambells  Gore,  to  the  best  Advantage  for  the  Proprietors  and 
some  Doubt  Arising  whether  any  two  of  said  Committee  are  Compe- 
tent for  that  purpose  and  it  being  Also,  Necessary  to  Enable  the 
same  Committee  for  and  in  behalf  of  said  Proprietors  to  take  any  Real 
or  personal  Security  for  the  Sale  of  said  Land  for  the  Use  of  said 
proprietors — Therefore,  Voted  that  said  Committee  or  anv  Two  of 
them,  hereby  are  Fully  impowered  in  Rehalf  of  said  Proprietors  to 


576 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


sell  tlie  same  Land  as  Aforesaid  and  take  any  Real  or  Personal 
Security  for  the  payment  of  the  purchase  Sum  they  may  Judge 
proper — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Monday 
next  24th  Instant  at  3 O Clock  Afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  Place 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  P Tern® 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  April  24, 
May  8,  15,  and  29,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


State  of  i Portsmouth  may  30th  1780  Tuesday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  beforenoon  at  the  House  of  rar  John  Pen- 
hallow partly  improved  by  him  as  a Store  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

Whereas  there  be  two  Strips  of  Land  unapropriated  by  the  Pro- 
prietors, one  of  which  lye’s  between  the  Province  line  and  the  Town 
of  Mason  the  other  lye’s  between  Wilton  & Mason  Therefore  Voted 
that  mr  Jonas  Minot  be  and  hereby  is  requested  to  have  each  of  the 
Said  Strips  of  land  Surveyed,  and  planned,  into  Sixteen  equal  shares 
and  that  the  Same  be  done  and  returned  as  Soon  as  may  be — 

also  that  Said  Minot  make  enquiry  after  a strip  or  gore  of  land 
unapropriated  lying  between  New  Ipswich  & Peterbough  Slip,  and 
if  there  be  a valuable  tract  there  to  have  the  Same  Surveyed  and  a 
Plan  thereof  Made  and  returned  to  the  Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  ye  31st  Ins4  ten  of  the 
Clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attes4  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  May  31, 
June  2,  7,  21,  28,  and  29,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  transacting 
any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  July  5th  1780  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  J the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John  Pen- 
hallow partly  improved  by  him  as  a Store  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjourment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


577 


Voted  that  mr  John  Peirce  be  desired  to  employ  a Surveyor  to 
make  a Survey  of  that  part  of  the  Gore  claimed  by  Gilman  Town,  and 
on  which  Sundry  Persons  claiming  under  Gilmantown  have  commit- 
ted various  trespasses  and  to  return  a plan  thereof  describing  the 
lines  of  each  lot,  and  how  much  land  is  taken  off  from  each  lot;  also 
a plan  of  that  part  of  Gilmantown  which  the  Proprietors  of  Said  Town 
laid  out  for  the  Grantors  and  as  it  is  apprehended  that  Reservation 
laid  out  by  the  Gilman  Town  Proprietors  for  the  Grantors,  was 
designedly  laid  out  on  Several  of  the  Lots  of  this  Propriete  in  said 
Gore — and  that  Said  Surveyor  be  instructed,  to  delineate  on  said 
Plan,  how  said  Lots  laid  out  by  Gilman  Town  Proprietors  for  the 
Grantors  Reservation  in  Said  Town,  interfere  with  our  Lots  in  the 
Gore,  for  future  Consideration:  and  that  mr  Jaffrey  is  desired  to 
advance  to  the  Surveyor  as  much  money  as  is  necessary  for  Said 
Survey  &c — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  26th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penliallow  July  26, 
Aug.  2,  9,  11,  14,  15,  and  24,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  | Portsmouth  August  31,  1780  Met  at  the  House  of 
New  Hampr  \ John  Penhallow,  Partly  Improv'd  as  a Store — Accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — 

Voted  John  Penhallow  Clerk  Pro  Teme 

The  Meeting  Was  Adjourn’d  to  Sepr  1st,  10  OClock  forenoon 

John  Penhallow  Cler.  P.  Teme 


Met  According  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  l!onble  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  be  desired  to  pay 
General  Whipple  One  hundred  and  Five  Spannish  Mill’d  Dollars  or 
an  Equivalent  in  Paper  Bills  at  the  Present  Exchange  it  being  in 
Full  for  the  sum  of  Eight  hundred  and  Ninety  Six  pounds  6/5 
Borrow’d  of  said  Whipple  on  the  11th  of  December  Last  and  the 
Interest  thereon  to  this  day 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Wednes- 
day the  13th  Instant  at  Three  OClock  in  the  Afternoon 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  P.  Tern® 


37 


578 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Sept.  13, 
20,  and  27,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


Met  According  to  Adjournment  Thursday  28th  Instant — 

Voted  That  William  Whipple  Woodbury  Langdon  Esqrs  and  Mr 
John  Peirce  or  any  two  of  them,  be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a 
Committee  to  lay  out  all  the  undivided  Lands  not  yet  Laid  out  in 
Masons  Patent  and  Return  the  Plans  thereof,  as  soon  as  may  be  and 
to  lay  out  the  same,  in  Such  Lots  as  the  Committee  Shall  Judge  to 
be  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Propriety  and  that  the  same 
Committee  or  any  Two  of  them  be  and  hereby  are  Impowered  to 
make  Sale  at  Auction  or  Otherwise  of  as  much  of  the  Undivided 
Lands  within  said  Patent  for  the  use  of  said  propriety  as  will  raise 
a Sum  of  money  not  Exceeding  Two  thousand  Spannish  Mill’d 
Dollers  or  a Sum  in  paper  Currency  Equal  thereto,  and  that  the 
same  Committee  or  any  Two  of  them  be  and  hereby  are  Impowerd 
to  give  good  and  Sufficient  Deeds  of  all  Such  Lots  of  Land  as  they 
may  Dispose  of  and  After  paying  all  Charges  that  may  Attend  the 
said  Survey  and  Sale  of  Lands  the  Ballauce  that  may  Remain  in 
their  hands  to  be  paid  to  the  Treasuer  of  said  proprietors — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  and  hereby  is  Adjourned  to  Wednes- 
day the  11th  Day  of  October  at  Three  O Clock  Afternoon 

John  Penhallow  Clerk  P.  Teme 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Oct  11  and 
18,  1780,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  October  19th  1780  Thursday  twelve 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  at  noon  at  the  House  partly  im- 
proved by  mr  John  Penhallow  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  held  at  Portsmouth 
Jany  14th  1780.  determined  and  resolved  that  there  be  a Survey  re- 
turned of  the  large  lotts  in  the  Society  land  viz1  of  N°  5 N°  6 & N° 
7.  and  what  Number  of  Acres  either  of  those  Lotts  fall  Short  of  four 
thousand  Acres,  Shall  be  made  up  to  the  original  Proprietor  of  each 


RECORDS  of  MEETINGS. 

madf  a^urvey’of  each  of'sai,UI "d  aS  James  Bett°n  Esqr  has 
So  called,  and  r eZtd  1 “ llltT'  land  ^ 

Plan  is  declared  tl.at  the  Zve^ld  li1  VoVg,'Stt  17*°-  ">  which 
sand  five  hundred  ninety  nine  Acres  and  Q*  ’ °01ltaPs  two  Thou- 

Lot ».  6 tl„J  S“  aA„“ htZd  ,?„Rod,r‘"d  "« 

two  hundred  ninety  rods,  and  the  f of  N«  7 undle.d,  Se/ei1  Acres  and 
eight  hundred  eleaven  Acres  and  o^h  l co"tain  8 three  Thousand 
voted  that  the  Said Plan  of Su?vPv  of  th“ ^^7  rods-Therefore 
N°  5.  No  6.  and  N»  7.  s ac  ep"ed  and  e"tS,  °f  the  said  Lotts 

that  there  be  and  hereby is Sed  "d-  agreaWe  tllereto 

Said  Lot  N»  5 fourteen  hundre I QJ  H'®  0rlglnal  Proprietor  of 
Original  Proprietor  of  Said  Lot  N^fi  Se*5  Ac,res  °f  ,and’  and  to  the 
Acres  of  land— and  unto  for  , „ e"  hundred  & ninety  four 

one  hundred  and  ninety  Acres  foTnJTTT1’  °-f,  Said  LotN°  7. 
land  hereby  granted,  to  make  on  the  rl  fi  '7llch  said  Quantities  of 
S-M  Number  of  Ac™  oTl.L  l„te  a ^ Lol*-“'> 

unapropriated  land  lying  between  ltj.i  « u ^ "“Suited  and 
the  Curve  line,  if  that  be  Sufficient  to  make  ^a?l”ngton  and 
not,  to  be  laid  out  in  the  la^nnt  11  } deficiences- if 

a™  Six;  is 

0ri8in" 

si*.-  r S?r-“r  »■ 

Daniel  Rogers  Esq'  resigned-  M®etlnS  ln  tlle  P'ace  of  Said 

Clock  before  noon  “to  ted^th™ pSL-afoue  Record  ^ °f  U,e 

Attest  Geo:  Jaffrev  Proprs  Cl 

Nov.  2,  15,  I^Dec. Tl^l^anT  lVlTSo"  P7,ha!low  °ct-  23,  26, 
transacting  any  business. Ed.]  ’ ’ anc  adJourned  witliout 


New  Hampshire  ! of  Rm1  no, T ?ecembei’  ’S'"  1780  monday  three 

Penballovv  parUv  iniproved  by^hn^s0!'0^  at  ^ H°us®  John 
according  to  adjournment—  ' ‘St  1 16  1 roPr'etors  meet 


580 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Proprietors  on  the  11th  day  of  June  1761  granted  to  Meshech 
Weare  Esqr  his  Heirs  and  assigns  four  hundred  Acres  in  the  reserved 
Seventeenth  Share  in  the  Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond  ; and  also 
granted  to  Theodore  Mars  ton  (Son  of  Daniel  Marston  deceased)  his 
Heirs  and  Assigns  one  hundred  and  fifty  Acres  in  Said  reserved 
Seventeenth  Share  ; and  on  the  26th  day  of  November  1761  did  grant 
to  major  Samuel  Hale  of  Portsmouth  three  hundred  Acres  of  land 
in  Said  Seventeenth  part  or  reserved  Share — The  said  Grantees 
having  requested  the  Proprietors  to  have  a Severance  made  of  their 
Said  Grants,  and  now  at  this  Meeting  of  the  Proprietors,  it  being 
proposed  by  the  Said  Grantees  or  their  Agents,  to  proceed  in  the 
following  manner,  to  locate  and  make  Severance  of  their  Several 
and  respective  grants  viz1  that  as  the  Said  reserved  Seventeenth  part 
or  Share  in  Said  Gore,  being  in  two  Lots  N°  8.  in  the  Second  Range 
of  Lots  & N°  14,  in  the  third  Range  of  Lots,  which  two  lots  are 
divided  by  Merry  Meeting  Bay — That  it  may  be  determined  by 
drawing  lots  whether  the  Said  Grants  should  be  located  in  the  said 
lot  N°  8.  or  in  the  Said  Lot  N°  14.  and  also  in  what  part  of  the  Lot, 
so  determined,  the  Said  Grants  should  be  located  ; which  Proposal 
was  approved  of  by  the  Proprietors — and  the  Lots  were  accordingly 
drawn  and  the  Said  Lot  N°  14  was  drawn  for  the  Location  of  the 
Grants — and  Theodore  Marston’s  Grant  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
Acres,  was  drawn  to  be  located  on  the  South  Side  of  Said  Lot  N° 
14,  Meshech  Wear  Esqurs  Grant  of  four  hundred  Acres  was  drawn 
to  be  located  joining  northerly  on  Theodore  Marstons  lot  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  acres;  Major  Samuel  Hale’s  Grant  of  three  hun- 
dred Acres  was  drawn  to  be  located,  bounding  on  Winipissioke 
Pond,  Merry  Meeting  bay  and  the  part  drawn  for  the  Proprietors  in 
Said  Lot  N°  14— 

Therefore  Voted  that  the  Said  Grants  to  Said  Meshech  Weare 
Esqr  Major  Samuel  Hale  and  Theodore  Marston  be  and  hereby  are 
located  as  above  described,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  Same  to  them 
and  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  in  Severalty,  and  the  Part  of  Said  Lot 
N°  14 — drawn  for  the  Proprietors  to  be  disposed  of  by  them,  as  they 
shall  hereafter  Order — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  ye  25th  Ins1  ten  of  the 
Clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  Attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl. 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


581 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Dec.  25, 
1780,  Jan.  1,  8,  15,  29,  Feb.  5,  12,  25,  March  5,  19,  April  2,  9,  28, 
80,  May  30,  31,  July  2,  9,  18,  Aug.  1,  Sept.  5,  26,  Oct.  31,  Nov.  7, 
14,  28,  and  Dec.  19,  1781,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  December  24th  1781  Monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  before  Noon,  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  partly  improved  as  a Store — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Whereas  there  are  Sundry  Tracts  or  peices  of  land  within  the 
Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New-Hampshire, 
which  the  Proprietors  have  not  Appropriated  by  Grant  Sale  or 
Severance  which  are  now  determined  to  be  Severed  and  appropri- 
ated by  Lot,  to  the  Rights  of  the  fifteen  original  Purchasers  Shares; 
agreable  to  Sundry  Plans  of  Tracts  or  Peices  of  land,  in  the  Clerk’s 
Office  of  Said  Proprietors — viz4  to  a Plan  of  a Tract  of  Land,  Sur- 
veyed and  returned  by  Henry  Gerrish,  called  Kyah  Sarge,  all  the 
lots  in  Said  Plan,  with  a reserve  in  each  lot  of  five  Acres  for  high 
ways  if  wanted,  except  those  Lots  in  Said  Plan  wch  have  been 
already  granted  or  Sold  by  Said  Proprietors;  and  the  great  Moun- 
tain as  described  in  Said  Plan  ; and  also  four  Lots  Situate  near 
Warner  or  Boscawen  Numbered  1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — also  a Lot  containing 
ninety  four  Acres  but  not  numbered  in  Said  Plan — Also  those  Lots 
of  land  described  and  numbered  in  a Plan  of  a tract  of  land  called 
Bradford-Town,  returned  to  Said  Proprietors  by  Said  Gerrish,  five 
Acres  reserved  in  each  Lot  for  high  Ways  if  wanted — Those  Lots  in 
Said  plan  which  have  been  already  granted  or  Sold  by  Said  Proprie- 
tors are  excepted  ; all  the  other  lots,  are  now  to  be  Severed  and  ap- 
propriated as  aforesaid — 

Also  those  Lots  of  land  described  and  numbered  in  a Plan  of  a 
tract  of  land  called  Cammells  Gore,  taken  by  James  Nesmith  junr, 
with  a reservation  of  three  Acres  in  each  lot  for  highways  if  wanted 
— excepting  Such  Lots  in  Said  Plan  as  have  been  heretofore  granted 
or  Sold  by  Said  Proprietors,  are  now  to  be  Severed  and  appropriated 
as  aforesaid — 

Also  Sundry  Lots  or  peices  of  land  in  New  Chester,  viz4  a Lot  in 
one  of  the  Blank  rights  numbered  26  in  4th  division  (Supposed  to  be 
Sold  for  Taxes  at  vendue)  if  it  Should  not  be  so  Sold,  to  whose 
right,  the  lot  in  either  of  the  two  Blank  rights  wch  is  Sold  for  taxes, 
shall  have  the  Said  Lot  numbered  26  in  4th  division  in  Leue  of  that 
Sold — The  lots  N°  72.  1st  div:  N°  78.  2'1  div.  N°  55.  3d  div.  N°  66.  4 


582 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


cliv:  N°  29.  1st  div:  N°  9.  2d  div:  N°  62.  3d  div — also  a Reserved  Lot 
in  the  Plan  of  New  Chester  laid  down  in  the  Plan  in  the  western 
Part  of  the  Town,  estimated  five  hundred  Acres,  (to  be  laid  out  into 
five  equal  lots,  at  the  Expence  of  the  Proprietors,)  and  three  Lots  in 
Kyah  Sarge  viz1  N°  8.  N°  10.  & N°  12 — to  be  now  drawn  for  Severed 
and  appropriated,  as  they  are  laid  down  and  numbered  in  the  Plan 
of  Kyah  Sarge  in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  Proprietors. — 

Also  Sundry  Tracts  or  Lots  of  land  in  Alexandria  (viz1)  Lot  N° 
55.  1st  division  N°  9.  2d  div:  a half  of  Lot  N°  3.  3d  div:  N°  27.  1st  div: 
N°  24.  2d  div.  N°  27.  3d  div — one  third  of  two  lots  reserved  in 
Alexandria  Addition — as  Said  lots  are  laid  down  and  Numbered  in 
the  Plans  of  Alexandria  & Alexandria  Addition,  in  the  Proprietors 
Clerk’s  Office,  all  Said  lots  be  now  Severed  and  appropriated  as 
aforesaid — 

Also  all  the  ungranted  and  unapropriated  land  in  the  Seventeenth 
Share  reserved,  in  the  Gore  so  called  near  Winipisioke  Pond — be 
now  Severed  and  Appropriated,  and  drawn  for  agreable  to  a plan 
therof  prepared  for  this  purpose  and  to  be  filed  in  the  Clerks  office, 
and  that  the  Surveying  and  marking  out  the  lots  and  divisions,  be 
done  at  the  Expence  of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid  agreable  to  Said 
Plan — Therefore 

Voted  That  a draft  of  the  before  recited  tracts  or  lots  of  land 
(except  those  before  excepted)  be  now  made  to  the  Purchasers  of 
the  fifteen  original  Rights,  in  the  lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton 
Mason  Esqr  aforesaid;  and  being  drawn  for  and  entered  in  this 
Record  to  the  Right  or  name  of  any  and  each  of  Said  Purchasers, 
shall  be  a Severance  and  appropriation  of  the  Same  to  his  Right  and 
Share  in  the  Premises,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  have  and  to  hold 
in  Severalty — and  as  the  Proprietors  have  endeavoured  to  make  the 
allottments  of  the  Several  Tracts  and  Lots  of  Land,  as  equal  as  may 
be,  from  the  Plans  they  have,  and  as  the  Lots  will  be  impartialy 
drawn — It  is  therefore  Voted  that  whatever  Error  or  inequality  shall 
happen  in  the  Division  or  allotment  in  any  of  the  Said  Tracts  or 
Lots  of  land,  now  to  be  drawn  for  to  the  Rights  of  the  Purchasers 
aforesaid,  no  Consideration  or  Recompense  shall  be  granted  or  made 

for  the  Same  by  the  Proprietors, 

The  Draft  of  the  Lots  in  Ivvah  Sarge  or  Kyah  Sarge  Gore  was 

drawn  to  the  Purchasers  of  the  fifteen  Original  Rights  or  shares 

The  Draft  of  the  Lots  of  the  15  Purchasers  Rights  viz1 
To  Richard  Wibird  Esqr  N°  68 — 26.46 — 20.28 — 

To  John  Moffatt  Esqr  N°  50 — 13.33 — 40.48 — 

To  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  N°  5 — 45.81 — 29.60 — 

To  Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esqr  N°  2 — 9.11 — 27.57 — 


RECORDS  OF  .MEETINGS. 


583 


To  Jotham  Odiorne  Esqr 
To  Thomas  Packer  Esqr 
To  Thomlinson  & Mason 
To  Solly  & March 
To  Joshua  Peirce  Esqr 
To  Peirce  & Moore 
To  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
To  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr 
To  Thomas  Walingford  Esqr 
To  John  Rindge 
To  Meserve  & Compa 


No  49—  3.52— 22.3T 
N°  4—43.74—41.56 
N°  1—65.72—58.59 
N°  17— 47.66— 63.65 


N°  51—21  34- 
N°  6 — 85  for 
N°  79—  7.14- 
N°  16-77.80- 
N°  18-15.44- 
N°  83—53.69—55.70 
N°  73—30.42—62.76 


-54.67 

2 lots — 61.25 
-36.82 
-71.64 
-19.35 


It  is  here  noted  That  there  are  Sundry  Lots  in  the  Plan  of  Kyah 


Sarge  which  are  not  drawn  to  the  Rights  of  the  abovesaid  Pur- 
chasers, in  this  Division  and  Draft  of  Lots,  but  are  joined  with  Lots 
in  other  Divisions  and  Drafts  of  Lots,  to  render  the  general  Division 
more  equal,  and  are  drawn  in  the  following  manner 

To  Solly  and  March  Southerly  part  of  Lot  N°  84  q*  110  Acres 
To  John  Wentworh  Esqr  northerly  corner  of  Lot  N°  84  q*  27  Acres 
To  John  Wentworth  Esqr  N°  78  ql  86  Acres 
drawn  in  Division  of  Lands  in  Alexandria  & Alexandria  Addition 
and  of  the  division  of  the  17th  Share  reserved  in  the  Gore  near  Wini- 
pissikee  Pond  to  make  15  equal  shares — 

To  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Lot  N°  10 
To  Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esq1’  N°  8 
To  Thomas  Walingford  Esqr  N°  12 
drawn  in  the  Division  of  lands  in  new  Chester  to  make  15  equal 
Shares 


[Then  follows  the  drawing  of  reserved  lots  in  Bradford,  as  printed 
in  vol.  27,  p.  132;  in  Windsor,  as  printed  in  vol.  28,  p.  462  ; and  in 
Hill,  as  printed  in  vol.  27,  p.  340. — Ed.] 

Division  of  Six  Lots  in  Alexandria  ; and  one  Third  of  two  Lots 
in  Alexandria  Addition  ; four  Lots  in  Bradford-Town  ; two  Lots  in 
Kyah  Sarge ; and  part  of  the  unapropriated  land  in  the  Reserved 
17th  Share  in  the  Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond  to  make  a Draft 
of  fifteen  Lots — 

The  Draft  of  the  Lots  to  the  15  Purchasers  Rights — viz* — 

To  Richard  Wibird  Esqr  Lot  N°  55 — 1st  division  in  Alexandria 
To  John  Moffatt  Esqrone  third  of  two  Lots  in  Alexandria  Addition 
To  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  Lot  N°  85  in  Bradford  Town  53  Acres — 
and  part  of  the  reserved  17th  Share  in  the  Gore  near  Winipissioke 
Pond,  N°  1 in  the  great  Lot  N°  8 2d  Range  contain8  80  acres  as  ^ Plan 
To  Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esqr  125  Acres  the  north  half  of  250 


584 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Acres  in  the  17th  reserved  Share  in  the  Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond, 
being  in  14th  Lot  in  the  3tl  Range,  as  ^ Plan 

To  Jotham  Odiorne  Esq1'  125  Acres  the  South  part  of  250  Acres 
in  the  17th  reserved  Share  in  the  Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond,  in 
14th  Lot  in  3d  Range,  as  ^ Plan 

To  Thomas  Packer  Esqr  N°  3 in  the  17tl:  reserved  share  in  the 
Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond,  in  the  great  Lot  N°  8 in  2d  Range 
containing  125  Acres  as  ^ Plan  south  half  of  250  acres 

To  Thomlinson  and  Mason  N°  99  containing  80  Acres  in  Bradford 
Town  & N°  94  containing  51  Acres  in  Bradfor  Town  131  Acres 
To  Solly  and  March — part  of  Lot  N°  84  in  Ivyah  Sarge  the  South- 
ern part  of  Said  Lot,  110  Acres — 

To  Joshua  Peirce  Esqr — N°  2 in  the  17th  Reserved  share  in  the 
Gore  near  Winipissioke  Pond,  in  the  north  west  Corner  of  the  great 
Lot  N°  8 in  2d  Range,  containing  125  Acres  as  ^ Plan 

Peirce  and  Moore — N°  27 — 3d  division  in  Alexandria 

John  Wentworth  Esq1' — N°  78  contain8  86  Acres  in  Kyah  Sarge, 
in  N°  84.  27  Acres  in  north  Corner  of  the  lot 

To  Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr — Half  of  Lot  N°  3 3d  Range  in  Alex- 
andria and  Lot  N°  35  in  Bradford  Town  60  Acres 

To  Thomas  Walingford  Esq1'  N°  24.  2d  division  in  Alexandria 

To  John  Rindge — N°  27.  1st  div:  in  Alexandria — 

To  Meserve  and  Compa  N°  9.  2d  div:  in  Alexandria 
The  Division  of  15  Lots  each  containing  58  Acres,  in  the 


Reserved  Share  in  the  Gore,  near  Winnipissioke  Pond,  being  in 
great  Lot  N°  8 in  2d  Range — agreable  to  the  Plan  made  of 
Division 

The  Draft  of  the  Lots  of  the  fifteen  Purchasers  Rights 


17th 

the 

this 


Esqr 


To  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
To  Richard  Wibird  Esq1 
To  John  Moffatt  Esqr  . 

To  George  Jaffrey  Esq1' 

To  Mark  Hs  Wentworth 
To  Jotham  Odiorne  Esq1' 

To  Thomas  Packer  Esqr 
To  Thomlinson  and  Mason 
To  Solly  and  March 
To  Joshua  Peirce 
To  Peirce  and  Moore 
To  Theodore  Atkinson  Esq1' 
To  Thomas  Walingford  Esq 
To  John  Rindge  .... 
To  Meserve  and  Compa 


Lot  N°  18.  containing  58.  Acres 

14  

4  

12 

9 

16 

8 

6 

15  

Lot  N°  11  containing  58 — Acres 

17 

10 

13 

5  

7 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


585 


As  there  has  been  no  Division  or  Severance  made  of  the  Islands 
in  Winipissioke  Pond,  to  the  Purchasers  of  the  fifteen  original 
Rights  in  this  Proprietee — There  being  in  the  Clerk’s  office  of 
Said  Proprietors,  a Plan  of  Winipissioke  Pond,  with  the  Islands  in 
Said  Pond,  their  Situations,  and  Supposed  contents  of  each  of  the 
Islands,  laid  down  in  Said  Plan : It  is  now  resolved  and  determined, 
that  a Division,  Severance  and  appropriation  be  now  made  of  Said 
Islands  (except  any  that  has  been  heretofore  granted  by  said 
Proprietors) — and  as  the  Supposed  Contents  of  some  of  Said 
Islands  as  laid  down  in  Said  Plan,  appear  to  have  the  Quantity  of 
two  or  more  Lots  or  Shares  of  a Proprietor  contained  in  them,  Such 
Islands  Shall  be  divided  into  two  or  more  Shares,  and  marked  and 
numbered  in  Said  Plan  according  to  the  number  of  Shares  they  are 

Supposed  to  contain And  as  there  are  in  Said  Plan,  many  Islands 

laid  down,  which  by  the  Estimation  of  the  Quantity  of  land  they 
contain,  as  noted  in  Said  Plan,  that  it  will  take  many  of  them,  by 
joining  and  coupling  together,  to  make  a Lot  or  Share  to  a Right  of 
one  Proprietor  in  the  Said  Islands. 

Therefore  Voted  That  the  aforesaid  Plan  be  accepted,  and  that  a 
Division  of  the  Islands  be  made  in  the  following  Manner  That  as 
all  the  Islands  having  their  number  of  Acres  noted  on  them — That 
those  Islands  noted  to  Contain  the  Quantity  of  more  than  one  Pro- 
prietor’s Share  or  Right,  & if  a part  of  a Share  also,  the  number  of 
the  Lot,  and  the  number  of  Acres  appertaining  to  the  part  of  the 
Lot,  shall  be  noted  on  that  part  of  the  Island,  where  that  part  of  the 
Lot  Shall  be  located — and  the  Number  of  the  whole  lot  or  share  be 
noted  on  that  part  of  the  Island  where  it  shall  be  located — and 
where  any  Island  is  noted  to  contain  the  Quantity  of  two  or  more 
whole  Shares,  each  share  or  lot  on  Such  Islands  shall  be  numbered 
on  different  Parts  in  them,  and  to  whose  Lot  either  of  the  numbers 
is  drawn,  the  Location  of  his  Right  or  Share  shall  be  Situated  in  the 
place  or  part  of  the  Island  where  the  number  drawn  is  noted:  and 
if  any  of  Said  Islands  should  contain  more  or  Less  of  the  Quantity 
each  of  the  Lots  or  shares  noted  or  numbered  thereon,  was  Supposed 
to  contain;  then,  if  it  contain  more,  the  overpluss  shall  be  equally 
apportioned  to  each  lot  numbered  on  the  Island,  in  the  Quantity  of 
the  lot — but  if  less,  the  Deficiency  shall  be  equally  deducted  from 
each  of  the  Lots,  So  that  the  Quantity  of  each  Lot  be  equal 

Also  that  so  many  of  the  Small  Islands  being  of  less  Quantity 
than  a Proprietor’s  Lot  or  Share  & having  the  Quantity  each  is  Sup- 
posed to  contain,  noted  on  them  in  Said  Plan  ; that  So  many  of 
them  be  numbered  with  the  Same  number  on  Said  Plan,  which  Shall 
be  a coupling  or  joining  them  of  the  same  numbers  in  one  lot,  or 


586 


shJbed  the  Same  wmbS  ^da  beill&  coupled 

5*5  ?fr’rrtC  *2tt?s 

Proprietor  s Right  or  Share,  in  the  IsTand^  ^ 0r  ,ess  a 
P°ts  and  shares  of  said  Island, T ds~and  that  a Draft  of  the 

Purchasers  & ProprtlJf'^L  Lots"  *°  the  RiS^  of  sSd 
in  us  Record  to  their  Names,  Shall  be  * “ and  being  entered 

tion  of  Said  Lots,  to  each  of  the* their 1„So.veran5e  a"d  Appropria- 
eralty  and  if  Error  should  bannen  to  he  ? a"d  Assigns  ifl  Sev- 
ille Quantity  or  Quality  of  anv  of  the  s •'Lt'?  111  tlle  Estimation  of 

Lot 18 V "°n  made;  or  ">  the  con plino-  or  in  in  the  Division 

Lot  No  Compensation  or  allown.  g ln  joining  any  of  them  in  a 

granted  or  allowed  for  such  Error  bTsab[  P ’•  ElTOr’  Sha11  be 

VlZ  E°  Wentworth  Esq'  Lot  N°  13  

To  Richard  Wibird  E,„r  ld~ 


To  Richard  Wibird  Esq' 

To  John  Moffatt  Esqr 
To  George  Jaffrey  Esq' 

To  Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esqr 
° Jot  ham  Odiorne  Esqr  . 

' ° Thomas  Packer  Esq-  . 
i°  Thomlinson  & Mason  . 
f o Solly  and  March  . 

J-0  Joshua  Peirce  Esor 
To  Peirce  and  Moore 
1°  Thomas  Walingford  Esq' 

Jo  John  Rindge 
To  Meserve  and  Comp" 
o iheodore  Atkinson  Esqr 


5 
15 

8 

9 

12 

10 

1 

3 
7 

14 

4 
9 

t> 

11 


th"' oUhe 1 "folk aft&nto  be“hd3ayf  tr  ^ ^ °f  Ja“"aiT  "ex, 

a true  Record  attest : helcl  at  th,s  P,ace 

Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


transacting  any  business  —Ed.]  and  adJoulned  without 


Draft  of  the  Islands  in  Winipiseokee  Pond  as  num- 
bered & Coupled  in  i«  plan  Dec.  24.  1781 

John  Wentworth Lot  N°  13 

Richard  Wibird 5.  Long  island 

John  Moffat 15 

George  Jaffrey 8 Long  island 

Mark  H Wentwortli 2 

Jotham  Odiorne 12 

Thomas  Packer  J P & N A H .10 

Thomlison  & Mason 1 

Solly  and  March 3 

Joshua  Peirce  (M™  Martin)  ...  7 Long  island 


"Wcntnaft/l  lila.nl  u 

Called  Ttmhcr  Island 


Jany  28.  1817  sold  Thos  Thompson 
an  island  in  Right  N°  9 Jn°  Rindge 
marked  N°  9.  31  A.  known  by  the  name 
of  Thompsons  little  island  and  lies  near 

' 1 in  Guilford 

March  5.  1817  sold  Ichabod  Libbey  & Jon“  Mor- 
rison an  island  in  right  N°  14  Peirce  & Moore 
marked  N°  14.  92  A known  by  the  name  of  Little 
Bear  island  and  lies  between  Cow  island  and  Long 
island 

January  17.  1820  sold  Samuel  Thompson  an  is- 
land in  Right  N°  9.  Jn°  Rindge  marked  on  plan 
N°  9.  1 8£  A lies  between  Fishers  & Wentworth 
island.  Vide  Letter  Book  this  date 
January  16.  1822  sold  Jn°  P.  Smith  a island  in 
right  N°  14  Peirce  & Moore  marked  N°  14  Went- 
worth Isd  no  A known  by  the  name  of  Timber 
island 

sold  Ge°  Sanders  N°  9.  93  Acres  for  g2oo  he 
says  about  a year  after  Smith  bought 

Nov.  17.  1837  Ge°  Saunders  of  Gilford  offers 
$40  for  all  the  remaining  islands  in  N°  9 say 
28.*  & 


Eastman  & Warren  Smith  want 
the  12  acre  Island  in  Moulton- 
boro  Bay  & offer  $50.  — Some- 
times called  Craggy  Island  — 


Portsmouth  3 1 August,  1818 
I certify  that  this  is  a true  Copy  of  the  origi- 
nal plan  of  the  Islands  in  Winipiseokee  Pond 
filed  in  the  Records  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors 
Jeremiah  Libbey  Prop™  Clerk 


46$  acres  & numerous  small  contiguous  islands 
May  13,  1839  Mr  Davis  of  Governors  Island 
offers  g6o  for  same  islands  but  will  not  be  held,  & 
again  offers  $50 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


587 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  April  26th  1782.  Fryday  ten  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  beforenoon,  The  Proprietors  meet  at  the 
House  of  mr  John  Penhallow,  partly  improved  as  a Store,  according 
to  adjournment — 

Whereas  Messrs  William  whipple  John  Penhallow  & John  Peirce, 
as  a Committee,  executed  Deeds  of  Conveyance  in  behalf  of  Said 
Proprietors,  to  John  Cooly,  and  Sundry  other  Persons,  of  tracts  of 
land,  each  containing  one  hundred  Acres,  Situate  Westward  of  the 
five  hundred  Acre  Lots  in  Ossipe  Town — also,  they  executed  deeds 
of  Conveyance  of  Sundry  tracts  of  land,  each  containing  one  hun- 
dred Acres.  Situate  on  Conway-road,  to  Samuel  Banfill,  and  to  Sun- 
dry other  Persons  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors — 

Voted  That  the  aforesaid  Conveyances  of  tracts  of  land,  be  and 
are  hereby  approved  and  allowed — and  that  the  Said  Proprietors 
will  defend  the  Right  of  Said  Tracts  of  land  to  the  Said  Cooly  & 
others  agreable  to  Said  Conveyances,  against  the  Claim  or  Demand 
of  any  Person  or  Persons,  not  holding  their  Right  or  Claim  under 
Said  Proprietors 

Voted  That  George  Atkinson  Woodbury  Langdon  and  William 
Whipple  Esqrs,  or  any  two  of  them  be  a Committee,  in  behalf  of 
Said  Proprietors,  to  appear  and  defend  against  any  law  Suits  that 
may  be  Commenced  by  any  Person  or  Persons  for  any  of  the  above 
said  Lots  of  Land,  at  the  Expence  of  the  Said  Proprietors — and  also 

to  prosecute  any  Trespassers  on  the  lands  of  Said  Proprietors 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  first  day  of  may 

next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  May  1 and 
8,  1782,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  May  22tl  1782.  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshr  ( the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  mr  John  Pen- 
hallow partly  improved  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

Voted  that  George  Atkinson  be  Clerk  pro  tempore  mr  Jaffrey 
being  absent — 

Whereas  the  Honble  Benja  Greenleaf  of  Newbury  Port  Esqr  hath 
this  day  requested  this  Propriety  to  grant  to  him  all  their  Right  to 
a Strip  of  land  lying  in  New  Salem  and  Situate  between  a tract 
granted  to  his  late  father  John  Greenleaf  Esqr  and  Greens  Farm  so 


588 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


called ; and  whereas  it  appear’s  by  inspecting  the  Record  of  a Vote 
passed  by  this  Propriety  on  the  8th  day  of  march  1759.  that  tho 
Propriety  had  in  general  terms  given  up  their  Right  to  the  Said 
Tract  tho’  not  particularly  mentioned — Therefore 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  Benjamin 
Greenleaf  Esqr  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  all  the  Right  of  the 
Said  Proprietors,  to  a Strip  of  Land  in  Said  New  Salem  to  measure 
eight  rods  in  Width  more  or  less,  and  lying  on  the  easterly  Side  of 
Greens  Farm  and  to  run  to  the  Westerly  bound  of  Said  Greenleaf s 
Farm  and  no  farther;  provided  it  doe’s  not  interfere  With  any  for- 
mer Grants  of  this  Propriety,  or  with  any  Grants  to  the  Proprietors 
of  Londonderry 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  fryday  next  the  24th  Instant  nine 
of  the  Clock  before  noon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest  Geo  Atkinson  Clerk  pro  temp6 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  May  24, 
29,  June  3,  July  8,  4,  10,  and  17,  1782,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  July  24th  1782  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ( the  Clock  afternoon  at  the  House  of  Mr  John 
Penhallow  partly  improved  as  a Store — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

[Then  follows  the  draft  of  reserved  lots  in  Conway  as  printed  in 
vol.  27,  p.  167.— Ed.] 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  28th  day  of  August 
1782  next  three  of  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  Aug.  28, 
Nov.  6,  13,  Dec.  11,  18.  1782,  and  Jan.  1,  1783,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  January  15th  1783  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  house  of  mr  John 
Penhallow  partly  improved  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


589 


It  being  represented  to  the  Proprietors,  That  Cap1  Robert  Wal- 
lace late  Proprietors  Clerk  of  the  Town  of  Henniker,  by  the  allow- 
ance or  consent  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Said  Town,  in  behalf  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Said  Town,  had  disposed  of  a mill  Right  unapropri- 
ated  in  Said  Henniker,  to  Joseph  Amsden  to  build  mills  for  the 
Benefitt  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Said  Town  &c  and  Said  Inhabitants, 
by  mr  Robert  Wallace,  pray  for  the  Acquiescence  of  the  Proprietors 
in  the  disposal  of  the  said  Mill  Right  to  said  Joseph  Amsden — upon 
Consideration  that  the  Said  Mill  Right  is  disposed  of,  for  the  general 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Said  Town  of  Henniker — Therefore — 
Voted  that  all  the  right  and  title  of  the  Proprietors  in  Said  Mill- 
Right  be  and  hereby  is  granted,  upon  the  Conditions  & Services  it 
was  disposed  of  by  the  late  Cap4  Robert  Wallace,  to  Said  Joseph 
Amsden  his  heirs  & assigns 

Whereas  Cap4  Thomas  Morse  hath  drawn  an  order  on  the  Proprie- 
tors for  four  pounds  ten  shillings  lawfull  money  for  Services  done  the 
Proprietors  in  examining  the  number  of  Lots  in  Dublin  and  the  duty 
done  on  each  right  as  by  his  acco4  rendered — which  Acco4  was 
neglected  to  be  rendered  in  Season — upon  Consideration  of  the 
matter — 

Voted  that  the  Order  by  accepted  to  be  paid  .when  the  Com’tee 
who  Sold  ye  Proprietors  lands  receive  Cash  to  pay  the  Same 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  12th  day  of  Febru- 
ary next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  February  12th  1788  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  House  of  mr  John 
Penhallow,  partly  improved  as  a Store,  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  the 
18th  Ins4  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cl. 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  February  18th  1788  Thursday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon,  at  the  house  of  Mr  John 
Penhallow,  partly  improved  as  a Store,  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Whereas  Robert  Harrington  Charles  Barrot  Reuben  Kidder  and 
Nathaniel  Ilosmer  declaring  they  had  purchased  of  each  of  the  Said 
Proprietors  their  Rights  or  Shares,  in  the  reserved  land  to  Said  Pro- 


590 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


prietors,  in  the  Township  granted  by  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqr  in  their 
behalf,  on  the  first  day  of  November  1749  to  William  Laurence  Esqr 
Peter  Powers  Eleazer  Blanchard  &c  which  Said  Reserved  land  not 
entered  in  the  Schedule  or  drawn  For  to  the  Rights  or  Lots  of 
Grantors  or  Grantees  as  will  appear,  by  reference  to  Said  Grant  or 
Schedule  of  said  Township,  lately  called  N°  1 & also  of  a Strip  of 
land  lying  between  the  north  line  of  the  Township  granted  as  afore- 
said, and  the  Town  of  Wilton,  which  Reservation  and  Strip  aforesaid 
being  now  incorporated  into  the  Town  by  the  name  of  Mason,  which 
Reservation  & Strip  are  distinguished  by  north  Strip  & South  Strip, 
and  each  are  divided  into  Sixteen  Lots  or  Shares,  one  of  said  Strips 
containing  about  Seventy  two  acres  in  each  lot,  the  other  Strip  con- 
taining about  twenty  Six  acres  in  each  lot  and  the  Said  Robert, 
Charles,  Reuben  & Nathaniel,  have  also  requested  that  one  lot  in 
each  of  Said  Strips  be  granted  to  Jonas  Minot  of  Concord  in  the 
County  of  Middlesex  and  Common  Wealth  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
Gentleman  and  that  one  Moiety  of  the  other  fifteen  Lots  in  each  of 
the  Said  Strips  be  granted  to  Robert  Harrington  of  Lexington  in  Said 
County  and  Common  Wealth  Blacksmith — and  that  the  other  Moiety 
of  the  Said  fifteen  Lots  in  each  of  Said  Strips  be  granted  to  the  Said 
Jonas  ; The  Said  Proprietors  being  willing  to  gratify  Said  Purchasers 
of  Said  Strips,  in  making  a grant  agreable  to  their  Request  before 
mentioned.  That  Upon  Condition  that  Said  Strips  or  any  part  of  either 
of  them,  have  not  been  granted  by  the  Said  Proprietors  or  conveyed 
to  any  other  person  or  persons  except  to  the  Said  Jonas  Robert, 
Charles  Reuben  & Nathaniel  The  Said  Proprietors  do  hereby  grant 
and  Convey  all  their  Right  Title  & Property,  of  in  and  to  the  Said 
Strips  of  land,  in  the  following  manner,  vizfc  to  Jonas  minot  aforesaid 
his  heirs  and  assigns  one  lot  in  each  of  Said  Strips  of  land — also  to 
the  Said  Robert  Harington  one  moiety  of  the  other  fifteen  lots  in 
each  of  Said  Strips  of  land,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns — and  the  other 
moiety  of  the  fifteen  lots  in  each  of  Said  Strips  to  the  Said  Jonas 
Minot  his  Heirs  and  assigns — To  have  and  to  hold  to  them  the  Said 
Robert  and  Jonas  their  heirs  and  assigns  as  before  mentioned,  on  the 
Condition  before  mentioned — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  13th  day  of  March 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  mr  John 
Penhallow,  partly  improved  as  a Store 

a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


591 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  house  of  John  Penhallow  March  12, 
April  9,  May  T,  June  18,  Aug.  6,  18,  and  20,  1783,  at  the  house  of 
George  Jaffrey  Aug.  27,  Oct.  1,  8,  22,  Nov.  12,  26,  Dec.  17,  1783, 
Jan.  21,  Feb.  18,  and  March  24,  1784,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  April  21st  1784.  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — 

W1  lereas  Henry  Dow  of  Goshen  in  the  County  of  Strafford  in  the 
State  of  New  Hampshire  Shop  Joiner,  had  made  Improvements  and 
Settled  on  a Lot  of  land  by  the  Consent  and  Direction  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors, containing  one  hundred  Acres,  lying  and  being  in  a tract 
of  land  of  Said  Proprietors,  Surveyed  and  laid  out  and  planned  into 
one  hundred  Acre-Lots,  by  James  Hersy,  said  lot  being  numbered 
two  in  Said  Hersy’s  Plan,  and  bounded  northerly  on  lot  numbered 
one,  easterly  by  the  dividing  line  between  the  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  the  County  of  York  in  the  Common  Wealth  of  Massachu- 
setts, Southerly  by  lot  Numbered  three,  and  Westerly  on  other  lot 
of  one  hundred  Acres  in  Said  Plan — and  as  the  Said  Lot  Numbered 
two,  not  being  granted  or  Conveyed  by  the  Said  Proprietors  to  Said 
Dow  and  as  said  Dow  has  removed  his  Residence  from  Said  Lot,  and 
has  Sold  his  claim  avnd  Interest  in  the  Same  to  Moses  Ingalls  of  Fry- 
burg  in  said  County  of  York  Labourer,  as  appeal  ’s  by  a deed  of  Con- 
veyance from  Said  Dow  to  Said  Ingalls — The  Said  Ingalls  praying 
the  Said  Proprietors  to  grant  to  him  the  Said  Lot  numbered  two, 
upon  Such  moderate  Terms  and  Conditions  as  they  think  proper — 
As  the  Proprietors  intended  to  grant  to  the  Said  Dow  the  Lot  Num- 
bered two,  on  Condition  of  his  Settling  and  making  Improvements 
thereon  by  cultivation,  and  Constant  Residency  on  the  Same — are 
willing  to  giant  the  Same  to  the  Said  Ingalls,  upon  Condition  that 
Said  Ingalls  shall  have  twenty  Acres  within  Said  Lot,  fitted  for  mow- 
ing and  tillage  within  two  years  from  this  date,  and  keep  constant 
Residence  on  said  lot,  for  Seven  years  from  this  date — Therefore — 

Voted  that  upon  the  Said  Terms  and  Conditions,  the  Said  Lot 
numbered  two  containing  one  hundred  Acres,  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  to  the  Said  moses  Ingalls,  to  Have  and  to  Hold  to  him,  and 
his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  upon  the  Terms  and  conditions  next 
above  mentioned — 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  26th  day  of  may  next 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  in  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop™  Cl 


592 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  May  26,  June  30,  July  28,  Aug.  25,  Sept.  29, 
Oct.  6,  13,  20,  21,  27,  Nov.  3,  11,  Dec.  2,  8,  14,  1784,  Jan  19,  26, 
Feb.  2,  and  9,  1785,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  February  23d  1785.  Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment  The  meeting  was  proposed  to  be  adjourned 
to  Wednesday  the  2d  day  of  March  next  ten  of  the  clock  before- 
noon  to  be  held  in  this  place — 

Voted  that  William  Whipple  John  Penhallow  Esqrs  and  mr  John 
Peirce  be  a Committee  and  hereby  impowered  to  treat  with  Abra- 
ham Morrell  & Jacob  Blazedell  of  Brentwood  respecting  a grant  of 
an  exclusive  right  to  all  the  Iron  Ore  in  Ossipe  Pond  for  Such  a 
number  of  Years  and  On  such  terms  and  Conditions  as  said  Com- 
mittee may  judge  for  the  benefit  of  the  Propriety  and  the  publick  in 
General,  and  that  Said  Committee  or  any  two  of  them  be  fully  im- 
powered to  make  a grant  of  Said  Ore  for  a term  of  time  not  exceed- 
ing twenty  five  years,  in  manner  aforesaid — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  2d  day  of  March 
next  ten  of  the  clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


State  of  } Portsmouth  March  2d  1785.  The  Proprietors 
New  Hampshire  \ meet  according  to  adjournment — 

Voted.  That  Mr  John  Peirce  be  added  to  the  Committee  appointed 
by  a Vote  pass’d  April  26th  1782 — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  16th  Instant  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  March  16,  23,  30,  and  April  6,  1785,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


593 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  April  11th  1785  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  George  Atkinson  Woodbury  Langdon  William  whip- 
pie  Esqrs  and  mr  John  Peirce  or  any  two  of  them,  be  a Committee 
in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  with  full  Power  to  prosecute  to  final 
Judgement  and  Execution,  at  the  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors,  any 
Action  or  Actions  against  any  person  or  persons  who  have  or  may 
illegally  enter  or  trespass  upon  any  lands  within  the  Claim  of  Said 
Proprietors,  and  also  to  defend  any  Action  or  Actions  which  may 
be  brought  against  said  Proprietors,  or  any  Person  or  Persons  hold- 
ing under  them,  and  also  with  Power  of  Substituting  one  or  more 
Attornies  under  them  for  that  purpose 

Voted  That  William  Whipple  John  Penhallow  Esqrs  and  Mr  John 
Peirce  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a Committee  to  give  grant  and 
confirm  any  lotts  of  land  between  Conway  & Ossipee  to  any  Settler 
or  Settlers  who  are  already  Settled  on  any  lands  in  that  part  of  the 
proprietary  lands  aforesaid — 

Voted  That  George  Atkinson  Woodbury  Langdon  William  whip- 
pie  Esqrs  and  mr  John  Peirce  be  and  hereby  are  requested  to  publish 
an  advertisement  of  Caution  to  any  Persons  of  entering  upon  any 
lands  claimed  by  Said  Proprietors  wch  they  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  18th  Instant  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  April  18,  25,  May  2,  6,  27,  June  3,  7,  15,  22, 
July  4,  27,  Aug.  3,  15,  22,  and  31,  1785,  and  adjourned  without  trans- 
acting any  business. — Ed.  ] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  September  5th  1785  Monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment. 

Whereas  upon  running  the  Curve  line  of  Masons  Grant  Some  part 
of  Holderness  as  granted  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  fell 
within  Masons  Grant,  and  as  Some  of  Said  Proprietors  were  interested 
in  the  Grant  of  Holderness  and  moved  that  the  Said  Proprietors 
would  grant  a Quitclaim  to  Such  part  of  the  land  of  Holderness  as 
38 


594 


CHARTED  RECORDS. 


lay  within  mason’s  Claim  by  running  of  Said  Curve  line,  which  was 
consented  to  by  Said  Proprietors,  but  was  not  passed  into  Vote,  but 
intended  to  be  done — in  order  to  confirm  the  Intention  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors Respecting  Holderness  Therefore  Voted  that  all  the  Right 
Title  and  Estate  of  Said  Proprietors,  by  virtue  of  their  Right  & Claim 
to  part  of  Holderness  which  they  may  or  ought  to  have  bv  their 
Purchase  made  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  is 
hereby  quitclaimed  to  the  Grantees  of  Holderness,  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns,  as  the  Same  was  granted  by  the  Government  of  New 
Hampshr  to  have  and  to  hold  the  Same,  as  if  no  part  of  Said  Holder- 
ness lay  within  Masons  Grant 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the  19th  Ins4  ten  of  the  Clock 
beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Sept.  12,  28,  Oct.  26,  Nov.  9,  23,  30,  Dec.  14, 
19,  1785,  Jan.  4,  18,  31,  Feb.  6,  13,  and  20, 1786,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  February  27th  1786  monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

John  Brown  of  Bradford  in  the  County  of  Hillsborough  and  State 
of  New  Hampshire  Husbandman  representing  to  Said  Proprietors 
y4  by  consent  and  approbation  of  Said  Proprietors  he  had  for  sundry 
years  last  past,  Settled  and  improved  a Lot  of  land  in  Said  Bradford, 
called  and  known  by  lot  N°  8,  as  delineated  and  marked  on  a plan 
returned  by  Jeremiah  Page  and  Heniy  Gerrish  Esqrs  and  praying  for 
a grant  or  confirmation  of  Said  Lot  N°  8 to  him — The  Proprietors 
being  desirous  to  fulfill  their  Engagements  to  Such  Persons  who  have 
made  Settlements  or  improved  in  their  lands,  by  their  liberty  or  en- 
couragement— do  hereby  grant  unto  the  Said  John  Brown  his  heirs 
and  Assigns,  all  their  Right  Title  and  Estate  of  in  and  to  the  Said  Lot 
N°  8 in  Said  Bradford,  or  Bradford  Town — containing  one  hundred 
Acres — as  by  Said  Plan  may  appear,  reference  thereto  being  had — 
The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  thursday  the  Second  day  of  march 

next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


595 


[The  proprietors  met  March  2,  6,  13,  20,  27,  April  8,  10,  24,  27, 
May  1,  8,  16,  22,  29,  June  5,  12,  19,  26,  July  3,  10,  24,  Aug.  7,  21, 
Sept.  4,  11,  18,  Oct.  9,  Dec.  5,  12,  19,  26,  1786,  Jan.  2,  9,  16,  and  23, 
1787,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  24th  1787  Wednesday  ten 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

whereas  James  Cochran  gave  his  note  of  hand  to  Thomas  Packer 
Esqr  for  ye  use  of  Said  Proprietors  of  one  hundred  Sixty  two  pounds 
old  Ten1’  with  Interest  for  the  Same  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  ^ Cent  ^ 
year  till  paid  for  value  received  and  whereas  Said  Cochran  had  paid 
part  of  Said  note  and  finding  his  purchase  was  at  a dear  rate  and 
having  petitioned  Said  Proprs  for  an  abatement  of  what  is  due  The 
Proprietors  considering  the  Circumstaces  of  Said  Cockran  There- 
fore Voted  that  the  Said  Cockran  be  & hereby  is  discharged  from 
Said  note — 

Whereas  the  Said  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  held  at  Portsmouth 
on  the  twenty  Second  day  of  November  1757  Voted  that  Nathaniel 
Meserve  George  Jaffrey  Esqrs  and  mr  John  Rindge  be  a Committee 
for  and  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  and  they  or  any  two  of  them 
are  hereby  empowered  and  desired  to  do  and  perform  the  Sundry 
matters  respecting  the  Gore  adjacent  to  Allens  Town  so  called, 
and  Allens  Town,  which  Committees  heretofore  were  appointed  to 
perform,  also  to  make  a Settlement  of  the  line  between  the  Town- 
ship of  Bow  with  the  Proprietors  of  Said  Bow,  and  the  adjacent 
lands  of  said  Proprietors  or  of  such  as  hold  by  or  under  them,  pur- 
suant to  Said  Vote,  the  Said  Meserve  and  Jaffrey  proceeded  to 
Pembroke  upon  that  buisness,  (Said  Rindge  not  attending)  and 
were  upon  the  Premisses  Several  days  upon  the  Buisness  aforesaid — 
on  the  tenth  day  of  January  1758.  the  Proprietors  made  a grant,  to 
the  Said  Messerve,  for  a Compensation  of  Service  done  for  Said  Pro- 
prietors in  the  Buisness  of  Said  Comtee  of  a tract  of  land  in  or  near 
Allen’s  Town  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifteen  Acres;  by  accident 
a like  Compensation  to  Said  Jaffrey  for  his  attendance  and  Service 
in  said  Committee  was  then  omitted,  tho’  intended,  and  not  Since 
done,  and  there  being  a Small  tract  of  land  in  Said  Allens  Town 
heretofore  unapropriated,  by  Said  Proprietors,  of  about  Sixty  two 
Acres,  a road  running  thro’  the  Same,  bounded  vizfc  north  easterly 
on  land  granted  to  Said  Meserve,  Southeasterly  on  lot  N°  12  in  the 
2'1  Range  of  lots  in  aliens  Town,  northwesterly  on  Suncook  river  or 


596 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Buckstreet  Lots,  so  called,  and  run’s  South  Westerly  carrying  all 
the  breadth  of  ye  land  between  Said  Lot  N°  12  and  Said  Buckstreet 
lots,  untill  Sixty  two  acres  be  compleatly  measured  out,  the  South 
Westerly  Side  line  to  be  west  north  West — In  consideration  of  the 
Service  of  Said  Jaffrey  in  a Comittee  with  Said  Meserve — There- 
fore Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  George 
Jaffrey  Esqr  all  the  Right  Title  and  Estate  of  Said  Proprietors  of, 
in,  and  to  the  abovementioned  Sixty  two  acres  of  land  herein 
described,  To  have  and  to  hold  the  Same  Sixtv  two  Acres  of  land, 
to  him  the  Said  Jaffrey  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for  ever — in  compen- 
sation for  his  Service  aforesaid 

Attest  John  Penhallow  Moderator 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the  25th  Instant  ten 
of  the  clock  beforenoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Jan.  25,  Feb.  1,  and  5,  1T87,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  February  7th  1787  Wednesday  ten 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

Whereas  there  hath  been  Occasions  for  the  Use  of  Cash  for  the 
Service  and  Benefit  of  Said  Proprietors  for  preserving  and  improv- 
ing of  the  Right  and  Interest  of  the  original  Purchasers  and  Pro- 
prietors of  the  lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New 
Hampshire,  which  at  the  time  of  making  Said  purchase  was  deter- 
mined to  be  made  into  fifteen  equal  Parts  or  Shares — Since  which, 
Some  of  the  Original  Purchasers  are  dead,  and  Some  gone  into  for- 
eign parts,  and  Some  have  Sold  in  whole  or  part  of  their  Right,  and 
the  Rights  of  Some  of  the  deceased  Proprietors  are  divided  to  and 
amongst  their  Heirs, — whereby  a collection  of  the  proportion  of  the 
Expence  of  the  Propriety  of  Such  Shares  of  the  original  Proprietors 
absent,  Sold,  or  divided,  is  attended  with  difficulty,  and  not  to  be 
obtained  Seasonably,  for  the  Necessary  Occasions  Use  Benefit  and 
Interest  of  the  whole  Propriety;  and  as  there  hath  been,  and  may 
be  a necessity  or  Occasion  for  the  advancing  Cash  for  the  use  and 
Benefit  of  the  Propriety,  and  which  Hath  been  and  may  be  advanced 
by  Some  of  the  Proprietors  only, — Therefore 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


597 


Voted  that  those  of  the  Said  Proprietors  who  have  or  shall 
advance  Money  for  the  use  and  Benefit  of  the  Propriety,  shall  be 
reimbursed  the  Same,  with  Interest,  from  the  time  they  advanced 
the  money  to  the  time  of  their  reimbursement,  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
first  money  that  may  be  received  or  recovered  by  any  person  or 
Committee  in  behalf  of  Said  Proprietors,  that  is  or  may  be  due  to 
Said  Proprietors  for  Sale  or  conveyance  of  their  lands,  or  that  may 
be  Sold  or  conveyed,  as  may  be  determined  at  a meeting  of  Said 
Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  22d  Instant  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffre}7  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Feb.  22,  March  12,  and  19,  1787,  and  ad- 
journed without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ^ Portsmouth  March  23d  1787  Fry  day  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

In  the  New  Hampshire  Mercury  of  the  7th  InsP  John  McDuffe 
Josiali  Bartlet  and  Archibald  McMurphy  Esqrs  have  notify ed  the 
Owners  and  Claimants  of  land  within  the  Claim  of  the  original 
Grant  to  John  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  that  they  are  a 
Com’ittee  of  the  general  Court  to  ascertain  & Settle  &c  the  Western 
line  of  Mason’s  Grant,  and  that  Said  Committee  will  meet  at  Exeter 
on  the  third  day  of  April  next  for  that  purpose,  and  to  agree  with 
Said  Owners  & Claimants  notwithstanding  the  Western  boundary 
line  of  Mason’s  Grant  has  been  ascertained  and  marked  by  the 
Government  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  Grants  of  land  by  the 
Government  and  the  Purchasers  of  Mason’s  Claim  and  Right  have 
conformed  their  Grants  on  each  Side  of  that  line  for  more  than 
thirty  years  past,  and  the  land  chiefly  Settled  and  improved  by  the 
Grantees  bounding  on  Said  line — and  the  said  Proprietors  have  some 
land  ungranted  within  their  Claim — Out  of  Respect  to  the  order  of 
Government  of  the  State  of  New  Hampshire — 

Voted  That  Woodbury  Langdon  Esqr  and  mr  John  Peirce  be  a 
Committee  of  this  Propriety  to  meet  the  Committee  of  the  general 
Court  at  the  time  and  place  notifyed  as  aforesaid,  to  know  if  said 
Committee  intend  to  have  any  Alteration  made,  in  the  present 


598 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


western  boundary  line  of  mason’s  Grant,  as  now  ascertained  and 
marked  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire — The  Meeting  was 
adjourned  to  Monday  the  9th  day  of  April  next  three  of  the  Clock 
afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  April  9,  16,  26,  May  3,  4,  June  4,  July  2,. 
9,  and  11,  1787,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — 
Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  July  18th  1787  Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  George  Atkinson  Esqr  mr  John  Peirce  and  George 
Jaffrey  be  a Committee  of  Said  Proprietors  to  have  a Remonstrance 
drafted  respecting  the  late  Proceedings  of  the  general  Court  of  this 
State,  concerning  their  right  & Interest  of  lands  they  purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New  Hampshire,  at  the  Expence  of  Said 
Proprietors — The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  ye  25tk 
Insfc  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  July  25,  Aug.  1,  8,  and  15,  1787,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  } Portsmouth  August  20th  1787  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon,  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
-ing  to  adjournment 

The  Memorial  and  Remonstrance  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors 
dated  August  19th  1787 — being  read  and  considered — therefore 
Voted  that  it  be  the  Momorial  and  Remonstrance  of  the  Proprietors 
and  that  it  be  presented  to  the  general  Court  at  their  next  Sessions 
to  be  held  at  Charlestown  in  September  next. — The  Meeting  was 
adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  22d  Ins1  three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon, to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Propr8  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


599 


State  of  \ Portsmouth  August  22d  1787 — Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  ) three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  the  notes  of  hand  in  the  Custody  of  George  Jaffrey 
Clerk  of  ye  Proprietors  be  delivered  into  ye  hand  of  Mr  John  Peirce 
& Joshua  Bracket  Esq1 — 

Voted  that  the  note  of  hand  given  by  Josiah  Bartlet  and  Enoch 
Bartlet  be  given  to  them  by  mr  John  Peirce  & Joshua  Bracket  in 
behalf  of  the  Proprietors 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  raise  a Sum  of  money  for  the  occasion 
and  use  of  the  Proprietors — Therefore 

Voted  That  Sixty  pounds  be  hired  by  Joshua  Bracket  Esqr  and 
m1'  John  Peirce  for  one  year  or  Such  other  term  of  time  and  levy, 
as  they  can  procure  it  upon  ; and  that  all  the  notes  and  Obligations 
of  the  Proprietors  in  Whose  ever  hands,  be  put  in  suit  by  them,  and 
recovered  as  soon  as  may  be,  or  collect  them  in  any  other  maner 
they  may  think  proper  for  the  benefit  of  the  Proprietors ; and  they 
are  further  hereby  impowered  to  dispose  of  so  much  of  Said  notes  as 
they  may  find  necessary,  at  any  discount  they  may  think  proper  to 
raise  Said  Money — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  27th  Insfc  three  of 
the  clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Aug.  27  and  31,  1787,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  i Portsmouth  September  5th  1787.  The  Proprie- 
New  Hampshire  j tors  meet  according  to  adjournment — three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon — 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  held  ye  20th  august  last 
voted  and  resolved  that  a memorial  of  Said  Proprietors  be  presented 
to  the  general  Court  at  their  next  Sessions  to  be  held  in  September 
next,  Therefore  Voted  that  Joshua  Bracket  Esq1' and  mr  John  Peirce, 
or  either  of  them,  be  a Committee  of  Said  Proprietors  to  present 
Said  Remonstrance  to  the  general  Court  ; and  that  they  apply  to 
Benjamin  West  Esqr  to  be  counsell  for  Said  Proprietors,  to  enforce 
Said  Remonstrance  before  the  general  Court,  and  upon  any  further 
Occasion  his  assistance  may  be  necessary  in  defending  the  Right  of 


600 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Said  Proprietors  in  the  purchase  made  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr — 
and  to  give  him  Such  a fee  as  they  may  think  proper  for  the  Said 
purpose — and  to  take  Such  measures  as  said  Committee  may  think 
best  for  the  defence  of  the  Interest  of  said  Proprietors — and  to  make 
report  of  their  Proceedings  to  Said  Proprietors  as  Soon  as  may  be — 
and  that  the  Expence  they  may  be  at,  on  the  Occasion,  be  born  at 
the  joint  Expence  of  Said  Proprietors — - — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  Wednesday  the  26th  Instant  three  of 

the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Sept.  26,  Oct.  3,  and  15, 1787,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  Novemr  21  1787  Wednesday  3 oClock 
New  Hampr  j afternoon 

The  Proprietors  met  according  to  adjournment  and  George  Jaffrey 
Esqr  the  Clerk  being  absent  George  Atkinson  was  chosen  Clerk  pro 
tempore,  and  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  28th  day 
of  November  current,  at  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at 
this  place 

Attest1-  Geo:  Atkinson  Clerk 

pro  tempore 


State  of  j Portsm0  Novem1-  28.  1787  Wednesday  3 oClock 
New  Hampshire  J afternoon 

The  Proprietors  met  according  to  adjournment  and  it  was  voted 
that  Mr  John  Peirce  be  requested  to  take  the  most  speedy  and  effectual 
measures  to  send  for  Benjamin  West  Esq1  & desire  his  attendance 
here  on  Monday  the  lO111  day  of  december  next  after  which  the  meet- 
ing was  further  adjourned  to  Tuesda}r  the  4th  day  of  December  next 
at  three  o Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

Attestr  Geo:  Atkinson  Clerk  P T 


[The  proprietors  met  Dec.  4,  7,  10,  12,  13,  14,  15,  17,  20,  28,1787, 
Jan.  18,  23,  26,  28,  29,  Feb.  2,  5,  7,  8,  and  9,  1788,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


601 


S.tate  of  ) Portsmouth  February  11th  1788 — Monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  beforenoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Whereas  the  general  Court  in  behalf  of  Said  State  has  lately  laid 
Claim  to  Certain  lands  owned  by  Said  Proprietors,  between  the  Said 
Proprietors  Curve  or  head  line  of  their  Said  Patent  and  a strait  line 
run  by  order  of  Said  Court,  and  Whereas  such  Claim  may  have  a 
tendency  to  obstruct  & hinder  the  settlement  of  that  part  of  Said 
patent,  and  to  Create  an  expensive  litigation  and  tedious  Controversy 
with  said  State — Now  with  a view  to  Compromise  and  finally  settle 
the  same  in  an  expeditious  manner — Voted  that  Daniel  Rindge  Esq. 
and  Mr  John  Peirce  be  and  they  are  hereby  a Committee,  and  Ap- 
pointed by,  and  fully  impowered  on  the  part  of  Said  Proprietors  to 
treat  with  the  General  Court  aforesaid  or  any  Committee  or  Agents 
they  may  Appoint  respecting  the  Claim  of  Said  State,  and  they  the 
said  Daniel  & John  on  the  part  of  Said  proprietors  are  fully  impow- 
ered to  Compromise  & settle  said  Claim  with  said  State  or  with 
Agents  they  may  Appoint  as  aforesaid  to  any  lands  owned  by  Said 
Proprietors  between  their  said  Curve  and  head  line  and  the  said  strait 
line  on  such  terms  Conditions  and  limitations  as  Said  Daniel  & John 
may  think  for  the  benefit  of  Said  proprietors,  and  said  Daniel  & 
John  be  and  hereby  are  further  impowered  on  the  part  of  Said  pro- 
prietors to  agree  with  said  General  Court  or  any  Committee,  Agent 
or  Agents  Appointed  by  them  on  the  part  of  Said  State  to  submit 
and  refer  the  whole  Controversy  aforesaid  to  the  final  determination 
of  Men  who  may  be  supposed  by  said  Daniel  & John  to  be  Compe- 
tent Judges,  and  of  Character  proper  to  decide  Such  a dispute,  and 
not  inhabitants  of  Said  State,  Whose  report  Shall  be  final  & Con- 
clusive between  the  parties 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  of  this 
day  to  be  held  at  this  place — — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Feb.  11  at  8 o’clock,  p.  M.,  Feb.  12,  13,  27, 
March  5,  10,  12,  14,  18,  20,  27,  29,  and  April  28, 1788,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


602 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  } Portsmouth  May  26th  1788  Monday  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — John  Pen  hallow  Esqur  the  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing, being  absent  on  a Journey  Therefore  Voted  that  Thomas  Martin 
Esqr  be  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  till  John  Penhallow  Esqr  return’s 
from  his  Journey — The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the 
Second  day  of  June  next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at 
this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop13  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  June  2,  9,  12,  14,  16,  23,  26,  and  28,  178-8 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  | Portsmouth  July  4th  1788.  Fryday  nine  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ) Clock  before  noon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

Whereas  certain  Locations  of  Land  were  granted  by  the  Governour 
of  the  Province  of  New-Hampshire,  to  Hugh  Sterling  Archibald 
Stark,  Samuel  Stark,  Daniel  McNeil  Alexander  Blair,  John  Caldwell, 
Joshua  Martin,  and  Nathaniel  Martin,  containing  two  Thousand 
Acres  each  more  or  less,  as  by  the  Charter  of  each  Location  may  ap- 
pear— and  whereas  the  said  Locations  are  now  found  to  be  within 
the  Limits  of  Mason’s  Patent,  and  whereas  the  Said  Grantees  have 
applyed  to  the  Proprietors  of  Said  Patent  for  a release  of  their  Claim 

to  Said  Locations Voted  that  all  the  Claim  and  Right  which 

Said  Proprietors  now  have  to  the  Said  Locations,  be  and  the  Same  is 
hereby  remised  released  and  quit  claimed  to  the  Persons  aforesaid, 
and  to  Such  Persons  as  may  legally  hold  the  Same  under  them — To 
have  and  hold  the  Same  free  of  all  Claims  of  Said  Proprietors,  as  if 
no  part  of  Said  Locations  lay  within  the  Limits  of  Said  patent — 
The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  9th  Instant  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  Place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  July  9,  and,  “at  the  house  and  place  lately 
improved  by  George  Peirce  as  his  office,”  July  14,  1788,  and  ad- 
journed without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


608 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  July  19th  Saturday  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
ad  j o ur  n m e n t 

Whereas  there  will  be  considerable  Writing  respecting  the  Pur- 
chase made  of  the  Claim  of  the  State  of  Lands  of  the  Proprietors 
between  a Streight  line  lately  run  by  order  of  the  State  and  the  curve 
line  run  by  the  Surveyor  General  of  the  Crown  land  in  the  late  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  as  the  western  boundary  of  Mason’s  Grant — 
Voted  that  John  Parker  Esqr  be  employed  to  perform  the  Same  at 

the  Expence  of  the  Proprietors 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  nine  of  the  Clock 
before  noon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  July  21st  1788  Monday  nine  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

Voted  the  Clerk  Sign  the  following  Notification  in  behalf  of  the 
Proprietors ; and  that  mr  John  Peirce  publish  the  Same  in  the  New 
Hampshire  Gazette — u Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  Proprietors  of 
Mason’s  Patent,  otherwise  called  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  to  bring 
in  to  the  Clerk  of  Said  Propriety  within  thirty  one  days  from  this  date, 
compleat  Lists  or  Schedules  of  all  the  lands  divided  and  undivided, 
by  them  Severaly  holden  between  the  Curve  head  line  of  Said 
Patent,  and  a Straight  line  lately  run  by  order  of  the  general  Court; 
in  order  to  an  assessment  being  made  on  Said  lands  agreably  to  a late 
Act  of  the  general  Court,  authorizing  Such  assessment. — If  any  Pro- 
prietor shall  neglect  to  comply  with  this  notice,  his  lands  will  be 
assessed  according  to  the  best  information  that  can  be  procured 
thereof,  by  the  assessors” — Portsmouth  July  21st  1788” — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  28th  Inst1  nine  of 
the  Clock  before  noon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop"  Cl 


State*of  I Portsmouth  July  28u'  1788 — Monday  nine  of 
New  Ha  mpshire  \ the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon  of  this 
day  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Pro})"  Cl 


604 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  } Portsmouth  July  28th  1T88  Monday  four  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment 

Voted  that  John  Parker  Esqur  of  Portsmouth  Col  Ebenezer  Smith 
of  Merideth  and  Cap1  Charles  Barret  of  Ipswich  be  Assessors  of  the 
Proprietors  Lands  to  be  Assessed  pursuant  to  act  of  the  general 
Court  of  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  passed  in  the  present  year, 
entituled  “ an  act  to  Authorize  and  empower  certain  persons  calling 
themselves  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  who  have  by  their  Agents 
purchased  of  the  State  a Release  of  its  Claim  to  certain  lands 
herein  after  described,  to  raise  levy  and  collect  Such  Sums  of  Money 
as  they  may  find  it  needfull  to  raise  for  certain  purposes,  therein 
expressed,  by  Sale  of  the  Said  lands”  The  Meeting  was  adjourned 
to  Monday  the  11th  day  of  August  next  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon 
to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  August  11th  1T88.  Monday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon,  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — The  [meeting]  was  adjourned  to  monday 
next  the  18th  Instant  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this 
place — 

a true  Record  Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  August  18th  1788.  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  Daniel  Rogers  and  John  Penhallow  Esqurs  and  mr  John 
Peirce  or  any  two  of  them,  be  a Committee  to  Settle  with  Cap4  John 
Dudley  or  whoever  claim’s  under  him  two  hundred  Acres  of  land  in 
Tuftonborough  which  a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  heretofore 
■engaged  to  Said  Dudley  for  building  Mills  in  lot  N°  33.  in  Ossipee, 
and  the  Said  Rogers  Penhallow  & Peirce,  or  any  two  of  them  are 
hereby  impowered  to  convey  Said  two  hundred  Acres  of  land,  to 
whomsoever  may  claim  the  same  under  Said  Dudley  on  acco4  of  his 
building  Said  mills,  on  Such  Terms  Conditions  and  Limitations  as 
they  or  any  two  of  them,  may  think  for  the  benefit  of  the  Pro- 
prietors— 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  25th  Ins4  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


605 


[The  proprietors  met  Aug.  25,  Sept.  1,  and  2, 1T88,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  September  4th  1788  Thursday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

Upon  Application  heretofore  made  by  John  Gordon  of  a Place, 
called  Campbells  Gore,  in  the  County  of  Hillsborough  and  State  of 
New  Hampshire,  Husbandmen  for  a Grant  of  Lot  N°  2 in  the  first 
Range  of  Lots  in  said  Gore,  In  Consideration  of  the  Sum  of  Forty 
seven  pounds  ten  shillings  Lawfull  Money  paid  by  Josiah  Swett 
of  said  Gore — Gentleman — 

Voted  that  there  be,  and  hereby  is  granted  All  the  Right,  Title, 
Interest  and  Estate  of  the  said  Proprietors  to  the  said  John  Gordon, 
of  in  and  to  the  said  Lot  N°  2 in  said  Gore,  Containing  One  hundred 
Acres  of  Land  be  the  same  more  or  less,  To  Have  and  To  Hold  to 
him  the  said  Gordon,  his  Heirs,  and  Assigns  forever — 

Upon  Application  made  by  Josiah  Swett  of  a Place  called  Camp- 
bells Gore,  in  the  County  of  Hillsborough,  and  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Gentleman  for  a Grant  of  a Lot  N°  3 in  the  second  Range  of 
Lots  in  said  Gore,  In  Consideration  of  the  Sum  of  Forty  seven 
pounds  ten  shillings  Lawfull  money  paid  by  the  said  Josiah  Swett — 

Voted  that  there  be,  and  hereby  is  granted  All  the  Right,  Title, 
Interest  and  Estate  of  the  said  Proprietors,  to  the  said  Josiah  Swett, 
of,  in,  and  to  the  said  Lot  N°  3 in  said  Gore,  containing  One  hun- 
dred Acres,  be  the  same  more  or  less,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  to  him 
the  said  Josiah  Swett,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever — The  meeting' 
was  adjourned  to  Saturday  next  the  6th  Ins6  nine  of  the  Clock  before- 
noon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  September  6th  1788 — Saturday  nine 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place.  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — when  the  meeting  was  further  adjourned 
to  monday  next,  the  8th  Instant  nine  of  the  clock  before  noon,  to  be 
held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest: 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


606 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  l Portsmouth  Septe'mber  8th  1788  mondav  nine 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  before  noon  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

Daniel  Rindge  Esqr  and  mr  John  Peirce  being  impowered  in 
behalf  of  Said  Proprietors  as  their  Committee  to  treat  with  the 
general  Court  or  any  Committee  or  agents  they  may  appoint 
respecting  the  Claim  the  State  have  made  of  lands,  within  the  lands 
the  Said  Proprietors  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  New 
Hampshire  The  Said  Rindge  & Peirce  now  make  a Return  and 
report  their  Proceedings  of  their  Treaty  with  the  general  Court  in 
be  half  of  Said  Proprietors — namely, 

Pursuant  to  the  Powers  given  us  by  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  at 
their  Meeting  held  the  11th  Day  of  February  last  we  have  treated 
with  the  said  General  Court,  and  their  Agents,  and  after  a tedious 
Negotiation,  we  have  agreed  on  the  Part  of  said  Proprietors,  in  order 
to  obtain  a final  Settlement  of  said  Controversy,  that  the  said 
Proprietors  for  a full  Release  by  Deed  of  all  the  said  States  Claim 
to  the  Lands  in  dispute,  that  the  said  Proprietors  should  pay  to  the 
said  State,  Eight  hundred  Dollars  in  Specie,  within  one  Year  from 
the  Date,  and  Forty  thousand  Dollars  in  State  Notes  of  said  State, 
within  four  Years,  with  Interest  on  both  of  said  Sums  untill  paid — 
for  the  Security  of  which  payments,  we  have  given  the  Speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  for  the  time  being  our  joint  Bond  for 
both  said  Sums,  dated  on  or  about  the  18th  Day  of  June  last,  and 
have  received  from  the  said  Agents  of  said  State,  properly  author- 
ised, a Deed  of  Release  for  all  their  Claim  to  the  Lands  aforesaid, 
dated  on  the  said  18th  Day  of  June  last  which  we  have  already 
delivered  George  Jaffrey  Esquire  Clerk  of  said  Proprietors,  And  now 
request  the  said  Proprietors  will  take  proper  Methods  for  the  pay- 
ment of  said  Bond,  and  indemify  us  from  all  Cost,  Interest,  or 
Damage  on  Account  of  our  signing  said  Bond,  more  than  our  just 
Proportion  thereof — Portsmouth  Sepr  5th  1788 

Daniel  Rindge 
John  Peirce 

Whereupon  voted,  that  said  Report  of  said  Committee,  be,  and  the 
same  is  hereby  accepted,  and  their  Doings  therein  mentioned  are 
hereby  fully  approved,  and  that  the  said  Proprietors  will  indemnify 
said  Agents  agreably  to  their  Request — and  take  proper  Methods  for 
the  payment  of  said  Bond — 

Voted  that  the  Account  of  mr  John  Peirce  exhibitted  this  day  of 
Expences  for  obtaining  a Release  of  the  State  of  New-Hampshire  to 
their  Claim  of  the  lands  purchased  by  the  Proprietors  of  John  Tufton 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


607 


Mason  Esqr  within  Said  State — be  accepted  and  allowed  amounting 
to  the  Sum  of  <£607  : 3-4 — and  that  he  be  accountable  to  Said  Pro- 
prietors for  the  sum  of  £67 . 18-6  rendered  in  Acco1  exhibited  at  the 
Same  time  with  the  other — 

Voted  that  Five  hundred  Acres  of  Land  be  and  hereby  are  granted 
to  Mr  John  Peirce  to  be  by  him  taken  out  of  the  ungranted  Land  of 
the  Proprietors  near  Ossipee  in  the  North  East  quarter  of  the  Patent, 
which  he  is  to  locate  and  return  a Plan  of  at  the  Expence  of  the 
Proprietors,  for  which  Land  he  is  not  to  be  accountable — 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Nine  hundred  Pounds  Lawfull  Money  in 
Specie,  And  Forty  thousand  Dollars  in  State  Notes  be  raised  and 
Assessed  upon  the  Proprietors  for  defraying  the  Expences  of  the 
Settlement  made  with  the  State  by  the  Committee  or  Agents  of  the 
Proprietors  in  their  behalf  and  for  paying  the  Sums  agreed  upon  in 
that  Settlement  to  be  paid  to  the  State  by  the  Proprietors,  And  also 
that  there  be  raised  and  Assessed  the  further  Sum  of  Fourteen 
pounds  eight  shillings  in  Specie  for  Interest  of  the  Specie  payment 
to  be  made  to  the  State,  And  Seven  Hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  in 
State  Notes,  for  Interest  of  the  Sum  to  be  paid  to  the  State  in  State 
Notes 

Voted  that  if  any  Proprietor  shall  pay  at  any  time  within  one 
year  from  the  eighteenth  clay  of  June  last,  his  proportion  assessed  on 
him  of  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  and  forty  Pounds  in  Specie,  with 
Interest,  or  of  the  Twelve  thousand  Pounds  in  State  Notes,  due  to 
the  State,  with  Interest,  the  Interest  on  such  sum  paid,  for  the 
remainder  of  the  year,  which  is  cast  and  included  in  the  Assessment, 
shall  be  abated  and  allowed  him  by  the  Collector  appointed  to  col- 
lect such  Tax. 

Voted  that  Mr  John  Peirce  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  the  Col- 
lector to  collect  from  the  Proprietors  their  respective  proportions  of 
the  sums  voted  to  be  raised  and  assessed  on  the  Proprietors,  as  the 
same  are  expressed  in  a Vote  passed  at  this  meeting. 

Voted  that  John  Pickering  Esq1'  be  paid  Sixty  dollars  for  Service 
of  the  Proprietors 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  11th  Ins1  nine  of  the 
Clock  before  noon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrev  Proprs  Cl 


608 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  Sep1’  11th  1788  Thursday  nine  of  the 
New  Hampshire  j Clock  forenoon.  The  Proprietors  met  according 
to  adjournment. 

Voted  that  Daniel  Humphreys  Esqr  be  Clerk  of  this  Propriety 
Pro  Tempore. 

Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  tomorrow  afternoon  three 
of  the  Clock  to  be  held  at  this  place 

A true  Record  Attest  Dan1  Humphreys 

Clerk  Pro:  Temp6 


State  of  l Portsmouth  Sepr  12th  1788  Friday  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  ) Clock  in  the  Afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment. 

Voted  that  Daniel  Rindge  and  Joshua  Brackett  Esqrs  be  a Com- 
mittee to  dispose  of  & convey  the  Proprietors  common  Land  in 
Sanborntown,  on  such  Terms  as  they  shall  think  for  the  Interest  of 
the  Proprietors. 

This  meeting  was  then  adjourned  to  The  13th  instant  at  nine  of 
the  Clock  in  the  forne  noon  to  be  held  at  this  Place. — 

A true  Record  Attest  Dan1  Humphreys 

Clerk  Pro  Tem: 


[The  proprietors  met  Sept.  13,  Oct.  6,  and  8,  1788,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  October  9th  1788  Thursday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Dauiel  Rindge  and  Joshua  Bracket  Esqurswere  appointed 
a Committee  of  this  Propriety  to  dispose  of  and  Convey  the  common 
Land  of  said  Proprietors  in  Sandborn-Town  on  Such  Conditions  as 
they  shall  think  for  the  Interest  of  the  Proprietors — The  said  Com- 
mittee appearing  at  this  Meeting,  requested  that  the  Proprietors 
would  grant  a tract  of  Common  Land  in  Said  Sandborn  Town  to 
Daniel  Sandborn  of  said  Sandborn  Town  Esqur  said  Tract  by  Esti- 
mation containing  about  two  hundred  Acres  be  the  Same  more  or 
less — in  Consideration  of  the  Sum  of  fifteen  pounds  lawfull  Money 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


609 


Therefore  Voted  that  all  the  Right  title  and  Interest  of  Said  Pro- 
prietors in  Said  tract  of  land  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said 
Daniel  Sanborn  Esqur  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for  the  Sum  afore- 
said— 

Whereas  at  a meeting  of  the  Proprietors  held  on  the  eighth  day 
of  September  last  past  it  was  voted  “that  the  Sum  of  nine  hundred 
Pounds  lawfull  Money  in  Speice,  &ce  be  raised  and  Assessed  upon 
the  Proprietors  for  defreying  the  Expences  of  the  Settlement  made 
with  the  State  by  the  Committee  or  Agents  of  the  Proprietors  in 
their  behalf,  and  for  paying  the  Sums  agreed  upon  in  that  Settlement 
to  be  paid  to  the  State  by  the  Proprietors  ” 

Voted  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  Pounds  lawfull  money  in  Speice  be 
added  to  the  Sum  of  Nine  hundred  pounds  aforesaid,  to  be  assessed 
and  raised — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Fryday  the  10th  Inst1  four  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest : Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Oct.  10  and  16,  1788,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  December  1st  1788  Monday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ oclock  Afternoon  at  the  Dwelling  house  of  George 
Jaffrey  Esqr  in  Said  Portsmouth — 

The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment — The  Proprietors 
Clerk  being  out  of  Town 

Voted  that  Mr  John  Peirce  be  Clerk  of  this  Propriety  Pro-tem- 
pore — This  Meeting  was  then  adjourned  to  Monday  the  8th  day  of  this 
instant  at  three  O clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

A true  Record  Attest  John  Peirce  Clerk 

Pro.  Tempore 


[The  proprietors  met  Dec.  8,  16,  29,  1788,  Jan.  5,  and  12,  1789, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 

39  • 


610 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  13th  1789  Tuesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  have  been  informed  that  persons  under 
the  pretended  Claim  of  Allens  heirs  have  Sold  lots  of  Land  of  the 
Proprietors,  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  & Severed  to 
their  Rights,  particularly  Some  lots  Severed  to  the  Right  of  George 
Jaffrey  Esqurs  and  the  Proprietors,  from  the  time  of  their  Purchase 
and  ever  Since,  have  considered  a title  under  the  pretended  Claim  of 
Allen — of  no  validity  or  having  any  legal  foundation  to  Support  it — 
Therefore  Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  desired 
to  prosecute  the  Trespassers  on  a lot  drawn  to  and  Severed  to  his 
right,  in  a place  called  the  Gore  between  New  Boston  and  Weare, 
now  incorporated  in  the  Town  of  Weare — and  that  the  Cost  & 
Expence  of  the  Prosecution  shall  be  born  and  paid  by  the  Proprie- 
tors— 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the  9th  day  of  February 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  l Portsmouth  February  9th  1789  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment — 

A Committee  appointed  b}r  the  Grantees  of  Moultonborough  to 
compromise  with  the  Proprietors  respecting  the  right  or  Share  of 
the  latter  in  the  undivided  Lands  in  said  Town,  appearing  at  this 
Meeting,  and  representing  their  Power  and  desiring  the  Proprietors 
to  take  Some  Measures  towards  a Settlement,  in  order  that  the 
common  Lands  may  be  laid  out — Therefore  Voted  that  the  Honble 
Woodbury  Langdon  Mr  John  Peirce  & mr  Daniel  Humphreys  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  appointed  a Committee  to  receive  and  consider 
of  any  Proposals  that  may  be  made  by  Said  Committee  of  Said 
Grantees  and  to  treat  with  them  respecting  the  Right  or  Share  of 
the  Proprietors  in  Said  common  and  undivided  Lands,  and  make 
Report  to  the  Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Monday  the  16th  Instant,  three  of 
the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


611 


[The  proprietors  met  Feb.  16,  23,  and  March  2,  1789,  and  ad- 
journed without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  March  9th  1789.  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ ye  Clock  afternoon,  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Whereas  the  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  held  ye  13th  day  of  Janu- 
ary last,  Voted  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  prosecute  the  Trespasser 
or  Trespassers  on  his  lot  of  Land  in  Weare,  at  the  Expence  of  the 
Said  Proprietors,  and  in  consequence  of  Said  Vote,  an  Action  has 
been  commenced  by  Said  Jaffrey  against  one  Dustan,  as  a Tres- 
passer on  Said  lot  and  it  is  now  Voted  that  Daniel  Humphreys 
Esqur  and  Mr  John  Peirce  be  agents  of  the  Proprietors  to  attend  the 
Prosecution  of  said  Action  to  final  Judgement  & Determination 
thereof — and  that  Such  Counsel  as  be  thought  necessary,  be  em- 
ployed in  Said  Suit  & that  Said  Jaffrey  procure  all  necessary  papers 
for  Supporting  and  prosecuting  Said  Action — and  that  the  whole 
expence  be  borne  by  the  Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  16th  Instant  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  \ Portsmouth  March  16th  1789  Monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the 
30th  Instant  three  of  the  clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop18  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  March  30th  1789 — monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Voted  that  mr  John  Peirce  be  and  he  is  hereby  empowered  in 
behalf  of  the  Proprietors  to  examine  into  the  Quantity  of  common 
and  undivided  land  belonging  to  them,  and  that  he  take  Such  meas- 
ures as  he  shall  find  necessary,  by  employing  Surveyors  or  otherwise, 
at  the  Expence  of  the  Proprietors  to  ascertain  the  Quantity  of  Said 
Common  land,  in  order  to  a division  thereof,  and  make  report — 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  6th  day  of  May 
next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  Attest*  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl 


612 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  May  6,  June  22,  July  27,  and  Aug.  3,  1789, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  August  6th  1789  three  of  the  Clock 
New  Hampshire  \ afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according  to  ad- 
journment The  moderator  being  absent  on  a Journey 

Voted  That  Thomas  Martin  Esqur  be  Moderator  of  this  present 
Meeting  in  his  absence — The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Fryday  next 
the  7th  Instant  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  August  7th  1789.  Fryday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  mr  John  Peirce  be  and  hereby  is  impowered  in  behalf 
of  the  Proprietors,  to  dispose  of  indorse  over  or  assign  any  notes 
or  other  Securities  for  monies  due  to  the  Proprietors,  to  any  per- 
son or  persons  at  a discount,  not  exceeding  fifty  ^ Cent  in  order 
to  raise  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  for  the  use  of  the  Pro- 
prietors, and  that  George  Jaffrey  Esqur  be  impowered  to  assign  for 
that  purpose  any  mortgages  given  to  him  In  his  own  name  for 
the  use  of  the  Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  fryday  the  14th  Instant  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  Aug.  14,  17,  19,  and  21,  1789,  and  ad- 
journed without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  August  24th  1789  monday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  before  noon  The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment  Mr  Penhallow  the  moderator  being  con- 
fined by  Sickness  Therefore 

Voted  that  Mr  John  Peirce  be  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  during 
the  Absence  of  mr  Penhallow — The  meeting  was  adjourned  to 
Thursday  next  the  27th  Inst1  Three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be 
held  at  this  place — 
a true  Record  attest. 


Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


613 


State  of  I Portsmouth  August  27th  1789  Thursday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Saturday  next  ye  29th  Instant,  ten 
of  the  Clock  beforenoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  August  29th  1789  Saturday  ten  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  before  noon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  John  Penhallow  Esqr  who  has  recovered  a Judgement 
in  his  own  Name,  for  the  Use  of  the  Proprietors,  against  James  & 
William  Ramsay,  be  and  hereby  he  is  impowered  and  directed  to 
convey  the  Land  on  which  the  Execution  on  said  Judgement  is 
levied,  to  George  Jaffrey  Esqr  in  Consideration  of  certain  monies 
by  him  advanced  to  the  Proprietors  in  part  and  agreed  to  be 
advanced  on  demand  to  the  amount  of  one  half  of  said  Debt  of  said 
Ramsays,  for  the  Purpose  of  carrying  on  a Law  Suit  pending 
between  said  Jaffrey  & William  Dustin. 

The  Meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  7th  day  of  October 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  October  7th  1789 — Wednesday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Whereas  by  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  at  their  meeting  on  the  8th 
day  of  September  1788  five  hundred  Acres  of  land  were  granted  to 
mr  John  Peirce  to  be  taken  out  of  the  ungranted  Land  of  the  Pro- 
prietors near  Ossipee  in  the  north-east  Quarter  of  the  Patent,  which 
he  was  to  locate  &ce  and  whereas  he  has  located  his  Said  five  hun- 
dred acres  on  the  head  of  Leavits  Town  to  contain  N°  105.  N°  106 
N°  108.  N°  109.  N°  110  containing  one  hundred  Acres  each  which 
Lots  are  a part  of  that  Division  of  100  acres  lots  laid  out  by  James 
Hersy  Esqur  bounding  on  the  Province  or  State  line — 

Voted  that  the  Said  location  of  mr  John  Peirce  made  as  aforesaid 
and  by  him  returned  to  the  Proprietors  be  accepted  and  the  Said 
five  lots  be  and  the  Same  are  hereby  confirmed  to  him  in  fee  in  full 
of  Said  grant,  but  should  any  part  thereof  be  taken  away  by  any  alter- 
ation of  the  line  of  Leavitts  Town  any  deficiency  or  loss  arising  from 


614 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Such  alteration  Shall  be  made  good  to  him  out  of  other  ungranted 
lands — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  next  the  12th  Instant, 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl: 


[The  proprietors  met  Oct.  12,  26,  Nov.  9,  Dec.  1,  and  15,  1789, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  12th  1790  Tuesday  three 
New  Hampshire  \ of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  John  Penhallow  Esqur  mr  John  Peirce  and  Doctor 
Nathaniel  A.  Haven  be  a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  to  make  a 
Grant  of  the  Oar  in  Ossipee  Pond  to  any  persons  with  whom  they 
may  agree  for  the  Same  on  Such  Terms  and  Conditions  and  for  Such 
Consideration  as  they  may  judge  to  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Pro- 
prietors— 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the  13th  Instant 
nine  of  the  Clock  beforenoon  to  meet  at  this  place  a true  Record — 

Attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Jan.  13  and  14,  1790,  and  adjourned  without 
transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  I Portsmouth  January  15th  1790  Fryday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  That  a Memorial  or  Petition  be  preferred  to  the  general 
Court  Signed  by  the  Clerk  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors,  praying  for 
Such  Justice  & Equity  as  their  Case  requires  respecting  the  con- 
tinual Applications  made  to  the  general  Court  for  taxes  to  be  laid 
on  the  lands  of  the  Proprietors  for  making  & repairing  roads  &c 
contrary  to  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  their  Grants — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Saturday  next  the  15th  Ins1  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop1-8  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


615 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  16th  1790  Saturday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — the  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday 
next  the  18th  Instant  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this 
place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  18th  1790 — Monday  three 
New  Hampshire  j of  the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment — 

Whereas  James  Betton  Esq1'  hath  represented  to  the  Proprietors 
that  there  is  a peice  of  land  in  New  Boston  being  lot  N°  12 — on 
William  Clarks  Plan  lying  South  of  the  great  Meadow  and  Lieu1 
John  Smith’s  land  containing  about  forty  three  Acres  and  an  half 
which  lot  (as  he  says)  belongs  to  the  Proprietors  in  common,  and 
requesting  the  Proprietors  to  Sell  or  grant  the  Proprietors  Claim  of 
the  Same  to  him — Therefore  Voted  that  all  the  right  & Title  of  the 
Proprietors  to  Said  peice  of  land  before  described  be  and  the  Same 
is  hereby  granted  to  him  the  Said  James  Betton  his  heirs  and 
Assigns,  so  that  the  Proprietors  will  henceforth  will  never  make  any 
Claim  to  the  Same 

Voted  that  John  Penhallow  Esq1'  Thomas  Martin  Esqur  & mr 
Nathaniel  A.  Haven  be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  a Committee 
with  full  Power  on  the  part  and  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors,  they  or 
any  two  of  them  to  Sell  and  convey  to  any  person  or  persons  for  the 
most  the}^  can  get  all  the  Common  lands  of  the  Proprietors  in 
Lyndsborough  and  Merideth,  on  Such  terms  as  they  shall  think  to 
be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Proprietors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  19th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  meet  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Jan.  19,  20,  21,  and  22  (forenoon),  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


616 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  January  22d  1790.  Fryday  four  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Whereas  the  Owners  of  the  original  Rights  or  Shares  of  George 
Jaffrey,  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth,  Richard  Wibird,  Joshua  Peirce, 
Peirce  and  Moore,  Theodore  Atkinson,  Meserve  Blanchard  & C° 
Jotham  Odiorne,  John  Rindge,  and  Thomlinson  & Mason  have 
Applyed  to  the  Proprietors  representing  that  there  is  a tract  of 
Common  land  belonging  to  the  Proprietors  laid  out  by  them  in  the 
fourth  and  fifth  ranges  in  the  Gore,  so  called,  but  not  Severed  to  any 
particular  Proprietor,  which  Tract  has  also  been  laid  out  by  the 
Proprietors  of  Gilmantown  as  belonging  to  and  in  that  Town,  for 
the  Said  Proprietors  Purchasors  of  the  Right  of  John  Tufton  Mason, 
and  lies  between  the  lot  laid  out  to  Peirce  and  Moore  N°  Sixteen  in 
Said  fifth  range,  and  Winipissioke  Pond,  and  contain’s  by  estima- 
tion two  thousand  one  hundred  and  Seventy  one  Acres,  and  that  it 
would  be  convenient  for  them  the  Said  Applicants  to  have  the  Same 
common  land  granted  to  his  Excellency  John  Sullivan  Esquire 
Nathaniel  Peabody  Esquire  Thomas  Coggswell  Esquire  Peter  Green 
Esquire  and  Samuel  Laughlen  to  whom  the  Said  Applicants  have 
agreed  to  convey  the  Same,  and  are  willing  to  take  Said  tract 
towards  their  Share  in  the  com'on  land  belonging  to  the  Proprietors, 
and  That  such  Grant  will  no  way  diserve  the  Interest  of  the  Pro- 
prietors at  large,  the  Said  Applicants  at  the  Same  time  moving  that 
forty  five  Acres  in  the  Lot  Number  Seventeen  laid  out  to  John 
Rindge  and  Six  hundred  and  fifty  one  Acres  and  ten  rods  of  the 
Lot  N°  Seventeen  laid  out  to  Richard  Wibird,  also  eight  hundred 
and  forty  Six  Acres  and  Sixty  rods  of  the  lot  N°  Sixteen  laid  out  to 
Peirce  and  Moore,  all  laid  out  as  in  Said  fifth  Range,  and  ajacent 
to  Said  tract,  all  which  parts  of  Said  lots  now  appear  to  fall  within 
said  Gilman  Town,  be  confirmed  to  said  Proprietors  to  whom  they 
were  laid  as  aforesaid  their  falling  within  Said  Gilmantown  notwith- 
standing; Therefore  Voted  that  the  Said  tract  of  common  land,  be 
and  the  Same  is  hereby  granted  to  the  Said  John  Sullivan,  Nathaniel 
Peabody,  Thomas  Coggswell,  Peter  Green  and  Samuel  Laughlen 
their  heirs  and  Assigns;  towards  the  Several  shares  of  the  Appli- 
cants in  the  common  and  undivided  lands  of  the  Proprietors  in  a 
future  division  thereof — To  have  and  to  hold  Said  tract  to  the  Said 
John  Sullivan  Nathaniel  Peabody  Thomas  Coggswell  Peter  Green 
and  Samuel  Laughlen,  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  and  that  Said 
forty  five  Acres  part  of  Said  lot  N°  Seventeen,  and  Said  Six  hun- 
dred and  fifty  one  Acres  and  ten  rods  of  Said  other  lot  N°  Seven- 
teen, and  Said  Eight  hundred  and  forty  Six  acres  and  ten  Rods  of 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


617 


the  Lot  N°  Sixteen,  be  and  the  Same  are  hereby  confirmed  to  the 
Said  Proprietors  to  whom  they  were  laid  out  as  aforesaid  their 
falling  within  the  town  of  Gilmantown  Notwithstanding 

Voted  that  Thomas  Martin  and  Daniel  Humphreys  Esquires  be 
and  they  are  hereb}^  appointed  a Committee  to  enquire  and  examine 
whether  the  note  given  to  the  Proprietors  by  Amos  Gage  Moses 
Eaton  and  Jacob  Butler,  be  due  in  Equity,  and  if  it  shall  appear 
to  them  that  Said  Note  is  not  equitably  due  to  the  Proprietors, 
that  they  give  up  said  note  to  the  Promissors — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Saturday  next  ye  23d  Insfc  nine  of 
the  clock  beforenoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Jan.  23,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  Feb.  1,  8,  10,  15, 
March  8,  May  10,  June  14,  Aug.  2,  30,  Oct.  4,  Nov.  1,  29,  Dec.  27, 
1790,  Jan.  17,  31,  and  Feb.  28,  1791,  and  adjourned  without  tran- 
sacting any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  April  18th  1791  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  Account  of  Hubartes  Neal  for  drawing  and  pro- 
tracting a Plan  of  Camden  Camels  Gore  Bradford  & Fishersfield 
for  drawing  ye  Lots  to  each  Proprietor  amounting  one  pound  eleven 
Shillings  Six  pence  it  being  for  ye  use  of  the  Proprietors  be  paid, 
and  mr  John  Peirce  be  desired  to  pay  ye  Same  out  of  ye  Proprietors 
Cash  in  his  hand 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  ye  Sixteenth  day  of  may 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — a true 
Record  attest. 

Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  May  16,  June  20,  July  18,  Aug.  22,  Oct.  3, 
Nov.  28,  and  Dec.  12,  1791,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


618 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  I Portsmouth  December  14th  1791  Wednesday- 
New  Hampshire  j ten  of  ye  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet — 
Whereas  agreably  to  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  passed  Jany  18th 
1790  John  Penhallow  and  Thos  Martin  Esqurs  and  mr  Nath1  A.  Haven 
have  as  a Comtee  of  the  Proprietors  Sold  and  conveyed  to  Ebenezer 
Smith  Esqur  of  Meredith,  the  common  lands  in  Meredith  belonging 
to  the  Proprietors,  excepting  two  hundred  Acres,  and  whereas  from 
the  representation  of  Said  Committee,  there  are  divers  good  reasons 
for  granting  the  Said  remaining  two  hundred  Acres  to  Daniel  Smith 
of  Said  Meredith,  Son  of  the  Said  Ebenezer  Smith — Therefore 
Voted — That  the  Said  remaining  two  hundred  Acres  of  Common 
land  belonging  to  the  Proprietors  in  Meredith,  be  and  the  Same  are 
hereby  granted  to  the  Said  Daniel  Smith,  to  have  and  to  hold  the 
same  to  him,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Thursday  next  the  15th  Ins1  three 
of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record,  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Dec.  15,  16,  20,  27,  30,  1791,  Jan.  2,  9, 
April  2,  May  7,  28,  June  11,  July  9,  Aug.  13,  15,  22,  and  29,  1792, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ( Portsmouth  August  30th  1792  Thursday  nine  of 
New  Hampshire  J the  Clock  beforenoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  there  is  to  be  a meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Lynds- 
borough  to  be  holden  at  Dunstable,  on  the  11th  day  of  September 
next,  and  it  would  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  Proprietors,  to  have  an 
agent  to  appear  for  them  at  Said  meeting,  Therefore — 

Voted  That  John  Peirce  Esqur  be  and  he  hereby  is  appointed 
Agent  for  the  Proprietors  to  attend  Said  meeting,  and  represent 
them  fully  therein,  and  there  to  do  and  transact  any  matters  in 
behalf  of  the  Said  Proprietors  relative  to  their  Rights  and  Claims  in 
Said  Town,  as  to  him  shall  appear  expedient  and  for  their  Benefit. 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  fifth  day  of  Sep- 
tember next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  Place — 
a true  Record  attest.  - Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop™  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


619 


[The  proprietors  met  Sept.  5,  Oct.  9,  15,  22,  Dec.  3,  17,  1792,  Jan. 
14,  March  4,  April  2,  June  3,  and  July  1,  1793,  and  adjourned  with- 
out transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  August  12th  1793  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Voted  That  Edward  S‘  Loe  Livermore  Esqur  be  and  hereby  is  ap- 
pointed Agent  and  Attorney  to  prosecute  an  Action  of  Ejectment 
commenced  against  Thomas  Robinson  and  others  by  said  Proprietors, 
at  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  to  be  holden  at  Exeter,  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  said  August  for  the  Recovery  of  certain  Lands  in  allens- 
Town  and  the  Same  to  pursue  to  final  Judgement  and  Execution, 
and  that  the  sd  Proprietors  to  be  at  no  Expence  about  the  Suit — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  ye  26th  Ins1  three  of  the 
Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop13  Cl: 


State  of  } Portsmouth  August  26th  1793  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  adjournment — The  meeting  was  adjourn  to  Tuesday  the 
first  day  of  October  next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at 
this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  October  1st  1793  Tuesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  \ the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment — 

Whereas  Sundry  Persons  had  engagements  of  Grants  from  the 
Proprietors  for  making  Settlements  in  the  Town  of  Bradford,  and 
have  no  grants  for  the  Same,  Therefore — 

Voted  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  unto  Wiliam  Presbury, 
Asa  Dustin,  Joseph  Presbury  and  Nathaniel  Presbury  all  of  Said 
Bradford  Yeomen,  the  following  Lots  and  part  of  a Lot  in  Said  Town 
viz*  unto  the  Said  Wiliam  Presbury  Lot  Number  Six,  to  Asa  Dustin 
Lot  number  thirty  three,  being  the  Same  Lot  formerly  engaged  to 
William  Presbury  and  which  he  released  to  John  Stanley  and  is  now 
owned  and  occupyed  by  Said  Dustin — unto  Joseph  Presbury  Lot 


620 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


number  Seventeen  unto  Nathaniel  Presbury  Lot  number  fifteen,  and 
also  the  westerly  half  of  Lot  number  twenty  two  to  be  divided  length 
ways  ; all  said  Lots  containing  one  hundred  Acres  each  more  or  less  ; 
always  reserving  to  the  publick  for  ever,  the  roads  already  laid  out 
upon  or  through  each  and  every  of  Said  Lots 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  twentyeth  day  of 
November  next,  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this 
place — 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  November  20th  1793  Wednesday 
New  Hampshire  ( three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  the  Proprietors  meet 
according  to  adjournment 

Whe  reas  the  Building  a Bridge  over  Piscataqua  River,  would  be  of 
great  public  utility,  and  a Corporation  having  been  formed  for  that 
purpose, — For  the  due  Encouragement  whereof — 

Voted,  That  all  the  Right,  Title,  and  Interest  of  the  said  Proprie- 
tors to  Goat  Island  so  called,  lying  in  Piscataqua  River  aforesaid,  be 
granted  and  conveyed  to  the  Proprietors  of  Piscataqua  Bridge, 
upon  Condition,  that  the  said  Proprietors  of  Piscataqua  Bridge,  build 
the  said  Bridge  within  ten  Years,  and  that  Thomas  Martin  Esqr  be 
an  Agent  to  make  and  execute  a Deed  thereof,  on  the  Terms  afore- 
said— 

Whereas  at  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  on  the  12th  of  August 
last,  a Power  was  granted  to  Edward  Sfc  Loe  Livermore  Esqr  ap- 
pointing him  Agent  and  Attorney,  to  prosecute  an  Action  of  Eject- 
ment, commenced  against  Thomas  Robinson  & others,  by  said 
Proprietors  at  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  held  at  Exeter  in  August 
last,  for  the  Recovery  of  certain  Lands  in  Allen’s  Town — 

Therefore  Voted — That  the  aforesaid  Power  be  hereby  fully  re- 
voked, and  annulled  in  all  Respects  ; and  that  any  Powers  given  him 
for  the  Recovery  of  Lands  in  Allens  Town,  so  far  as  respects  the 
Proprietors  be  revoked — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the  30th  day  of  December 
next  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop”  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  Dec.  30,  1793,  Feb.  3,  March  3,  10,  31,  April 
28,  and  May  28,  1794,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


621 


State  of  j Portsmouth  July  2d  1794 — Wednesday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon  the  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

Whereas  Daniel  Rogers  John  Penhallow  & William  whipple  as  a 
Committee  of  the  Proprietors  on  the  25th  day  of  June  1778.  did  agree 
with  Reuben  Whitcomb  of  Henniker  to  have  one  hundred  Acres  of 
land  in  Bradford  numbered  thirty  four  upon  the  following  Condi- 
tions— “to  clear  upon  Said  lot  of  land  three  Acres  fit  for  mowing  or 
tillage,  and  build  him  an  house  thereon  Suitable  for  a familey  to  live 
in,  and  move  thereinto  with  a familey  and  reside  there  within  twelve 
months  from  the  Said  25th  June  1778.  then  to  have  a grant  from  the 
Proprietors,  he  engaging  to  compleat  the  Settling  duties  as  agreed 
upon  by  the  other  Settlers  now  residing  in  Said  Bradford  ” It  ap- 
pearing to  the  Proprietors  that  the  Said  whitcomb  has  made  a 
Settlement  and  residence  on  Said  Lot  in  Bradford,  numbered  thirty 
four,  by  himself  and  Son,  and  on  Condition  of  his  compleating  the 
Settling  duties  agreed  upon  by  the  other  Settlers  residing  in  said 
Bradford — Therefore  Voted  that  the  right  Title  and  Claim  of  the 
Proprietors  in  Said  lot  numbered  thirty  four  be  and  hereby  are 
granted  unto  the  Said  Reuben  Whitcomb  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for 
ever 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  third  instant  nine  of  the  Clock 
before  noon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  July  8,  Aug.  25,  Nov.  17,  Dec.  31, 1794,  Feb. 
9,  and  March  9,  1795,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  busi- 
ness.— Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  March  16th  1795  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  j the  Clock  afternoon — The  Proprietors  meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment 

William  Whipple  and  John  Peirce  Esqurs  as  a Com’ittee  of  the 
Proprietors,  on  the  21st  day  of  April  1781,  agreed  to  Sell  to  Daniel 
Young  a lot  of  land  in  new  Bradford,  numbered  ten  containing  one 
hundred  twenty  Acres,  more  or  less;  for  the  Consideration  of  three 
hundred  Spanish  milled  Dollars,  to  be  paid  one  half  by  the  20th  day 
of  June  then  next  following,  and  the  other  half  by  the  20th  day  of 
november  next,  with  Interest  from  Said  20th  June  ; but  if  not  paid  in 
Said  Manner,  that  agreement  to  be  void — It  appearing  that  Said 


622 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Daniel  Young  had  paid  William  Whipple  and  Woodbury  Langdon, 
forty  Spanish  Milled  Dollars  in  part,  on  the  18th  day  of  June  1781. 
and  that  he  paid  Woodbury  Langdon  fifteen  pounds  more,  in  part  of 
Said  three  hundred  dollars — and  Since,  the  Said  Daniel  Young  pre- 
sented a Memorial  to  the  Proprietors  in  August  1793.  Shewing  he 
had  made  Payment  to  William  Whipple  the  sum  of  twelve  pounds — 
and  to  Woodbury  Langdon  fifteen  pounds  ; and  to  the  Collector  of 
Taxes  three  pounds,  for  Said  lot — and  that  by  his  indigent  circum- 
stances was  not  able  to  procure  money  so  as  to  compleet  his  bargain  ; 
and  that  the  land  by  Survey,  fell  short  twenty  acres — He  pray’s  the 
Proprietors  would  give  up  the  residue  of  the  Sum  of  Ninety  pounds, 
being  the  purchase  Sum  agreed  upon ; and  quiet  him  in  the  posses- 
sion of  Said  lot  of  land — In  August  1793  The  matter  was  communi- 
cated to  Sundry  of  the  Proprietors  at  a Proprietors  meeting,  who 
then  concluded  to  consent,  that  if  said  Young,  will  pay  fifty  dollars 
in  the  Fall  1793.  and  fifty  dollars  in  the  Fall  1794.  that  Said  Young 
Should  be  quieted  in  his  possession  of  Said  lot — Said  Young  having 
paid  the  Said  Sum  of  fifty  dollars,  and  Richard  Creecy,  in  behalf  of 
said  Young,  paid  the  other  fifty  dollars  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Proprie- 
tors— The  Said  Young  also  requesting  that  the  Said  Proprietors 
would  make  a Grant  of  the  Said  Lot  Number  ten  in  New  Bradford, 
to  Richard  Creecy,  (instead  of  making  it  to  him) — Upon  Considera- 
tion of  Performance  of  Said  Payments  before  mentioned,  and  also 
that  a Settlement  has  been  made  on  Said  lot — Upon  the  request  of 
Said  Daniel  Young  that  a grant  of  Said  lot  Numbered  ten  be  made 
to  Said  Richard  Creecy — It  is  Therefore — 

Voted  that  all  the  right  Title  and  Estate  of  Said  Proprietors  in  Said 
lot,  numbered  Ten,  in  New  Bradford,  computed  one  hundred  Acres, 
be  it  more  or  less,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Said  Richard 
Creecy,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  Same,  to  him  and  his  heirs  and 
assigns  for  ever,  on  the  Terms  and  Conditions  the  other  lots  in  Said 
new  Bradford  are  granted  and  held  by  the  Grantees — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  the  4th  day  of  may  next, 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record  Attest.  Geo:  JafTrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  May  4,  June  1,  and  Aug.  3,  1795,  and 
adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


623 


State  of  } Portsmouth  August  17th  1795.  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ( the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  Meet  accord- 
ing to  adjournment — 

Voted  that  the  Nineteen  following  Lots  of  Land  in  Ossipee  Gore 
adjoining  the  Northerly  side  Line  of  Tuftonboroogh  in  the  Coun- 
ty of  Strafford  & State  aforesaid  be  and  hereby  are  granted  & 
assigned  by  said  Proprietors  to  Woodbury  Langdon  of  said  Ports- 
mouth Esquire  Ins  heirs  & assigns  forever  agreeably  to  his  petition 
on  file,  which*  Lots  contain  One  hundred  Acres  each  & are  Num- 
bred  Two,  Three,  Four,  Five,  Six,  Seven,  Eleven,  Twelve,  Sixteen 
Seventeen,  Eighteen,  Forty  seven,  Forty  eight,  Forty  nine,  Fifty, 
Eighty  four,  Eighty  three,  Eighty  five,  & Eighty  six,  and  also  the 
following  small  gores  on  Tuftonborough  line  Viz.  Thirty  Seven 
Acres  adjoining  Lot  N°  Sixteen,  Eighteen  Acres  adjoining  Lot  N° 
Forty  eight,  and  Fifty  eight  acres  adjoining  Lot  Number  eighty 
four,  in  the  plan  of  said  Ossipee  Gore  taken  and  returned  by  James 
Hersey  bearing  date  1781 — and  on  file  in  the  office  of  said  Proprie- 
tors which  Land  so  granted  and  assigned  amounting  to  Two  thou- 
sand and  thirteen  acres  shall  be  in  full  satisfaction  and  compensa- 
tion of  the  said  Langdons  right  and  interest  in  the  common  Land 
in  Mason’s  Patent  so  called  claimed  by  him  as  set  forth  in  his  said 
Petition — 

Voted  that  the  Line  run  by  James  Hersey  from  the  Northwesterly 
corner  of  Wolfborough  to  Moultonborough  as  the  Northerly  side 
Line  of  Tuftonborough  be  and  hereby  is  established  as  the  Boundary 
Line  between  the  said  Township  of  Tuftonborough  and  that  Land 
in  Ossipee  gore  surveyed  by  said  Hersey  & Laid  out  into  one  hun- 
dred acre  Lots  as  by  said  Hersey’s  plan  may  be  seen  dated  One 
thousand  Seven  hundred  Eighty  One  hereby  releasing  & Quit  claim- 
ing forever  all  Right  Title  & Interest  to  any  Lands  on  the  Southerly 
side  of  ,said  Line  in  Tuftonborough  to  the  Proprieters  of  said 
Tuftonborough  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  Enure  to  their  use 
according  to  their  several  & respective  Rights  or  parts  therein, 
Always  Excepting  Two  hundred  Acres  in  the  Northeasterly  corner 
of  said  Township  reserved,  or  conveyed  to  John  Dudley  and  hereto- 
fore released  by  the  Proprietors  of  said  Tuftonborough  and  also  any 
Lands  that  any  of  the  Proprietors  of  Lands  purchased  of  John 
Tufton  Mason  may  hold  in  severalty  in  said  Tuftonborough — 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  30th  day  of  November  next,  mon- 
day three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — a true 
Record — 


attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


624 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[The  proprietors  met  Nov.  30,  Dec.  14,  1795,  Jan.  11,  and  24, 
1796,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  I Portsmouth  February  22d  1796  Monday  three 
New  Hampshire  ( of  the  Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 

A Committee  and  Selectmen  of  Lyndsborough,  making  applica- 
tion to  the  Proprietors,  by  Petition,  requesting  their  approbation  or 
determination  of  the  place,  for  the  Situation  of  the  meeting  house 
for  publick  Worship,  and  of  the  ten  Acres  of  land  reserved  in  the 
Grant  of  Lyndsborough  for  publick  Uses — upon  consideration  of  the 
ten  Acres  for  publick  uses,  reserved  in  the  Grant  of  Lyndborough; 
and  tlie  Votes  and  Proceedings  of  the  Grantees,  and  Assignees  of 
Lyndsborough  respecting  the  Location  of  Said  reserved  ten  Acres, 
also  their  building  a meeting  house  for  publick  Worship,  on  Lot 
numbered  Seventy  in  the  Second  division  of  lots  in  said  Lynds- 
borough Therefore  Voted,  that  afs  far  as  the  Interest  of  the  Proprie- 
tors in  the  Said  ten  Acres  of  land  reserved  in  said  Lyndsborouh 
for  publick  Uses,  may  be — that  they  confirm  the  Location  thereof 
in  Lot  numbered  Seventy  in  the  Second  division  of  Lots,  including 
the  land  where  the  meeting  house  is  now  placed — 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  to  monday  the  21st  day  of  march  next, 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl — 


[The  proprietors  met  March  21  and  May  2,  1796,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  May  30th  1796  monday  three  of 
New  Hampshire  ) the  Clock  afternoon  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment — 

Voted  That  John  Samuel  Sherburne  John  Peirce  and  Nathaniel 
A.  Haven,  be  a Committee,  to  Ascertain  what  Quantity  of  Land  of 
the  Proprietors  is  now  held  in  Common,  the  Situation  Thereof,  and 
report  the  Same  at  the  adjournment  That  measures  may  be  taken 
without  delay  to  a Severance  of  the  Same:  and  that  the  meeting  be 
adjourned  to  monday  the  6th  day  of  June  Ins4,  three  of  the  Clock 
afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place— The  meeting  was  adjourned  to 
Said  time  and  place  accordingly — 

a true  Record  attest:  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


625 


State  of  ) Portsmouth  June  6th  1796  inonclay  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  J Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors  meet  according 
to  adjournment — 

[Then  follows  the  report  of  the  aforesaid  committee,  and  the 
division  of  the  ungranted  lands,  principally  in  Ossipee,  as  printed  in 
vol.  28,  pp.  161-165.— Ed.] 

It  was  requested  by  the  Proprietors  that  an  entry  may  be  made  of 
the  Proprietors  who  attended  at  this  meeting  [June  13],  which 
were  as  follow’s — viz1 — 

George  Jaffrey  Esqur — 

John  Penhallow  Esqur  representing  the  Right  of  Richard  Wibird 

John  Sam11  Sherburne  for  John  Moffatt 

John  Peirce  | for  Right  of  Joshua  Peirce  & Rights  of  Daniel 

Thomas  Martin  j Peirce  & Mary  Moore 

nson  & Mason 

John  Peirce  for  Right  of  Thomas  Packer 

John  Peirce  for  Mark  ID  Wentworth 

TTo m !a r ^M a r tin  j ^ Blanchard  Meserve  & C° 

Daniel  Rindge  Esqr  Right  of  John  Rindge 

N.  A Haven  i right  of  Jotham  Odiorne 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  fifth  day  of  September  next, 
Monday  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  to  be  held  at  this  place — 

a true  Record — 

Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


John  Peirce  & 
N.  A.  Haven 


for  Right  of  Thomli 


[The  proprietors  met  Sept.  5,  Nov.  28, 1796;  Jan.  16,  Feb.  6,  March 
6,  April  10,  June  5,  July  10,  Aug.  1,  Sept.  4,  Oct.  2,  Nov.  20,  1797  ; 
Jan.  1,  Feb.  5,  March  5,  April  2,  May  14,  June  18,  July  23,  Sept.  17, 
Oct.  15,  Nov.  19,  Dec.  31,  1798;  Feb.  25,  April  1,  May  6,  June  3, 
July  8,  Aug.  5,  Sept.  9,  Oct.  7,  Nov.  25,  Dec.  30,  1799;  and  Feb.  10, 
1800,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 

40 


626 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  / Portsmouth  April  7tb  1800  Monday  three  of  the 
New  Hampshire  \ Clock  afternoon  Proprietors  meet  according  to 
adjournment 

Voted,  that  whereas  Ebenezer  Colby  undertook  to  Settle  a lot  of 
land  N°  11  in  Bradford  containining  #bout  one  hundred  Acres  and 
did  begin  to  clear  and  improve  on  Said  lot,  anno  Domini  1773.  and 
has  continued  residing  on  and  improving  Said  Lot  ever  Since  and 
built  a Saw-Mill  thereon — and  whereas  he  has  purchased  of  William 
Stanly  that  half  part  of  a lot  of  land  N°  21  in  Said  Bradford  adjoin- 
ing Lot  N°  20,  the  Settling  duty  of  which  has  also  been  fully  per- 
formed by  Said  Colby — Therefore  in  Consideration  of  Said  Settling 
Duty,  building  a mill  and  other  Improvements  performed  by  Said 
Colby  and  continued  to  this  time — and  that  there  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  to  him  the  Said  Ebenezer  Colby  all  the  Right  and  Title  of 
Said  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason 
Esquire  in  New  Hampshire  in  and  to  Said  Lot  of  Land  N°  11  and 
one  full  half  part  of  Said  Lot  N°  21  adjoining  Lot  N°  20  as  aforesaid, 
in  Said  Bradford — To  have  and  to  hold  to  him  the  Said  Ebenezer 

Colby  and  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  monday  y®  14th  day  of  July  next, 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place 

a true  Record  attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Proprs  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  July  14,  Sept.  8,  Oct.  20,  and  Dec.  1,  1800, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  l Portsmouth  February  2d  1801  being  the  first 
New  Hampshire  j Monday  in  Said  month  three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon, Proprietors  meet  according  to  adjournment 

Upon  considering  the  Petition  of  Abner  Watkins  & others  Inhabi- 
tants of  a Tract  of  Land  called  Iviarsage  Gore — 

Voted — That  Henry  Gerrish  Esqr  of  Boscawen,  be  and  hereby  is 
appointed  an  Agent  in  behalf  of  this  Propriety,  to  appear  and  join 
with  the  Selectmen  of  the  Towns  of  Salisbury  & Andover,  for  per- 
ambulating the  Lines  between  said  Towns  & Kiarsarge  Gore,  and 
endeavour  to  have  the  dividing  Lines  between  the  same,  established 
agreeable  to  the  original  Charters  of  said  Towns,  at  the  Expence  of 
this  Propriet}r,  so  far  as  respects  the  Services,  & Expences  of  the 
Agent  aforesaid 

Upon  considering  the  Petition  of  Jacob  Brown  & Joseph  Fogg, 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


627 


praying  for  a Grant  of  certain  unappropriated  Lands  in  Ossipee,  for 
the  purpose  of  aiding  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  towards  building 
a Meeting  house — 

Voted  That  John  Penhallow  Esqr  John  Peirce  Esqr  and  N.  A. 
Haven  be  a Committee  in  behalf  of  this  Propriety  to  convey  all  the 
Right  and  Title  of  this  Propriety  of,  in,  & to,  four  Lots  of  One  hun- 
dred Acres  each,  lying  on  Conway  Road,  and  a certain  Gore  of  un- 
appropriated Land  in  said  Ossipee,  to  the  Petitioners  and  others  for 
the  Use  of  the  Inhabitants;  the  Avails  of  which  to  be  appropriated 
solely  to  the  purpose  of  building  a Meeting  House,  and  that  said 
Committee  take  sufficient  Security  that  the  Avails  thereof  shall  be 
so  applied — and  that  a Return  of  their  Doings  be  made  to  this  Pro- 
priety— 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Monday  the  2d  day  of  march  next 
three  of  the  Clock  afternoon  to  be  held  at  this  place — a true  Rec- 
ord— 

Attest.  Geo:  Jaffrey  Prop13  Cl 


[The  proprietors  met  March  2,  April  13,  June  1,  Aug.  3,  Sept.  7, 
Oct.  12,  and  Nov.  30,  1801,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any 
business. — Ed.] 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  70.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire 

To  George  Gains  Esquire,  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  said 
State — 

The  Subscribers,  proprietors  & owners  of  more  than  one  sixteenth 
part  of  the  common  and  undivided  Lands  in  this  state  purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  deceased  ; commonly  called  Mason’s  Patent, 
which  common  & undivided  Lands  lie  in  sundr}'  Towns  & unincor- 
porated places  in  the  several  Counties  in  the  State,  pursuant  to 
an  act  of  the  Legislature,  authorising  them  to  hold  their  Proprietary 
Meetings  in  the  Town  of  Portsmouth,  & County  of  Rockingham,  re- 
quest you  to  notify  & warn  the  Proprietors  & Owners  of  the  afore- 
said common  & undivided  Lands,  to  meet  at  the  Dwelling  house  of 
Seth  Walker  keeper  of  the  Bell  Tavern  in  Portsmouth  aforesaid,  on 
Monday  the  5th  of  Sepr  next  at  three  o Clock  in  the  afternoon,  for 
the  following  purposes — 


628 


CHAPTER  RECORDS. 


1st  To  choose  a Moderator  to  govern  said  meeting — 

2d  To  choose  a Clerk  & Treasurer — 

3'1  To  pass  a vote  or  votes,  directing  what  Papers  relating  to  said 
Proprietary,  & what  former  Proceedings  of  the  Proprietors  shall  be 
received  & recorded  by  the  Clerk — 

4th  To  ratify,  confirm  and  establish,  all  or  any  grants,  convey- 
ances, divisions,  & lottings,  of  any  part  of  said  Patent,  and  the  draw- 
ing & severing  of  any  Lots  heretofore  made,  and  all  or  any  vote  or 
votes  by  said  Proprietary  heretofore  made,  & passed,  and  that  said 
Votes  when  so  ratified  & confirmed  by  said  meeting,  shall  have  corn- 
pleat  validity  & effect  in  and  over  the  Proprietary  & those  claiming 
under  them — 

5th  To  sever  & divide  the  whole  or  such  parts  of  the  Lands  now 
owned  by  the  Proprietors  in  such  way  & manner  as  shall  be  deemed 
most  expedient,  or  to  sell  and  convey  such  parts  of  the  same  as  may 
be  considered  ineligible  for  a division — 

6th  To  receive,  examine,  allow  & pay  all  unsettled  accounts  now 
existing  against  the  Proprietary — 

7th  To  settle  & establish  a method  for  calling  future  meetings  of 
the  Proprietors — 

Portsm0  August  8th  1803 — 

John  Peirce 
Th°  Martin 
James  Sheafe 
John  Jeffries  by  his 
Attorney  Jereh  Libbey 
John  Penhallow 
Nath1  A.  Haven 

Pursuant  to  the  foregoing  request,  I do  hereby  notif}r  and  warn 
the  Proprietors  & owners  of  the  common  & undivided  Lands  pur- 
chased of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr,  commonly  called  Masons  Patent, 
to  meet  at  the  Time  and  place  aforesaid,  for  the  purposes  set  forth  in 
the  above  request  to  me  directed — Given  under  my  hand  this  eighth 
day  of  August  1803 — 

George  Gains  Jus  Peace 

[The  foregoing  petition  and  call  were  printed  in  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Gazette  Aug.  9 and  16,  1803. — Ed.] 


629 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 

State  of  New  Hampshire  } Portsmouth  September  5th  1803  At  a 
Rockingham  ss — \ Meeting  of  the  Proprietors,  and  Owners 

of  the  Common  and  undivided  Lands,  in  the  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, purchased  of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  deceased,  commonly 
called  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  having  met  agreably  to  the  fore- 
going warrant  at  the  Bell  Tavern  in  Portsm0, 

Voted  John  Penhallow  Esquire  be  Moderator  of  this  Meet8 
Voted  Jeremiah  Libbey  be  Clerk  of  the  Propriety  who  made 
affirmation  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  said  Office 

Before  George  Gains  Jus  Peace 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  19th  Instant 
at  3 °Clock  P.  M then  to  meet  at  this  place 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


[The  proprietors  met  at  the  Bell  tavern  Sept.  19,  1803,  and  Jan. 
2,  1804,  and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  New  Hampshire  } Portsmouth,  Monday  January  16th  1804, 
Rockingham  ss — j The  Proprietors  met  according  to  adjourn- 

ment at  3 °Clock  P M.  at  the  Bell  Tavern  kept  by  Major  Seth 
Walker— 

Assa  Butman  of  Greenfield,  having  made  application  to  the  pro- 
prietors to  Purchase  of  them,  their  right  in  the  Crochet  Mountain 
(so  Called)  in  Greenfield,  and  their  Common  land  in  said  Town — 
On  Considering  said  Application 

Voted  That  Messrs  John  Peirce  and  Nathaniel  Appleton  Haven, 
be  a Committee,  with  full  powers,  in  behalf  of  the  proprietors,  to 
examine  into  the  situation  of  said  lands,  and  if  they  consider  it  for 
the  benefit  of  the  proprietors,  to  have  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof 
sold,  That  they  be,  and  hereby  are  fully  authorised  and  Impowered 
to  dispose  of  said  Common  land  and  Crochet  Mountain,  or  either  of 
them,  and  to  Quit  Claim  said  proprietors  right  by  Deed  or  Deeds, 
for  such  sums  of  money  and  on  such  Conditions  as  they  may  Judge 
most  for  the  Interest  of  the  proprietors,  and  that  they  render  an 
Account  of  their  transactions  respecting  the  same  to  the  proprietors, 
as  soon  as  may  be  that  an  entry  thereof  may  be  recorded — 

Voted — That  this  Meeting,  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Thursday  in 
February  Next,  being  the  2'1  day  at  3 °Clock  P M then  to  meet  and 
be  held  at  the  Office  of  Jeremiah  Libbey,  on  Vaughan  Street  in 
Portsmouth  aforesaid 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


630 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Thursday  February  2<l 
Rockingham  ss — j 1804 — 

Met  according  to  adjournment  at  3 °Clock  P.  M.  at  the  Office  of 
Jeremiah  Libbe}r  on  Vaughan  Street — 

John  Penhallow  Esq1-  the  moderator  not  being  present — 

Voted,  that  Doctor  Nath1  A Haven  be  Moderator  Pro  Tern — 

Whereas,  at  the  proprietors  meeting  held  by  adjournment,  on  the 
16th  day  of  January  last  Messrs  John  Peirce  & Nath1  A Haven  were 
appointed  a committee  to  sell  and  dispose  of  all  the  Common  land, 
belonging  to  the  proprietors,  lying  near  the  Crotchett  Mountain  and 
in  Greenfield,  upon  such  terms  and  conditions  as  they  should  think 
expedient  for  the  Interest  of  the  proprietors,  and  it  now  appearing 
that  there  is  more  common  land  in  the  Towns  adjoining  viz4  in 
Frances  Town,  & Society,  being  the  land  lying  on  Crotchett  Moun- 
tain aforesaid,  which  in  a division  of  the  Society  lands  made  in  the 
Year  1753  was  reserved,  and  not  Included  in  any  proprietors  right 
or  share,  as  will  appear  from  the  plan  of  the  Society  Land. — 
Therefore 

Voted,  That  the  aforesaid  Committee  have  full  Power  and  Au- 
thority to  sell  and  convey,  the  whole  of  the  Common  lands  belong- 
ing to  the  Proprietors  which  was  reserved  in  the  Society  land,  and 
not  divided  in  the  severance  made  in  the  Year  1753  aforesaid, 
whether  the  same  fall  within  the  boundaries  of  the  Town  of  Frances 
Town,  Society,  or  other  Towns  adjacent  or  such  part  of  said 
common  land,  and  upon  such  terms  and  conditions  as  they  may 
think  expedient,  and  that  they  report  their  doings  thereon  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Papers  belonging  to  this  proprietary,  be 
properly  sorted  and  fil’d,  and  that  all  the  Plans,  be  carefully 
collected,  and  any  that  may  torn  or  otherwise  Injured,  be  repaired 
in  the  best  manner  they  can  be,  and  that  the  Clerk  cause  the  same 
to  be  done  at  the  expence  of  the  proprietors. 

Voted,  That  this  meeting,  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Thursday  in 
April  next  being  the  5411  day,  at  3 °Clock  P.  M.  then  to  meet  at  this 
place,  and  it  is  accordingly  Adjourned — 

Nath1  A.  Haven  Modr 

pro  tempore — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


631 


State  of  New  Hampshire  \ Portsmouth  Thursday  April  5th  1804. 

Rockingham  ss — j 3 °Clock  P.  M. — The  Proprietors  met 

according  to  adjournment  at  the  Office  of  Jeremiah  Libbey. — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  second  Thursday  of 
June  next  being  the  14th  day  then  to  meet  at  this  place  at  3 °Clock 
P M,  and  it  is  accordingly  Adjourned 

John  Penhallow.  Moderator 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Thursday  June  14th  1804,  3 
Rockingham  ss  j °Clock  P.  M.  The  Proprietors  met  at  the 
time  and  place  according  to  adjournment,  Mr  Libbey  the  Clerk 
being  absent — 

Voted,  That  Mr  Willm  Walker  be  Clerk  Pro.  Tern,  and  as  there  is 
no  business  of  importance  to  be  taken  into  consideration  at  this 
meeting 

Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  second  Thursday  of 
September  next  being  the  13th  day  then  to  meet  at  this  Place  at  3 
°Clock  P M and  the  meeting  is  accordingly  adjourned — 

John  Penhallow,  Mod1 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Thursday  the  13th  of  Sep- 
Rockingham  ss — \ tember  1804,  3 °Clock  P.  M — 

The  Proprietors  met  at  the  time  and  place  agreable  to  adjourn- 
ment— 

The  Committe  who  were  appointed  at  the  Meeting  held  in  Jan- 
uary last,  to  examine  into  the  situation  of  Certain  lands  lying  near 
the  Crotched  Mountain  (so  called,)  and  Impowered  to  dispose  of 
the  same  as  will  appear  by  the  Arote,  say  they  have  not  finished  said 
business  so  as  to  make  any  regular  report  thereon  at  this  meeting — 
Therefore  Voted,  This  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Thursday 
in  January  next,  at  3 °Clock  P.  M then  to  meet  at  the  Clerks  Office 
on  Bow  Street  in  Portsmouth  Aforesaid — and  the  meeting  is  ad- 
journed Accordingly — 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Thursday  the  3'1  day  of 
Rockingham  ss — j January  1805.  3 °Clock  P M. — 

The  Proprietors  met  at  the  time  & place  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment— 

The  Committe  who  were  appointed  at  the  Meeting  of  the  pro- 
prietors held  the  14th  day  of  January  1804,  to  examine  into  certain 


632 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


lands,  belonging  to  the  proprietors,  and  Impowered  to  dispose  of  the 
same,  Verbally  reported,  That  they  had  Sold  a Certain  tract,  and 
had  received  some  payment,  and  taken  security  for  the  balance  due — 
but  that  they  had  not  arranged  the  business  so  as  to  make  report  in 
writing  at  this  Meeting — 

The  Clerk  presented  his  Account  for  expences  &c  up  to  the  first 
day  of  January  Current  Amounting  to  29  dollars  & 50  Cents,  which 
was  accepted,  and 

Voted,  That  the  Committe  John  Peirce  & N A Haven  Esqr  be 
directed  to  pay  said  Amount,  out  of  the  moneys  in  their  hands, 
Arising  from  the  sale  of  the  land  above  alluded  to — 

Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Wednesday  in 
July  next  at  3 °Clock  P M.  then  to  meet  at  this  place,  and  it  is 
adjourned  Accordingly — 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


[The  proprietors  met  July  3,  Aug.  7,  Oct.  2,  and  Dec.  4,  1805, 
and  adjourned  without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Wednesday  January  1st 
Rockingham  ss — \ 1806,  3 °Clock  P.  M.  The  Proprietors 

meet  according  to  adjournment  at  the  time  & place  aforesaid — 

It  being  represented  to  the  Proprietors,  that  some  person  or  per- 
sons have  trespassed,  by  Cutting  Timber,  from  the  land  owned  by 
the  Proprietary  in  the  Town  of  Hopkinton — Therefore 

Voted,  That  John  Peirce  and  Nathaniel  A Haven  Esq19  be  a Com- 
mitte in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  to  make  the  Necessary  enquirys, 
respecting  the  Trespass,  And  that  they  be  and  hereby  are  fully 
Authorized  and  Impowered  at  the  expence  of  said  Proprietors  to 
Prosecute  any  such  Trespaser  or  Trespasers,  (if  they  think  there  is 
cause  of  Action)  And  they  are  further  Authorized  and  Impowered 
to  Sell,  and  Convey  by  Deed  or  Deeds,  all  the  right  and  title  of  said 
Proprietors  to  said  Land  in  Hopkinton,  to  such  Person  or  Persons, 
and  for  such  sums,  or  Consideration  as  in  their  Opinion,  shall  be  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Proprietors  aforesaid,  And  that  they  make  a 
Return  of  their  proceedings,  respecting  this  business  to  the  Pro- 
prietors. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors,  on  the 
second  Tuesday  of  February  1801,  authorizing  them  to  Convey  to 
Jacob  Brown,  and  Joseph  Fogg,  certain  lands  in  Conway,  as  de- 
scribed in  said  Vote. — 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


633 


made  the  Following  report  Viz1 

Pursuant  to  the  Authority  vested  in  us  by  the  within  Vote,  We 
the  Subscribers  on  the  20th  Feby  1801.  conveyed  by  Deed  to  Jacob 
Brown  and  Joseph  Fogg,  four  lotts  of  land  of  one  hundred  Acres 
each  lying  in  Ossipee  on  Conway  road  and  also  a Gore  of  Land  in 
said  Town,  and  that  we  have  taken  a Bond  from  Jacob  Brown  that 
the  proceeds  shall  be  applied,  as,  directed  in  the  Vote  of  the  Proprie- 
tors, which  Bond  we  now  hand  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Propriety 
Portsmouth  Jany  1st  1806.  John  Peirce 

Nath1  A Haven 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Wednesday  in 
February  next  at  three  of  the  Clock  P.  M.  then  to  meet  at  this  place 
and  the  meeting  is  accordingly  adjourned. 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


[The  proprietors  met  Feb.  5 and  March  5,  1806,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  March  19th  1806  Wednes- 
Rockingham  ss  \ day,  three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  the 
Proprietors  meet  at  the  time  and  Place  according  to  adjourn- 
ment 

Whereas  a meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Moultonborough  is 
warned  to  be  held  at  Moultonborough  on  the  24th  Instant,  and  an 
article  in  the  Warrant  is  to  confer  with  a Committe  which  is  or  may 
be  chosen  by  this  Propriety  respecting  a Division  of  the  Common 
Land  in  said  Town — 

Therefore  Voted,  That  John  Peirce  and  Nath1  A Haven  Esqrs  be 
Agents  in  behalf  of  this  Propriety,  with  full  Power,  to  appear  both 
or  either  of  them,  at  said  meeting,  and  to  agree  with  the  Grantees  of 
Moultonborough,  or  with  any  Committe  appointed  by  them  respect- 
ing a severance  of  said  Common  land,  reference  being  had  both  to 
Quantity  & Quality,  and  to  have  that  Part  which  may  then  be 
mutually  agreed  to  be  assigned  to  the  fifteen  orignal  Grantors, 
divided  into  fifteen  equal  Parts,  and  make  report  of  the  same,  that 
the  same  may  be  Divided  among  the  Proprietors,  Hereby  granting 
to  said  Agents,  both,  or  either  of  them,  full  Power  to  release  and 
Quit  Claim  by  deed  or  otherwise,  all  the  Right  of  the  Proprietors  to 
the  residue  of  said  undivided  Land — 


634 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Wednesday  of 
May  next  at  3 °Clock  afternoon  then  to  meet  at  this  Place — and  the 
Meeting  is  adjourned  Accordingly 

John  Penhallow  Modr 


[The  proprietors  met  May  7,  14,  and  July  9,  1806,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


[Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  77.] 

State  of  New  ( To  George  Gains  Esquire  one  of  the  Justices  of  the 
Hampshire  j Peace  in  said  State : 

We  the  subscribers,  proprietors  and  owners  of  more  than  one  six- 
teenth part  of  the  common  and  undivided  lands  in  this  State  pur- 
chased of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  deceased  commonly  called 
Masons  patent  which  common  and  undivided  lie  in  sundry  towns 
and  unincorporated  places  in  the  several  Counties  in  this  State  pur- 
suant to  an  act  of  the  Legislature  autorizing  them  to  hold  their 
proprietary  meetings  in  the  Town  of  Portsmouth  and  County  of 
Rockingham,  request  you  to  notify  and  warn  the  proprietors  and 
owners  of  the  aforesaid  common  and  undivided  lands  to  meet  at 
Jeremiah  Libbey  Esquire’s  office  on  Bowstreet  in  said  Portsmouth  on 
monday  the  eighth  day  of  December  next  at  eleven  oclock  in  the 
forenoon  for  the  following  purpose  Viz1 

1st  To  choose  a moderator  to  govern  said  meeting: 

2d  To  choose  a clerk  and  treasurer  : 

3d  To  pass  a vote  or  votes  directing  what  papers  relating  to  said 
proprietary  and  what  former  proceedings  of  the  propretors  shall  be 
received  and  recorded  by  the  Clerk: 

4th  To  ratify  and  confirm  and  establish  all  or  any  grants,  convey- 
ances, divisions  and  lottings  of  any  part  of  said  Patent  and  the 
drawing  and  severing  of  any  lots  heretofore  made,  and  to  establish 
and  confirm  any  act  doing  conveyance  or  conveyances  of  any  Com- 
mittee of  Committees  of  said  Proprietors  or  of  any  person  or  per- 
sons acting  by  or  under  the  direction  of  said  Proprietors,  and  all  or 
any  vote  or  votes  by  said  Proprietary  heretofore  made  and  passed 
and  that  said  votes  when  so  ratified  and  confirmed  by  said  meeting 
shall  have  complete  validity  and  effect  in  and  over  the  proprietary 
and  those  claiming  under  them 

5th  To  sever  and  divide  the  whole  or  such  parts  of  the  land  now 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


635 


owned  by  the  Proprietors  in  such  way  and  manner  as  shall  be 
deemed  most  expedient  or  to  sell  and  convey  such  parts  of  the  same 
as  may  be  considered  ineligible  for  a division  : 

6th  To  receive,  examine,  allow  and  pay  all  unsettled  accounts  now 
existing  against  the  proprietary  : — 

7 — To  settle  and  establish  a method  for  calling  future  meetings 
of  the  Proprietors  : 

Portsmouth  October  30  1806. — 

John  Peirce 
John  Penhallow 
Nath1  A.  Haven 
John  Jeffries  by  his  At-  ) 
torney  Jeremiah  Libbey  ( 

Pursuant  to  the  foregoing  request  I do  hereby  notify  and  warn 
the  Proprietors  and  owners  of  the  common  and  undivided  lands  pur- 
chased of  John  Tufton  Mason  Esquire  commonly  called  Mason’s 
patent  to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  aforesaid  for  the  purposes  set 
forth  in  the  above  request  to  me  directed  : — 

Given  under  my  hand  this  thirty  first  day  of  October  1806. — 

George  Gains  Jus  Peace 


State  of  New  Hamp1  } Portsmouth  Decr  8th  1806 — The  Proprie- 
ltockingham  ’ss — j tors  meet  at  the  time  and  place,  agreeably  to 
the  foregoing  Notification, — 

Voted,  John  Penhallow  Esqr  Moderator — 

Voted,  Jeremiah  Libbey  Clerk  and  Treasurer  who  made  Affirma- 
tion to  faithfully  discharge  the  trust — 

before  George  Gains  Jus  Peace 

Voted,  That  the  method  of  calling  Proprietors  Meetings  in  future, 
may  be,  by  a written  application  to  the  Clerk,  signed  by  one  or 
more  of  the  Proprietors  claiming  one  sixteenth  part  or  more  of  the 
common  Interest  of  the  Proprietors,  requesting  such  meeting,  and 
the  time  & place  when  such  Meeting  is  to  be  held,  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Clerk  to  give  Notice  of  such  Application  by  pub- 
lishing the  same  in  the  New  Hampshire  Gazette  three  weeks  succes- 
sively before  such  Meeting  is  held, — 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  17th 
Instant  at  3 °Clock,  P M,  then  to  meet  at  this  place — 

John  Penhallow  Modr — 


636 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  New  Hampshire  \ Portsmouth  Decr  17th  1806  Wednesday 
Rockingham  ’ss  j 3 of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  The  pro- 
prietors meet  at  time  and  place  according  to  Adjournment — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the 
24th  Instant  at  3,  °Clock  P.  M.  then  to  Meet  at  this  place — 

John  Penhallow  Moderr 


State  of  New  Hamp1'  ( Portsmouth  Wednesday  December  24th 
Rockingham  ’ss  \ 1806 — 

The  Inhabitants  being  alarmed  with  a distructive  Fire  in  the 
Morning  which  occasioned  the  removal  of  the  Proprietors  Books  & 
Papers  from  the  Clerks  Office  some  of  the  Proprietors  Met  at  the 
Moderators  Dwelling  House  on  Islington  road  in  said  Portsmouth, 
at  3 °Clock  in  the  afternoon  and  Adjourned  the  Meeting  to  Wednes- 
day the  7th  day  of  January  1807,  at  3 °Clock  afternoon  then  to  meet 
at  the  Clerks  Office  as  heretofore — 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Wednesday  January  7th 
Rockingham  ’ss — ( 1807  3 °Clock  afternoon  The  Proprietors 

Meet  at  the  Clerks  Office  according  to  Adjournment — 

Mr  Libbey  the  Clerk  presented  his  Account  amounting  to  28  dollrs 
45  cents  which  was  allowed — Voted  That  Messrs  John  Peirce  & 
Nath1  A Haven  be  desired  to  pay  Mr  Libbey  said  sum  of  28  dollrs 
45cts  and  the  same  shall  be  allowed  them  out  of  the  moneys  in  their 
hands  belonging  to  the  Proprietors — v 

Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  first  Thursday  in 
March  next  at  3 °Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  to  meet  at  this  place — 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents  That  I John  Moffatt  of  Ports- 
mouth in  the  County  of  Rockingham  and  State  of  New  Hampshire 
Merchant  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  love  and  affection  which  I 
have  & do  bear  to  mv  Grandson  Samuel  Sherburne  of  Portsmouth 
aforesaid  Gentleman,  Have  given,  granted  & conveyed  and  by  these 
presents,  Do  give  grant  and  convey  unto  the  said  Samuel  Sherburne  his 
heirs  and  Assigns  forever  all  my  right  Interest  claim  property  and 
title  of  in  and  to  all  that  tract  or  parcell  of  land  lying  and  being  in 
Mason’s  Patent  so  called  in  said  State  of  New  Hampshire  and  which 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


637 


now  remains  in  common  and  undivided  among  the  proprietors  of 
said  patent  being  one  fifteenth  part  of  the  whole  of  sd  tract  of  undi- 
vided Land  which  was  purchased  by  said  Proprietors  of  John 
Tufton  Mason,  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  granted  premises  with 
all  the  priviledges  and  appertenances  thereto  belonging  to  him  the 
said  Samuel  his  heirs  and  assigns  to  his  and  their  only  proper  use 
benefit  & behoof  forever,  and  I the  said  John  Moffatt  for  myself  my 
heirs  executors  & administrators  do  hereby  covenant  with  the  said 
Samuel  his  heirs  exrs  & admintrs  that  untill  the  delivery  hereof  I am 
the  lawful  owner  of  said  Premises  and  am  lawfully  seized  & pos- 
sessed thereof  in  my  own  right  in  fee  simple,  and  have  full  power 
and  lawful  authority  to  convey  the  same  in  manner  aforesaid,  that 
the  said  premises  are  free  & clear  of  all  Incumbrances  and  that  I my 
heirs  Exrs  & Admintrs  shall  & will  warrant  the  same  to  the  said 
Samuel  Sherburne  his  heirs  & assign’s  against  the  lawful  demands 
of  all  persons  claiming  from  by  or  under  me,  In  testimony  whereof 
I the  said  John  Moffatt  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  Seal  this 
sixth  day  of  January  A D one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  Eighty 
Six, 

Signed  Sealed  & deliverd  John  Moffatt 

in  presence  of  us — 

Kathar  Whipple 

Sam1  Penhallow 


Portsmouth  January  6th  1786 — 

Then  the  within  named  John  Moffatt  Esqr  personally  acknowl- 
edged the  within  Instrument  by  him  subscribed  as  his  voluntary  act 
and  Deed — Before  me — 

Sam1  Penhallow  Justice  Peace 


January  29th  1807  the  foregoing  is  a true  record  of  the  Original 
Deed  examined  by 


Jeremiah  Libbey  Proprs  Clerk 


State  of  New  Hampr  ) Portsmouth  Thursday  March  5th  1807,  3 of 
Rockingham  ’ss  \ the  Clock  afternoon.  The  Proprietors  met 
according  to  adjournment, 

The  Committee  appointed  March  19th  1806  to  Meet  with  a Com- 
mittee of  the  Grantees  of  Moultonboro,  and  in  behalf  of  this  pro- 
priety to  agree  with  and  settle  all  disputes  respecting  a division  of 
the  Common  land  in  said  Town  between  the  Grantors  & Grantees, 
reported  as  follows  Viz*, 


638 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Committee  appointed  by  Vote  of  the  Proprietors  dated 
March  19th  1806  authorizing  them  to  settle  & agree  with  the 
Grantees  of  Moultonboro  respecting  a division  of  the  common  Land 
in  that  Town  now  report — 

That  having  attended  to  the  duties  of  their  appointment  by 
frequent  conferances  with  a Committee  appointed  by  the  Proprietors 
of  Moultonboro  fully  authorized  for  the  express,  purpose  of  agreeing 
with  your  Committee  in  the  proposed  division,  and  having  caused 
such  survey  to  be  made,  and  such  Plans  to  be  procured,  and 
other  documents  furnished,  as  would  enable  them  to  act  as 
they  deemed  most  beneficial,  to  the  Propriety,  have  at  length 
affected  the  object  of  their  Commission  by  receiving  from  the 
Committee  appointed  by  the  Proprietors  of  Moultonboro  a deed 
of  Two  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  Land,  to  be  laid  out 
in  that  quarter  of  the  Town,  adjoining  Tuftonborough  and  Ossipee, 
in  such  form  as  is  particularly,  stated  in  the  Deed,  to  which  we 
refer,  they  further  report  that  in  consideration  of  deed  of  release 
from  the  Committee  of  the  Propriety  of  Moultonboro  your  commit- 
tee have  by  deed  released  and  forever  quitclaimed  to  the  Proprietors 
of  Moultonboro  all  the  right  and  title  which  the  Masonian  Proprie- 
tors have  to  the  remainder  of  the  Common  Land  in  said  Town  and 
your  Committee  further  report,  that  considering  the  probable  differ- 
ance  of  quality  in  the  Two  thousand,  two  hundred  and  fifty  Acres, 
now  released  to  the  Propriety  they  are  of  Opinion,  and  would 
recommend  that  the  same  be  allotted  into  thirty  Lotts  of  seventy 
five  Acres  each,  and  a plan  of  the  Survey  thereof  be  returned  to  the 
Propriety  and  severance  made  of  them  by  drawing  and  assigning 
Two  Lotts  to  the  right  of  each  of  the  fifteen  original  Proprietors — 

March  5th  1807 — John  Peirce 

Nath1  A.  Haven 

Voted,  That  said  report  be  accepted  & that  said  John  Peirce  and 
Nath1  A Haven  Esqrs  be  requested  to  have  the  said  Twenty  two 
hundred  & fifty  Acres  of  Land  surveyed  and  laid  out  into  thirty  lots 
of  75  Acres  each  endeavouring  to  have  the  Quality  of  each  lot  asser- 
tained  that  in  the  draft  among  the  proprietors,  the  division  may  be 
as  equal  as  is  practicable, — 

Whereas  at  a Meeting  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors  held  prior  to 
1786  it  was  agreed  & voted,  That  John  Penhallow  and  John  Peirce 
Esqrs  be  a Committee  to  sell  and  Convey  to  Will111  Ramsey  of  Lon- 
donderry all  their  right  to  the  reservation  of  One  thousand  Acres  of 
Land  which  was  reserved  in  the  right  of  Thomas  Wallingford  Esqr 
in  that  tract  of  Land  call’d  the  Society  land  in  the  County  of  Hills- 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


639 


boro:  and  State  aforesaid  and  being  all  the  same  land  more  or  less, 
that  the  purchasers  of  said  Wallingfords  right  had  laid  out  on  Petre- 
boro  line,  and  whereas  on  examining  the  records  of  said  Masonian 
proprietors  no  such  Vote  or  agreement  is  recorded  but  the  proprie- 
tors being  satisfied  that  its  not  being  recorded  was  an  omission  of 
the  Clerks — 

Now  Therefore  it  is  Voted  and  resolved,  That  the  doings  of  said 
Committee  and  their  Sale  of  said  Land  by  Deed  to  said  Ramsey  is 
hereby  approved  and  allowed,  and  the  right  and  Power  of  said 
Committee  is  recognized  and  confirmed,  that  all  the  right  of  said 
Proprietors  to  said  Land  is  hereby  granted  to  said  Ramsey  and 
whoever  may  lawfully  hold  the  same  under  him  as  tho  the  said  Vote 
first  mentioned  had  been  recorded  in  due  Season  — 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  18th  of 

June  next  at  3 °Clock,  P.  M.  then  to  meet  at  this  place 

John  Penhallow  Moderator 


State  of  New  Hampshire  \ Portsmouth  Thursday  June  18th  1807,  3 
Rockingham  ss — j °Clock  P.  M.  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment 

Voted  Nathaniel  A Haven  Esqr  Moderator  Pro  Tem 
Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Monday  of 
October  next  at  3 of  the  Clock  Afternoon,  then  to  meet  at  the 
Clerks  Office. 

Nath.  A.  Haven  Moderator  pro  temp: — 


[The  proprietors  met  Oct.  5 and  Nov.  2,  1807,  and  adjourned 
without  transacting  any  business. — Ed.] 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Decern1  7.  1807.  being  the 
Rockingham  ss — \ first  Monday,  three  of  the  Clock  after- 

noon— 

Met  according  to  Adjournment — 

John  Penhallow  Esqr  the  Moderator  being  sick 
Voted,  That  Nathaniel  A Haven  Esqr  be  Moderator 
Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  21st 
Instant,  3 °Clock  afternoon,  then  to  meet  at  the  Clerks  office. 

Nath1  A.  Haven  Moderator 


640 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


State  of  New  Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  Monday  December  21st 
Rockingham  ss — j 1807  three  of  the  Clock  afternoon,  met 

according  to  adjournment 

Voted  Nathaniel  A Haven  Esqr  Moderator — 

The  Committee  appointed  March  1806  respecting  a settlement 
with  the  Grantees  of  Moultonborough  relative  to  the  common  and 
undivided  Land  in  that  town,  having  since  their  Report  of  the  5th  of 
March  1807,  and  agreeable  to  a Vote  of  the  Proprietors  at  that  time 
passed,  caused  the  Tract  of  2250  Acres  released  to  them  by  the 
Grantees  of  Moultonborough  to  be  surveyed  and  allotted  into  30  lots 
of  75  Acres,  and  returned  at  this  Meeting  a Plan  of  the  Survey 
thereof  as  made  by  Benjamin  Cook  also  a Plan  of  the  Survey  of  that 
Tract  of  land  adjoining  Moultonborough  and  the  upper  Division  of 
Ossipee  which  remained  undivided  among  the  Proprietors  which 
also  was  surveyed  by  the  said  Benjamin  Cook 

Voted,  Therefore  that  the  Plan  of  each  of  the  aforesaid  survey's 
be  now  accepted — 

Voted,  That  the  proprietors  will  at  this  Meeting  proceed  to  a 
Draft  and  Division  of  each  of  the  above  described  tracts  of  land  and 
the  draft  which  shall  be  made  shall  be  a complete  and  entire  sever- 
ence  and  Division  of  the  same  among  the  Proprietors  their  Heirs 
and  Assigns — 

Voted — That  John  Peirce  & N.  A.  Haven  be  a Committee  to 
assort  the  30  Lots  in  Moultonborough  into  15  Shares  having  refer- 
ence in  the  assortment  to  the  Quality  as  reported  by  the  surve}7or 

Voted — That  John  Peirce  and  Nath1  A.  Haven  be  a Committee  to 
assort  the  43  Lots  lying  in  Ossipee  and  the  Tract  of  land  adjoining 
Moultonborough  and  upper  division  in  Ossipee  into  14  Shares  having 
reference  both  to  Quality  and  Quantity  according  to  their  best 
Judgement  and  Information — 

which  Committee  as  above  having  assorted  the  30  Lots  in  Moul- 
tonborough  into  15  Shares  and  the  43  lots  in  the  tract  of  Land 
adjoining  Moultonborough  and  the  upper  Division  of  Ossipee  into 
14  Shares,  the  Proprietors  proceeded  to  draw  for  the  same,  by  caus- 
ing the  Names  of  the  15  Proprietors  Rights  in  Moultonborough  to 
be  put  into  one  Hat,  & the  14  Shares  into  another  Hat  the  same 
were  drawn  out  by  Mr  Daniel  Brown  and  Mr  William  Brown  two 
Persons  no  ways  interested  in  this  Propriety,  and  the  draft  was  as 
follows  Viz1 


first  drawn 
2d  drawn 
3d  . 

4 


to  the  right  of  Thomas  Packer  Esq1  N° 
. x . Richard  Wibird 

Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esqr 
Theodore  Atkinson 


20 

& N°  16 

13 

• i 

29 

. 12 

1 

. 26 

RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


641 


5 

John  Rindge 

9 

. 23 

6 

John  Wentworth 

8 

6 

7 

Thomas  Wallingford 

17 

. 30 

8 

Joshua  Pierce 

28 

. 18 

9 

Thomlinson  & Mason 

15 

. 21 

10  . 

D.  Peirce  & M.  Moore 

r? 

i 

. 24 

11  . 

Solly  & March 

14 

. 27 

12  . 

Blanchard  & Meserve 

19 

3 

13  . 

Jotham  Odiorne 

11 

. 25 

14  . 

George  Jaffrey 

2 

5 

15  . 

John  Moffatt 

10 

. 22 

ihey  then 

proceeded 

in  like  manner  respecting 

the  43 

Lots  in 

Ossipee  and  the  draft  into  14  Shares  was  as  follows  Viz* — 

First  drawn  to  the  Right  of  Geo:  Jaffrey  N°  142,  90  Acres,  N°  121 
131  Acres,  N°  158,  40  Acres — 

2d  Thomas  Wallingford — N°  150 — N°  131 — & N°  146 — 

3d  John  Rindge — N°  124 — N°  147 — 94  Acres  N°  155,  71,  Acres— 

4,  Richard  Wibird — N°  128 — N°  129 — 35  Acres  N°  135 — 

5,  Daniel  Peirce  & Mary  Moore  N°  132 — N°  120 — N°  140 — 

6,  John  Moffatt — N°  130,  110  Acres,  N°  153,  84  Acres,  N°  139,  95 
A cres 

7,  Jotham  Odiorne  N°  137 — N°  125 — N°  141 — 

8,  Mark  Hg  Wentworth  N°  144 — N°  126,  N°  154,  44  Acres — 

9,  Solly  & March — N°  151 — N°  159,  70  Acres,  N°  122,  64  Acres  JSTo 
138,  79  Acres— 

10,  Theodore  Atkinson,  N°  119,  N°  152,  97  Acres.  N°  160,  48 
Acres 

11,  Blanchard  & Meserve — N°  127,  N°  136  & N°  143,  68  Acres 

12,  Thomas  Packer — N°  123 — N°  149 — & N°  148  67  Acres — 

13,  Joshua  Peirce — N°  118 — N°  156,  97  Acres  and  N°  134 

14,  Thomlinson  & Mason  N°  145,  N°  133,  and  N°  157 — 


all  the  numbers  in  the  foregoing  draft,  that  have  not  the  number 
of  Acres  affixed  to  them,  are  lots  of  100  Acres  each — 

Voted — That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Wednesday 
in  May  next  at  3 °Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  to  meet  at  the  Clerks 
Office — 


4 1 


Nath.  A.  Haven  Moderator — 


642 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


To  John  L.  Hayes  Esq 

One  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  within  and  for  the  County  of 
Rockingham — 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represent  that  they  with  others  are 
Proprietors  of  the  Common  and  undivided  lands  in  this  State,  pur- 
chased of  the  late  John  Tufton  Mason,  Commonly  Called  the 
Masonian  Proprietors,  and  that  the  Proprietors  of  Said  land  have 
failed  to  hold  their  annual  meeting  and  they  have  no  mode  for 
Calling  a Special  Meeting,  wherefore  they  request  you  to  Call  a 
meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Said  Common  land  agreeable  to  the 
statutes  in  such  cases  made  and  provided. — 

f W.  H.  Y.  Hackett 
Signed  < J.  W.  Peirce 
^ / Alex1'  Ladd 


State  of  Newliampshire 
Rockingham  ss. — 

To  the  Proprietors  of  the  Common  and  undivided  Land  in  New- 
hampshire  purchased  of  the  late  John  Tufton  Mason,  commonly 
called  Masonian  Proprietors  Greeting 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  a Meeting  of  Said  Proprie- 
[Seal]  tors  will  be  holden  at  the  Counting  room  of  Alexander 
Ladd  in  Portsmouth  in  said  County  of  Rockingham  and 
state  of  Newhampshire  on  Saturday  the  fifth  day  of  September 
A.  D.  1846  at  four  o’Clock  in  the  afternoon. — 

Given  under  my  hand  and  Seal  at  Said  Portsmouth  this  3d 
August  1846 

(Signed)  John  L.  Hayes  Justice  of  the  Peace 

I Charles  W.  Brewster,  publisher  and  proprietor  of  the  Ports- 
mouth Journal  printed  at  Portsmouth  in  said  County  of  Rocking- 
ham, depose  and  Say  that  the  foregoing  application  and  warrant 
was  published  in  said  Portsmouth  Journal  on  the  8th  day  of  August 
1846  and  the  three  following  Saturdays 

(Signed)  Charles  W.  Brewster 

State  of  Newhampshire  ) Sept  5,  1846  Then  Charles  W.  Brew- 
Rockingham  ss  j ster  above  named  personally  appeared 
and  made  oath  that  the  foregoing  affidavit  by  him  subscribed  is 
just  and  true 

Before  me  W.  H.  Y.  Hackett 

Justice  of  the  Peace 


RECORDS  OF  MEETINGS. 


643 


At  a meeting  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors  holden  at  the  office  of 
Alexander  Ladd  Esq  on  Saturday  the  fifth  day  of  September  A.  D. 
1846  agreeably  to  the  foregoing  notice,  proceeded  to  ballot  for  a 
Proprietors  Clerk  when  it  appeared  that  Joshua  W.  Peirce  was 
unanimously  chosen  and  was  immediately  sworn  to  the  faithful 
discharge  of  the  office  as  follows — namely 

State  of  Newhampshire  | September  5,  1846  Then  the  above 
Rockingham  ss. — \ named  Joshua  W.  Peirce  made  Oath  that 

he  would  faithfully  and  impartially  discharge  and  perform  all  the 
duties  incumbent  on  him  as  Clerk  of  the  Masonian  Proprietors, 
according  to  the  best  of  his  abilities,  agreeable  to  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Laws  of  the  State  of  New- 
hampshire. 

Before  me  W.  II.  Y.  Ilackett  Jus  Peace 

It  was  then  voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a Moderator, 

Voted — And  unanimously  Chose  Alexander  Ladd,  Moderator — 
Voted — That  Mess  Alexander  Ladd,  W.  H.  Y.  Hackett  & J.  W. 
Peirce  be  a Committee  to  prepare  rules  and  regulations  for  the 

government  of  their  Proprietors  Meetings. 

Voted — That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  15th 
Instant  then  to  Meet  at  the  same  place  at  3 o’clock  P.  M. 

A true  record,  Attest 

J.  W.  Peirce  Prop18  Clerk 


State  of  New  hampshire  ) Portsmouth,  Tuesday  Sept  15th  1846. — 
Rockingham  ss. — ( The  Proprietors  met  according  to  ad- 

journment 

The  Moderator  took  the  oath  of  office — on  Motion 

Voted — That  the  Bye  Laws  presented  by  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  be  accepted  and  adopted,  and  are  as  follows, 
namely — 

1 There  shall  be  a Moderator  who  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  and 
Major  Vote  at  the  annual  Meeting  which  shall  be  holden  in  Ports- 
mouth on  the  third  Monday  of  January  annually,  and  who  shall 
preside  at  the  annual  and  Special  Meetings  of  the  Proprietors. — 

2 There  shall  also  be  a Clerk  chosen  in  like  manner  at  the  annual 
Meeting  who  shall  be  sworn  faithfully  to  record  the  proceedings  of 
the  Proprietors  at  the  annual  and  other  meetings,  and  who  shall  call 
the  annual  Meetings  at  the  time  required  by  the  Bye  Laws  and 
Special  Meetings  in  Accordance  with  the  votes  of  the  Proprietors. 


644 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


3 The  Proprietors  shall  meet  monthly,  on  the  third  Monday  of 
each,  and  until  otherwise  ordered  by  a two  thirds  vote  of  the  Pro- 
prietors.— 

Voted  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned 
A true  Record,  Attest 


J.  W.  Peirce  Props  Clerk — 


APPENDIX. 


I 

' 


I 


. i 


■ 


I 


APPENDIX. 


[. Masoris  Offer  to  the  King , 1681-%.~\ 

[English  Archives,  Colonial  Papers,  Vol.  48,  p.  7.] 

Mr  Mason’s  Proposal  to  His  Maty 
To  the  Kings  Most  Exfc  Maty 
May  it  please  your  Maty. 

Whereas  yr  Ma^  hath  been  pleased  to  appoint  Edw:  Cranfeild 
Esqr  to  be  Command17  in  Cheif  of  ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
whereof  ye  propriety  of  Soyl  is  vested  in  me  by  a grant  from  yor  Mats 
Royall  Grandfather  And  as  I am  fully  sencible  of  ye  advantages  that 
will  arise  unto  me  in  ^ticular  by  the  influence  of  yor  Mats  Royall 
protection  & Goverm*  as  well  as  onto  all  other  of  your  Mats  Sub- 
jects in  that  province  who  have  been  so  lately  relieved  by  yor  Mats 
great  grace  & favour  from  ye  oppression  of  their  Neighbours. 

To  the  end  therefore  the  Charge  of  ye  Goverm1  may  be  made  most 
easy  unto  yr  Maty  as  I am  cheifly  concern’d  therein  so  I think  myself 
in  gratitude  & duty  oblidged  to  contribute  a considerable  ^t  of  my 
own  estate  and  lawfull  Inheritance  towards  ye  maintenance  of  your 
Mats  Govern17  who  shall  reside  there ; And  therefore  I do  freelv  and 
in  all  humility  make  offer  unto  your  most  sacred  Maty  of  one  fifth 
^t  of  all  Rents  Revenues  & Profits  arising  or  wch  shall  arise  unto 
me  by  virtue  of  my  propriety  as  well  in  that  ^t  of  ye  Province  now 
under  your  Mat9  obedience  as  in  that  other  ^t  hitherto  unjustly 
detained  from  your  Maty  and  myself  by  ye  Gov1'  & Compa  of  ye 
Massachusets  Bay  (for  w<h  I am  yet  a Petr  unto  your  Maty)  to  be 
applyed  for  & towards  ye  Support  & maintainance  of  your  Mats 
Govern17  or  Command17  in  Cheif  residing  in  the  Province. 

And  whereas  wth  ye  propriety  of  Soyle  there  is  also  granted  unto 
me  All  prerogatives.  Royalties  &t.  whereby  as  I am  advised  I am  in- 
titled  to  all  ffines  & forfeitures  accruing  in  y®  Province,  1 do  most 
humbly  Surrender  & give  up  unto  yr  Maty  y®  right  of  all  such  ffines 
& forfeitures  hoping  & humbly  praying  that  yor  Maty  will  be 
graciously  pleased  to  allot  the  same  for  the  better  support  & publick 
uses  of  y®  Governm1 


648 


APPENDIX. 


And  I humbly  presume  to  add  that  when  your  Maty  shall  have 
enabled  ye  sd  Ml  Cranfeild  to  go  and  settle  himself  in  the  possession 
of  ye  Governm4  The  Councill  & Assembly  will  in  a Short  time  raise 
and  establish  such  further  additionall  Revenue  as  will  be  to  yor  Mats 
great  Satisfaction,  & answer  ye  whole  Charge  & expence  which 
shall  be  necessary  to  maintain  & support  yor  Mats  Authority  & Gov- 
ernment there 

All  wch  is  most  humbly  submitted  to  yr  Roy11  Wisdom 

Robert  Mason. 

[Endorsed] 

Mr  Mason’s  Proposall  to  his  Maty 

Read  Jany  23  1684 

4 


[Surrender  of  Revenues  to  the  King , April  7,  1682.} 

[English  Archives,  Colonial  Papers,  Vol.  48,  p.  51.] 

M1  Mason’s  Surrender  of  Lands  of  Inheritance. 

To  All  to  whom  these  prsents  shall  come  Robert  Tufton  Mason  of 
London  Esqr  sendetli  Greeting  Whereas  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason 
is  Proprietor  and  seised  of  or  lawfully  entituled  unto  the  fee  simple  and 
Inheritance  of  all  that  Province  or  Tract  of  Land  in  New  England 
in  America  com’only  called  by  the  name  of  Newhampshire  lying 
between  the  Rivers  of  Naumkeck  and  Pascataway  and  of  all  fines 
and  forfeitures  which  shall  happen  or  arise  within  the  said  Province 
Now  Know  yee  that  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  being  fully 
sensible  of  the  advantage  that  will  arise  to  him  in  particular,  by  his 
Mats  Protection  and  Goverment,  as  well  as  others  in  the  said 
Province  who  have  been  lately  relieved  by  his  Mats  great  Grace  and 
flavour  from  the  oppression  and  usurpation  of  their  Neighbours  And 
to  the  End  the  Charge  of  Goverment  may  be  made  more  easy  to 
his  Maty,  hath  granted  surrendred  and  yeilded  up  and  by  these  pres- 
ents Doth  grant  surrender  and  yeild  up  unto  his  Maty  his  heires  and 
Successors  all  fines  and  forfeitures  which  shall  arrise  or  happen  in  or 
upon  all  or  any  part  or  parts  of  the  said  Province  and  prmisses 
belonging  to  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason,  to  the  Intent  the  same 
may  be  applied  and  disposed  for  and  towards  the  better  support 
and  maintenance  and  publick  uses  of  the  Goverment  of  the  said 
Province  And  the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  upon  the  Considera- 
tions and  for  the  purposes  aforesaid  Doth  further  by  these  prsents 
for  him  and  his  heires  promise  grant  and  agree  to  and  with  his  most 


APPENDIX. 


649 


Excellent  Maty  his  heires  and  Successors  that  He  the  said  Robert 
Tufton  Mason  his  heires  and  assignes  shall  and  will  also  for  ever 
hereafter  pay  and  deliver  or  cause  to  be  paid  and  delivered  to  his 
Mats  Governor  of  the  said  Province  for  the  time  being  one  full  fifth 
part  (the  whole  in  five  parts  to  be  divided)  of  all  such  rents  Reve- 
nues and  profitts  as  shall  from  time  to  time  arise  to  or  be  made  by 
the  said  Robert  Tufton  Mason  his  heires  or  assignes  out  of  or  for  or 
by  reason  of  the  said  Province,  lands  and  premisses  and  every  or  any 
of  them 

In  witness  &c  hereof  the  said  Rob.  Tufton  Mason  hath  hereunto  Set 
his  hand  and  Seal  the  1 Day  of  Aprill  in  the  34th  year  of  the  Reign 
of  o1  Sover  Lord  Charles  the  Second  King  of  England  &c.  An0  Dom. 


1682. 


1 approve  of  this  draft 


R.  Sawyer 


[ Answer  of  Elias  Stileman  to  Mason's  Claim , November  15,  16825\ 

4 

[Belknap’s  History  of  New  Hampshire,  Farmer’s  Ed.,  p.  461.] 

The  answer  of  Elias  Stileman,  to  the  summons  from  the  Hon. 
Edward  Cranfield,  Esquire,  governor  of  his  majesty’s  province  of 
New-Hampshire,  in  N.  E.  in  pursuance  of  the  method  which  his 
majesty  hath  been  gratiously  pleased  to  prescribe  in  his  commission. 

Portsmouth,  the  15th  of  November,  1682. 

May  it  please  your  Honor, — In  obedience  to  your  command,  that 
I should  render  a reason  why  I refuse  to  pay  quit-rent  unto  Robert 
Mason,  Esq.,  (as  he  titles  himself)  for  my  house  and  lands,  and  take 
deeds  from  him  for  the  confirming  of  the  same,  I answer  as  follow- 
eth  : 

lstly.  Because  my  said  land  I bought  and  paid  for.  The  title 
unto  which  is  successively  derived  unto  me  from  those  that  have 
possessed  it,  without  any  claim  for  at  least  these  50  years,  upon  which 
I have  built  at  my  own  charge  without  any  interruption,  and  am  in 
the  possession  thereof,  as  my  own.  As  to  what  is  said  in  the  com- 
mission, concerning  Mr.  Mason’s  proprietors,  with  all  due  submission 
to  his  majesty,  I conceive  it  implies  rather  his  claim  than  a positive 
determination  of  his  title. 

2dly.  I humbly  conceive,  that,  being  in  possession  of  what  I have 
bought  and  built  upon,  it  rests  upon  the  claimer  to  make  out  his  title, 
(if  he  have  any  by  law)  begging  the  favor  of  an  English  subject 


I 


650  APPENDIX. 

therein,  that  it  may  be  first  tried  upon  the  place,  according  to  the 
statute  law,  and  the  opinion  of  his  majesty’s  judges  in  England,  and 
this  before  I am  liable  to  pay  quit-rent,  and  take  deeds  of  confirma- 
tion from  him. 

3dly.  Should  Mr.  Mason  obtain  his  demands,  myself  and  the  rest 
of  the  inhabitants  would  be  undone  forever,  for  then  all  his,  granted 
to  him,  which  he  calls  commons,  being  out  of  fence,  which  yet  hath 
been  bounded  out  by  the  several  towns,  and  possessed  by  them  for 
these  50  years,  and  improved  for  the  maintenance  of  their  cattle  both 
winter  and  summer,  and  for  timber  and  fire  wood,  without  which 
there  is  no  living  for  us,  it  being  impossible  for  us  to  subsist  upon 
that,  which,  in  the  commission  is  called  gardens,  orchards,  if  he  may 
have  the  disposal  of  the  rest. 

4thly.  The  said  Mason  speaks  of  many  thousands  of  pounds  ex- 
pended upon  the  place,  which  with  submission  cannot  be  made  out, 
and  if  it  could,  what  then  have  the  poor  planters  expended  in  so 
many  years  labour  since  their  first  sitting  down  upon  it,  when  they 
found  it  an  howling  wilderness  and  vacuum  domicilium , besides  a 
great  expence  of  blood  and  estate,  to  defend  it  in  the  late  Indian 
war,  nor  can  they  to  this  day,  make  both  ends  meet,  by  all  their 
labour  and  frugality,  and  therefore  must  needs  sink  under  the  exac- 
tion of  such  a proprietor. 

5thly.  The  land  which  Mr.  Mason  claims  as  proprietor,  is  the 
land  on  which  such  vast  expense  hath  been  laid  out  by  his  grand- 
father Capt.  John  Mason,  for  the  peopling  of  it,  and  the  land  from 
whence  his  said  grandfather’s  servants  were  violently  driven  out,  or 
expelled  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Massachusetts,  but  upon  this  land 
there  was  no  such  expence  laid  out  by  his  grandfather,  Captain  John 
Mason,  for  the  end  aforesaid,  nor  is  this  the  land  from  whence  any 
servants  of  his  said  grandfather  were  so  expelled,  and  therefore,  we, 
that  are  possessed  of  this  land,  are  not  concerned  in  his  claim,  he 
hath  mistaken  his  province,  and  may  endeavour  to  find  it  some  other 
where,  for  here  is  no  such  place. 

6thly.  If  Mr.  Mason  had  a patent  here,  why  did  he  not  take  pos- 
session in  the  day  thereof  ? If  he  were  in  possession,  why  did  he 
not  keep  it  still  ? None  ever  drove  him  out  as  he  informs;  had  he 
been  once  settled,  he  might  to  this  day  have  kept  it,  as  the  rest  of 
the  inhabitants  have  done,  without  the  least  molestation,  but  I am 
humbly  of  opinion,  that  if  he,  the  said  Mason,  or  any  of  his  heirs 
came  hither,  they  only  came  as  many  ships  did  to  Newfoundland 
and  to  this  country,  to  make  a fishing  voyage  or  beaver  trade,  and 
that  being  at  an  end,  departed,  and  left  their  room  to  the  next  taker. 

This  is  the  sum  of  what  I have  at  present  to  answer,  humbly  re- 


APPENDIX. 


651 


questing  of  your  honor,  the  stating  of  the  case,  with  your  opinion 
thereupon,  to  his  majesty  as  the  commission  directs  ; and  when  his 
majesty  shall,  in  his  wisdom  and  justice,  see  meet  to  order  an  hear- 
ing of  the  matter  in  his  courts  of  judicature,  upon  the  place,  before 
a jury  of  uninterested  and  indifferent  persons,  which  may , be  had  out 
of  the  neighboring  province,  (and  possibly  Mr.  Mason  may  think 
not  attainable  in  this  province,  wherein  all  persons  are  concerned,) 
as  he  hath  been  pleased  to  do  by  that  part  of  Mr.  Mason’s  claim, 
which  lies  under  his  majesty's  government  of  Massachusetts,  I hope 
to  be  able  upon  these  and  other  grounds  so  far  to  make  out  my  title 
as  to  be  held  unblamable,  before  God  and  man,  for  not  complying 
with  his  demands.  Or,  if  I should  see  cause  to  appeal  to  his  majesty 
and  honorable  council,  that  I shall  be  put  beyond  all  need  of  pay- 
ing quit  rent  to  the  pretended  proprietor. 

Thus  begging  your  honor’s  favor,  I subscribe, 

Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

E.  S. 


[ Answer  to  Mason’s  Claim.'] 

[Belknap’s  History  of  New  Hampshire,  Farmer’s  Ed.,  p.  459.] 

(In  Mr.  Weare’s  hand  writing,  but  without  date  or  signature.) 

It  does  not  legally  appear,  that  Mr.  Mason  can  lay  any  just  claim 
to  any  of  the  lands  in  New-Hampshire,  for  what  right  he  pretends, 
is  either  derived  from  Capt.  John  Mason,  (whom  he  says  was  his 
grandfather)  or  from  his  majesty’s  commission  : but  presume  from 
neither  of  these  has  he  any  right.  Not  from  Capt.  John  Mason  ; for 
1.  It  does  not  legally  appear  that  ever  he  had  any  right  to  the  prov- 
ince of  New-Hampshire.  It  is  true  there  is  a copy  of  a patent  or 
deed  from  the  council  of  Plymouth,  which  he  brings  over  without 
attestation  of  public  notary,  or  any  other  authority.  Besides,  in 
said  copy  there  is  not  the  least  intimation  of  any  hand  or  seal  to  the 
original,  and  there  is  two  men  that  swear  this  is  a true  copy  of  the 
original,  which  plainly  demonstrates  that  the  original  is  but  a blank ; 
the  truth  whereof  we  are  the  more  confirmed  in,  because  it  is  not 
rational  to  imagine,  that  Mr.  Mason  would  come  from  England  to 
prosecute  a right,  and  not  bring  with  him  what  he  had  to  make  good 
his  claim,  but  having  nothing  but  blank  copies,  he  could  bring  no 
better  than  he  had,  which  cannot  be  looked  upon  as  authentic,  in 
any  court. 


652 


APPENDIX. 


2.  If  it  should  be  supposed  that  ever  Capt.  John  Mason  had  a 
right  by  patent,  yet  it  does  not  appear  how  Robert  Tufton  Mason 
(as  the  plaintiff  calls  himself)  derives  a title  from  him,  either  as  his 
heir,  executor,  or  administrator,  or  by  deed  of  gift;  all  that  we  can 
hear  in  court  is,  that  the  plaintiff  calls  himself  Capt.  Mason’s  heir. 

3.  If  the  plaintiff,  or  his  ancestors,  ever  had  a title  to  the  lands  he 
claims,  by  patent  from  the  council  of  Plymouth,  yet  they  have  lost 
it  by  non-use,  for  they  never  attended  the  ends  of  granting  patents, 
by  king  James,  of  blessed  memory,  in  his  highness’  patent  to  the 
great  council  of  Plymouth,  which  was  the  peopling  of  the  land,  en- 
larging the  king’s  dominions,  propagating  the  gospel,  conversion  of 
the  heathen — the  native  proprietors,  &c.  Now,  the  plaintiff,  nor 
ancestors,  never  planted  this  province,  nor  expended  any  thing  upon 
it,  to  the  upholding  of  it,  in  peace  nor  war,  but  the  present  inhabit- 
ants did,  either  b}T  themselves  or  predecessors,  purchase  their  pos- 
sessions from  the  natives,  and  by  their  permission  did  sit  down  upon 
the  land,  and  manured,  to  the  vast  expence  of  above  50  years  time, 
in  hard  labor,  and  expending  upon  it  their  whole  estate.  And  in  the 
late  Indiau  war,  did  defend  it  against  the  enemy,  to  the  loss  of  many 
of  their  lives,  and  considerable  part  of  their  estates,  without  any 
assistance  from  Mr.  Mason,  who  now  claims  not  only  what  poor  peo- 
ple have  purchased  and  labored  hard  upon,  but  also  conquered  or 
relieved  from  cruel  attempts  of  the  barbarous  heathen,  and  we  con- 
ceive we  were  under  no  obligation  to  run  such  adventures  to  make 
ourselves  slaves  to  Mr.  Mason. 

4.  It  does  not  appear  that  there  was  a quorum  of  the  great  council 
of  Plymouth,  to  the  making  of  Capt.  Mason’s  deed,  according  to  the 
patent  granted  to  the  great  council  of  Plymouth,  which  renders  his 
claim  unvalid,  if  ever  any  thing  in  that  kind  was  done,  which  we 
question. 

From  what  is  said,  we  humbly  conceive  Mr.  Mason  has  no  right 
from  Capt.  John  Mason. 

And  that  his  majesty's  commission  does  neither  give  nor  confirm 
any  title  to  the  lands  claimed,  we  prove  ; 

(1)  We  humbly  conceive  that  his  royal  majesty,  who  is  so  pru- 
dent a prince,  and  so  solicitous  for  the  peace  of  his  subjects,  would 
not  have  left  that  matter  doubtful,  to  his  subjects  of  this  province, 
but  rather  have  told  us,  that  he  had  given  all  the  lands  to  Mr. 
Mason,  but  there  is  nothing  of  gift,  to  him,  in  the  commission,  and 
if  his  majesty  had , (which  we  cannot  believe  he  would)  we  should 
crave  the  benefit  of  the  statue  in  the  17°  of  Charles  the  first,  which 
says,  No  king  and  council  can  alienate  lands  but  by  due  course  of 
law.  But  we  were  never  yet  heard,  and  when  it  comes  to  legal  trial, 


APPENDIX. 


653 


we  presume  the  law  of  possessions  will  confirm  our  lands  to  us,  see- 
ing we  have  had  oeaceable  possession  50  vears. 

(2)  If  h is  majesty  had  given  the  lands  in  the  province  to  Mr. 
Mason,  what  can  be  understood  by  that  clause  in  the  commission, 

‘ That  in  case  the  inhabitants  shall  refuse  to  agree  with  Mr.  Mason, 
then  the  governor  shall  interpose  and  reconcile  all  differences,  if  he 
can,  but  if  he  cannot,  then  to  send  the  case,  fairly  stated  to  England, 
that  his  majesty  and  privy  counsel,  might  determine  according  to 
right;’  which  we  humbly  conceive  puts  a bar  to  any  legal  proceed- 
ings, until  his  majesty’s  mind  be  further  known  therein.  The  inhab- 
itants have  offered  their  reasons  to  the  governor  according  to  com- 
mission, which  he  will  not  admit  of,  only  did  take  of  one,  viz.  Capt. 
Stileman,  and  promised  to  send  them  to  England,  but  we  can  hear 
of  no  answer,  and  much  fear  his  neglect. 

(3)  His  majesty  in  his  commission,  says,  4 To  prevent  unTeasonable 
demands,  that  may  be  made  by  Mr.  Mason,  for  the  right  he  claims,’ 
which  claim  maj7  prove  good  or  bad,  when  it  comes  to  trial.  We 
understand,  to  claim  and  to  have,  are  different  things. 

(4)  His  majesty  intimates  in  his  royal  commission,  by  what  title 
Mr.  Mason  does  claim,  viz.  by  a grant  to  his  ancestors,  k who  im- 
proved and  possessed  the  province  with  great  expence,  until  molested 
and  finally  driven  out;’  but  this  province  cannot  be  concluded  to 
be  the  place  he  claims,  until  he  make  these  circumstances  appear, 
which  we  are  sure  he  never  can  do. 

Now,  Mr.  Mason,  not  producing  any  original  deed  for  any  of  the 
lands  of  this  province,  nor  authentic  copies,  the  inhabitants  cannot 
make  any  compliance  with  him,  both,  because  we  see  no  right  he 
ever  had,  or  believing  if  ever  any  was,  he  hath  mortgaged  it  already 
in  England,  and  so  alienated  what  right  he  had. 

Although  upon  the  former  grounds,  we  have  good  plea  against  Mr. 
Mason’s  claim,  yet  we  did  not  see  cause  to  join  issue,  not  only  be- 
cause judges  and  jurors  were  not  qualified  according  to  law,  all  of 
them  being  picked  for  espousing  Mr.  Mason’s  interest,  by  the  gov- 
ernor’s order,  who  has  a mortgage  for  21  years  from  Mr.  Mason,  for 
all  the  lands  in  the  province  ; but  also  because  we  were  willing  to 
attend  the  methods,  prescribed  by  his  majesty,  in  his  royal  commis- 
sion. 


654 


APPENDIX. 


[Act  for  Sale  of  Lands  to  Proprietors , June  17,  1788.~\ 

[Acts,  Vol.  5,  p.  425.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty 
eight 

— — . An  Act  empower  and  authorise  certain  persons  therein 

] L.  S.  £ named  to  convey  to  the  Persons  commonly  called  the  Ma- 
* — > — ' ' sonian  Proprietors,  all  the  Interest  and  title  of  the  said  State 
in  and  to  the  Lands  lying  between  the  Curve  line  claimed  by  said 
Proprietors  as  the  head  line  of  Mason’s  Patent  and  a straight  Line 
lately  run  by  order- of  the  General  Court  of  said  state ; and  to  accept 
certain  securities  therefor  in  behalf  of  said  State. 

Whereas  by  a Vote  of  the  house  of  Representatives  concurred 
in  the  Senate,  it  has  been  determined  by  the  General  Court  to  release 
to  the  said  proprietors  all  the  right  Title  claim  Interest  and  demand 
of  said  state  in  and  to  the  Lands  aforesaid,  on  condition  said  Pro- 
prietors secure  to  the  State  the  payment  of  forty  thousand  Dollars 
in  State  Securities,  and  eight  hundred  Dollars  in  Specie  therefor, 
and  whereas  the  said  Proprietors  by  their  agents  have  in  writing 
declared  their  acceptance  of  the  terms  and  conditions  aforesaid  in 
order  to  a final  Settlement  of  the  controversy  been  the  State  and 
said  Proprietors  respecting  the  said  Lands,  therefore  in  order,  and  to 
the  Intent  that  said  agreement  be  compleated, 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in 
General  Court  convened,  that  Thomas  Bartlett  Dudly  Odlin  and 
Archchibald  M’Murphy  Esquires,  Be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed 
a Committee  or  Agents  on  the  part  and  behalf  of  the  State  to  release 
quit  Claim  and  convey  to  the  said  Proprietors  all  the  right  Title 
Interest  Claim  and  demand  of  said  state  in  and  unto  the  Lands 
aforesaid,  with  full  powers  and  authorities  to  them  or  the  major  part 
of  them,  to  make  and  execute  any  Deed  or  Deeds,  for  the  Purpose 
aforesaid  which  Deed  or  Deeds  shall  be  valid  and  effectual  in  Law 
to  all  intents  and  purposes  to  convey  to  said  Proprietors  their  Suc- 
cessors Heirs  and  assigns  forever  all  the  Right  Title  Interest  Claim 
and  Demand  of  said  state  to  the  Lands  aforesaid — And  also  they  or 
the  Major  part  of  them  to  receive  and  accept  from  said  Proprietors 
or  their  Agents  security  or  Securities  for ’the  payment  of  the  sd  forty 
thousand  Dollars  in  State  Securities  and  eight  hundred  Dollars  in 
specie  aforesaid  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  State. 


s 


■ 


APPENDIX. 


655 


StaLe  of  New  j jn  jj0llse  0f  Representatives  June  17th  1788. 
Hampshire  ) L 

The  foregoing  bill  having  been  read  a third  time  Voted  that  it 

pass  to  be  enacted 

Sent  up  for  concurrence 

Tho8  Bartlett  Speaker. 

In  senate  June  17th  1788.  This  bill  having  been  read  a third  time 
V oted  that  the  same  be  enacted. 

John  Langdon  President 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Act  under  the  Slate  Seal. 

Attest  Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


[Act  for  Levying  Taxes , June  18,  1788. ] 

[Acts,  Vol.  5,  p.  429.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty 
eight 

An  Act  to  authorize  and  empower  certain  persons  call- 
ing themselves  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  who  have  by 
their  agents  purchased  of  the  State  a release  of  its  claim  to 
certain  Lands  herein  after  described  to  raise  Levy  and  collect  such 
sums  of  money  as  they  may  find  it  needful  to  raise  for  certain  pur- 
poses therein  expressed,  by  sale  of  the  said  Lands 

Whereas  said  proprietors  have  by  their  agent  petitioned  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  respecting,  that  at  a Legal  meeting  they  appointed  and 
empowered  said  agents  to  settle  in  their  behalf,  their  controversy 
with  the  State  of  New-Hampshire  respecting  the  title  to  the  lands 
between  the  curve  line  (so  called)  of  Mason’s  patent,  and  a sraight 
line  lately  run  by  order  of  the  General  Court.  That  said  agents 
have  agreed  upon  a sttlement  of  said  controversy,  with  said  General 
Court,  by  which  Settlement  certain  Sums  of  money  are  to  be  secured 
and  paid  to  said  State,  and  said  proprietors  are  to  have  a release  of 
all  the  State’s  title  to  said  Lands.  That  said  Settlement  has  been 
and  still  must  be  attended  with  the  expence  of  considerable  sums 
of  money  on  the  part  of  said  proprietors  and  that  said  sums  to  be 
paid  to  the  State  as  aforesaid,  are  yet  to  be  Raised,  all  of  which 
ought  to  be  paid  by  said  proprietors  in  propotion  to  their  several 


6t56 


APPENDIX. 


and  respective  interests  and  estates  in  said  Lands.  But  that  there  is 
a doubt  whether  said  Lands  (many  of  which  are  now  holden  by  said 
Proprietors  in  severalty)  can  try  the  Laws  now  in  force  be  effectu- 
ally charged  therewith ; and  said  sums  corceively  collected  by  sale 
of  the  same;  praying  that  clear  powers  and  authorities  may  be 
granted  them  for  that  purpose:  which  prayer  appearing  reasonable; 

Therefore  be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represent- 
atives in  General  Court  convened,  that  the  said  proprietors  shall 
have  power  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  at  any 
legal  meeting  to  agree  upon  and  Vote  to  raise  such  sum  or  sums 
of  Money,  as  they  shall  Judge  necessary  then  to  be  raised  for 
defraying  the  said  expences,  and  paying  the  sums  to  be  paid  to  the 
State  as  aforesaid.  And  the  whole  interest  and  estate  of  each  of 
said  proprietors  in  the  Lands  aforesaid,  as  well  all  that  part  reserved 
to,  or  holden  by  each  one  of  them  in  severalty,  as  that  part  of  said 
estate  which  is  held  by~  each  in  common  and  undivided,  not  bona  fide 
and  for  a valuable  consideration  sold  and  conveyed,  shall  be  liable 
to  pay  and  stand  charged  with  his  part  and  propotion  of  any  sum 
or  sums  of  Money  which  may  be  agreed  upon,  and  voted  to  be  raised 
as  aforesaid.  And  the  assessors  who  shall  be  chosen  to  assess  and 
proportion  the  same  to  and  among  the  proprietors  shall  proceed  to 
do  it  according  to  the  several  and  respective  interests  and  estate  of 
each  proprietor  in  the  lands  aforesaid.  And  set  such  assessed  pro- 
portion to  each  of  said  proprietors,  and  commit  a list  thereof  with  a 
warrant  or  preceipt  to  such  person  as  may  or  shall  be  chosen  to  col- 
lect the  same;  therein  setting  forth  his  duty  agreeably7  to  this  act. 
the  time  for  compleating  the  collection,  and  to  whom  the  money  is  to 
be  paid.  And  such  collector  shall  upon  receiving  the  same,  give 
notice  of  such  assment  and  of  the  place  where  the  sums  assessed 
will  be  received  by  him,  by  an  advertisement  published  in  the  New 
Hampshire  Gazette  for  three  weeks  successively,  and  also  that  if 
payment  shall  not  be  made  accordingly,  that  the  money  will  be  lev- 
ied by*  sale  of  so  much  of  any7  part  of  the  estate  and  interest  in  said 
Lands  either  common  and  undivided,  or  severed,  reserved  or  divided 
of  any7  proprietor  who  shall  continue  for  the  space  of  fourteen  days 
after  the  last  week  of  notice,  To  neglect  pay7ment  as  aforesaid .; 
after  which  Time  the  said  Collector  shall  advertise  for  sale,  so  much 
of  the  said  Lands  common  or  severed,  or  both,  of  such  delinquent  or 
neglecting  Proprietor  as  will  pay7  the  sum  assessed  on  him  as  his  pro- 
portion as  aforesaid,  and  the  reasonable  incidental  charges,  by  giv- 
ing six  weeks  notice  of  such  Sale,  by  publishing  the  same  in  the 
news  Paper  as  aforesaid,  and  in  case  the  neglecting  or  delinquent 
proprietor  shall  still  neglect  to  pay  said  sum  assessed  to  him  as  afore- 


APPENDIX. 


657 


said  with  the  incidental  charges,  both  which  he  may  pay  at  any  time 
before  the  sale  ; then  the  said  Collector,  shall  on  the  day  appointed 
and  advertised,  proceed  to  make  Sale  at  Public  Auction,  of  so  much 
of  said  delinquent  proprietor’s  said  Land  either  held  by  him  in  com- 
mon or  in  severalty,  or  both,  as  will  pay  said  assessed  Sum  and  the 
reasonable  incidental  Charges  as  aforesaid.  Provided  the  Sale  be 
made  between  the  hours  of  ten  of  Clock  in  the  forenoon  and  six 
of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon.  And  the  said  Collector  is  hereby 
authorized  and  empowered  to  execute  a good  valid  conveyance  of  all 
the  estate  and  interest  of  such  delinquent  Proprietor  in  the  Lands 
sold,  to  the  purchaser  or  purchasors: 

Provided  neverless,  and  be  it  further  enacted,  that  each  Proprie- 
tor whose  lands  shall  have  been  sold  as  aforesaid,  his  heirs  or  assigns, 
shall  have  the  liberty  of  redeeming  any  of  his  lands  sold  as  aforesaid, 
at  any  time  within  the  term  of  two  months  after  the  sale  thereof  as 
aforesaid,  he  or  she  paying  to  the  purchasor  the  full  sum  in  money 
at  which  said  land  was  sold,  the  interest  thereof  to  the  time  of  pay- 
ment, and  all  reasonable  charges. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  at  all  meetings  of  said  proprietors, 
each  proprietor  shall  be  admitted,  and  have  a right  to  vote  accord- 
ing to  his  or  her  interest,  and  Votes  shall  be  computed  accordingly. 

Provided  always  that  nothing  in  this  act  shall  extend,  or  be  con- 
strued to  extend  to  or  effect  the  Title  of  any  lands,  not  including 
between  the  Curve  and  straight  lines,  therein  mentioned  and  de- 
scribed. 

State  of  New  } 

Hampshire  j In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  18th  1788 — 

The  foregoing  Bill  having  been  read  a third  time  voted  that  it 
pass  to  be  enacted.  Sent  up  for  concurrence 

Thos  Bartlett  Spea. 

/ 

In  senate  the  18th  June  1788.  This  bill  having  been  read  a third 
time  voted  that  the  same  be  enacted 

John  Langdon  President 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  act  under  the  State  Seal 

Attest.  Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


42 


- 


INDEX. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES  OF  PLACES 


Agawam  River,  Bay,  or  Harbor.  .21,  150 


168 

Albany  (Burton) 528 

Albany,  N.  Y 184,  232 


Alexandria.  ...246,  289,  312,  339,  354,  355 
360,  457,  523,  542-545,  548,  551,  556 

571,  582-584 

Alexandria  Addition  (New  London)  . 312 


339,  582,  583 

Allenstown 349,  430,  435,  436,  448,  452 

455,  474,  482,  483,  498,  595,  620 

.Almsbury  (Warner) 236,  312 

Almsbury,  Mass.  ..191,  192,  200,  203,  206 
208,  211,  315,  322,  325,  329 

Almsbury  River 560 

Alton 517 

(New  Durham  Gore).  . .339,  346,  348 

349 

Amherst 371,  384,  493,  558 

(Narragansett  No.  3) 485 

(Souliegan  West).  . .231,  234-237,  246 

423,  485 

Amoskeag". 444 

Amoskeag  Falls 235 

Andover.  .339,  443,  445,  522,  548,  572,  626 

(New  Breton) 312,  543,  544,  546 

Andover,  Mass., 150,  169,  558 

Antrim 339 

Ashuelot  River 378,  382 

Atkinson 347 

Baker’s  Pond 307,  443,  444 

Bakerstown  (Salisbury) 237 

Barbadoes 282 

Barnstaple,  Eng 51 

Barnstead 217,  222,  237,  309,  310,  465 

497,  498,  503,  509,  515,  534 

Barrington 217,  222 

Basstown,  Mass 150,  169 

Bedford 246,  348,  349,  439 

(Narragansett  No.  5)...  .236,  409,  427 

(Souliegan  East) 236,  409,  427 

Bellowstown  (Walpole) 307 

Berwick,  Me 125 

Billerica,  Mass 150,  169 

Blackwater  River 530 

Bloody  Point  (Newington) 53,  157 

Boscaquack  Lake 41 


Boscawen 312,  484,  485,  528-531,  538 

581,  626 

(Contoocook).235,  236,  246,  413,  467- 
469,  476-478,  502,  528,  529,  538 
Boston,  Mass.  102-104,  111,  112,  134,  136- 
138,  141,  161,  172,  174,  175,  178,  180 
181,  183,  185-187,  189,  193,  253,  267 
275,  282,  285-287,  293,  294,  298,  311 
315,  322,  32V,  346,  350,  367,  466,  510 
Bow.  .217,  222,  237,  430,  475,  482,  484,  512 

595 

Bradford.  .339,  541,  543,  548-550,  559,  571 
579,  581,  583,  584,  594,  617,  619,  621 

626 

(New  Bradford) 621,  622 

Brentwood 592 

Bristol,  Eng 3,  51,  193 

Buckstreet 456,  457,  481,  500,  596 

Burton  (Albany) 528 


Camden  (Washington).. 376,  379,  555,  617 
Campbell’s  Gore  (Windsor)  339,  361,  550 
555,  571,  575,  581,  605,  617 
Canterbury.. . .217,  222,  247,  489,  502,  512 

Canterbury,  Eng 266 

Cape  Ann. . ..19,  20,  60,  63,  65,  67,  70,  148 
149,  159,  167,  168,  179,  200,  202,  206 
207,  211,  250,  264,  275,  292 

(Cape  Trabigzand) 20,  149,  168 

Cape  Ann’s  Town,  Mass 150,  169 

Cape  Breton,  N.  S 235 

Carthagena  Island 466 

Charles  River.  110,  190,  265 

Charlestown 598 

Charlestown,  Mass 137,  159,  161,  267 

Charlestown  School  Farm 311 

Chelmsford,  Mass 231 

Chester 217,  222,  235,  236,  436 

Chichester 217,  222,  309,  386 

Cocheco  (Dover) 125,  128 

Cohass 237 

Coli ass  Brook 419 

Concord 344,  347,  351,  375,  536,  547 

(Penacook) 133,  236 

(Rumford) 236,  46S,  536,  546 

Concord,  Mass 150,  169,  590 

Connecticut  River 280 


662 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PLACES 


Contoocook  (Boscawen) 285,  236,  246 

413,  467-469,  476-478,  502,  528,  529 

538 

Contoocook  River 453,  455,  564 

Conway. . .339,  537,  554,  587,  588,  593,  627 

632,  633 

Crotclied  Mountain  453,  629-631 


Dantzick  (Newbury) 246,  289,  457 

Deerfield 346 

Deering 339,  374 

Derry 217 

Derryfield  (Manchester) 494 

Dover 125,  129,  144,  150,  157,  165,  166 

169,  200,  203,  206,  207,  211,  217,  222 

236,  243,  415 

(Coclieco) 125,  128 

(Northam) 53,  54 

Dublin 339,  507,  589 

(Monadnock  No.  3). 289,  449,  453,  464 

(North  Monadnock) 246,  289,  437 

439 


Dunbarton  ...  .348,  414,  446,  522,  546,  572 

(Gorliamtown) 231,  236,  237,  377 

409 

(Starkstown) 231.  246,  486,  518 

Dunstable 132,  275,  279,  307,  311,  381 

384,  438,  618 

Durham 237,  243,  347 

Duxbury  School  Farm 420,  463,  558 

Dracut,  Mass.  .191,  192,  200,  203,  206,  208 
211,  231,  315,  322,  325,  329 


Easttown  (Wakefield) 387,  390 

Eaton 528,  537,  541 

Effingham 339,  421,  427,  520,  522,  572 

(Leavittstown) 397,  533,  554,  613 

Epsom 217,  222,  484 

Esopus,  N.  Y 295 

Exeter.. 53,  129, 130,  144,  150,  165,  166,  169 
200,  203,  206,  207,  211,  217,  222,  235 
340,  344,  367,  370,  522,  597,  619,  620 
Exeter,  Eng 3,  6 


Fishersfield  (Newbury) 339,  376,  377 

379,  380,  383,  385,  550,  552,  559,  560 

571,  579,  617 

Fitzwilliam 339,  517,  527 

(Monadnock  No.  4) 457,  458 

Fort  Point 54 

Francestown 630 

Fryeburg,  Me 591 


Georgia na,  Me 54 

Gilmanton. . ..236,  238,  246,  257,  310,  347- 
349,  387,  415,  449,  465,  497,  498,  503 
506,  509,  515,  534,  543,  577,  616,  617 

Gloucester,  Mass 150,  169 

Goffstown 338,  347-349,  413,  522,  572 


Gorhamtown  (Dunbarton).  .231,  236,  237 

377,  409 


Goshen 379,  591 

Gosport 217 

Governors  Island 552 

Great  Boar’s  Head 53 

Great  Cohass  Brook 427 


Great  Island  (Newcastle).  . .127,  128,  134 


Greenfield 629,  630 

Greenland 150,  169,  187,  214,  216,  226 

236,  275,  279,  346 
Groton,  Mass 233,  236 


Halestown  (Weare) 231,  236,  237,  247 

415,  419,  564 

Hampton.  ..53,  128,  129,  135,  136,  144,  150 
165,  166,  169,  200,  203,  206,  207,  211 
217,  222,  234,  235,  257,  413 

Hampton  Falls  235,  238,  257,  497 

Hancock 378 

Havana,  Cuba 173,  186 

Haverhill,  Mass 150,  169,  191,  192,  200 

203,  206,  208,  211,  302,  303,  305,  315 
322,  325,  329,  469,  488,  493,  521 
Haverhill  District 236 


Heidlebourg  (New  London) 246,  289 

457,  542-544 

Henniker 339,  450,  522,  572,  589,  621 

(Number  6) 231,  247,  522 

Henrietta  Island 71 

Hereford  (Newbury) 541,  544 

Hill 522,  583 

(New  Chester) 246,  312,  339,  543- 

546,  571,  581-583 
Hillsborough.  .231,  236,  246,  247,  339,  353 

418,  454,  555,  570 

(Number  7) 231,  236,  237,  247 

Hilton’s  Point 52-54,  59 

Holderness 593,  594 

Holies  (Hollis) .' 420 

Hopkinton 231,  236,  439,  497,  521,  632 

(New  Hopkinton) 416,  521,  534 

(Number  5) 231,  235,  236,  416 

Hudson  River 184,  232 


Ipswich  (New  Ipswich) 246,  604 

Ipswich,  Mass 150,  169 

Isle  Mason 21,  149-152,  168,  264 

Isle  of  Providence 71 

Isles  of  Shoals.  ..41,  60,  63,  65,  67,  70,  100 
149,  159,  168,  179,  215,  226,  228,  264 

Jaffrey 339,  507,  523 

(Middle  Monadnock) 246,  289,  437 

442 

(Monadnock  No.  2) 289,  442,  464 

Kearsarge  Gore 581-584,  626 

Kearsarge Mountain. . ..312,  339,  570,  571 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PLACES 


663 


Keene  (Upper  Ashuelot) 307 

Kennebec  River 86 

Kingslyn,  Eng 90,  179,  265 

Kingston 235 

(Kingstown) . . . 165,  166,  217,  222,  301 

Kingswood 238,  245,  246,  257,  263 

Kittery,  Me 458 


Leavittstown  (Effingham).  . .397,  533,  554 

613 

Lempster 334,  335 

Lexington,  Mass 590 

Little  Boar’s  Head 53 

Little  Harbor 150,  157,  164,  169 

(Rendezvous) 52,  157 

London,  Eng. . . .3,  6,  19,  23,  28,  33,  39,  42 
54,  59,  67,  85,  88, 96,  99,  143,  148,  167 
169,  178,  180,  186,  189,  192-194,  198 
214,  253,  254,  269,  270,  275,  279,  280 
284,  295,  301,  313,  315,  316,  321-325 
327,  329,  345,  351,  425,  520,  574,  648 
Londonderry.  .222,  235,  236,  340,  419,  426 
427,  431,  436,  444-447,  485,  494,  638 

Louisbourg,  Can 238,  255 

Lyndeborougli 246,  339,  467,  496,  522 

558,  563,  569,  571,  615,  618,  624 

(Salem  Canada) 231,  236,  247,  439 

449,  453 


Manchester 445,  458 

(Derrytield) 494 

(Tyngstown) 436,  438 

Marlborough 237,  339,  507,  569,  572 

(Monadnock  No.  5) 246,  289,  457 

533 


Marlow 334,  335,  378,  382 

Mason 348,  349,  507,  576,  590 

(Number  1). . . .246,  289,  413,  420,  437 

590 

Massachusetts  Bay. . . . .' 110 

Medford,  Mass 417,  418 

Meredith.. 338,  417,  469,  518,  522,  537,  538 
572,  574,  604,  615,  618 

(New  Salem) 395,  587,  588 

Merrimack  River. . .20,  25,  30,  34,  97,  105 
109,  110,  115,  117,  122,  132,  133,  138 
139,  149,  150,  168,  179,  180,  189-191 
214,  215,  226,  228,  235,  236,  238,  241 
247,  250,  257,  264,  265,  268,  275,  284 
291,  292,  302,  315,  322,  325,  329,  381 
409,  426,  427,  436,  438,  468,  489,  494 

502,  512 

Merrymeeting  Bay 580 

Methuen,  Mass 191,  192,  200,  203,  206 

208,  211,  315,  322,  325,  329 
Middle  Monadnock  (Jaffrey) . . . .246,  289 

49,7,  442 

Middleton 339,  387,  419,  522,  532,  572 

(Middletown) 388 


Mile  Slip 311,  420,  558 

Monadnock  Mountain 384 

Monadnock  No.  1 (Rindge) 442,  464 


Monadnock  No.  2 (Jaffrey) . .289,  442,  464 
Monadnock  No.  3 (Dublin).  .289,  449,  453 

464 

Monadnock  No.  4 (Fitzwilliam) . .457,  458 

Monadnock  No.  5 (Marlborough) 246 

289,  457,  533 

Monadnock  No.  6 (Nelson) . .246,  289,  448 

453,  457,  496,  560,  561 

Monadnock  No.  7 (Stoddard) 246,  289 

449,  453,  454,  457,  458,  539,  547 
Monadnock  No.  8 (Washington)  .457,  475 

Monson 420 

Mosquito  Hall 97 

Moultonborougli.  . .339,  391-395,  510,  522 
528,  535,  568,  572,  610,  623,  633,  637 

638,  640 

Moultonborougli  Neck 394 

Narragansett  No.  3 (Amherst) 485 

Narragansett  No.  5 (Bedford). . .236,  409 

427 

Naumkeag  River 20,  60,  63,  65,  67,  69 

70,  100,  117,  122,  125,  129,  138,  148 
149,  159,  167,  168,  179,  194,  200,  202 
205-207,  211,  250,  264,  273,  275,  285 

292,  438,  648 


Nelson 507,  561 

(Monadnock  No.  6) 246,  289,  448 

453,  457,  496,  560,  561 

(Packersfield) 339 

New  Almsbury  (Warner) 312 

New  Boston.  ...231,  236,  237,  247,  309,  339 
439,  441,  449,  453,  465,  489,  492,  517 

554,  610,  615 

New  Bradford  (Bradford) 621,  622 

New  Breton  (Andover). .312,  543,  544,  546 
New  Chester  (Hill) . . . .246,  312  , 339,  543- 

546,  571,  581-583 

New  Concord  (Washington) 246,  289 

475,  541 

New  Durham 339,  388,  420,  509,  522 

533,  572 

New  Durham  Gore  (Alton) 339,  34G 

348,  349 

New  Hampton 516 

New  Hopkinton  (Hopkinton) . . 416,  521 

534 

New  Ipswich 233,  339,  420,  437,  576 

(Ipswich)  246,  604 

New  London  (Alexandria  Addition).  312 

339  582  583 

(Heidlebourg) . .246,  289,  457,  542-544 

New  Salem  (Meredith) 395,  587,  588 

New  York,  N.  Y 184,  232 

Newbury 552,  562 

(Dantzick) 246,  289,  457 


664 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PLACES. 


Newbury,  cont. 

(Fisiiersfield).  .339,  376,  377,  379,  3S0 
383,  3S5,  550.  552,  559,  560,  571,  579 

617 

(Hereford) 541,  544 

Newbury,  Mass 150,  169,  301,  467-470 

529,  530 

Newburyport,  Mass 529,  530,  587 

Newcastle 155,  165,  166,  183,  184,  200 

203,  206,  207,  211,  269,  285 

(Great  Island) 127,  128,  134 

Newfound  Lake 307,  381 

Newicliwannock. . .48,  49,  51,  52,  56,  135- 

137,  267 

Newicliwannock  River 60,  63,  65,  67 

70,  86,  148,  149,  159.  160,  167,  168 
179,  200,  202,  206,  207,  211,  215,  226 

22S,  250,  292 

Newington  (Bloody  Point) 53,  157 

Newmarket 3s6 

Newmarket,  Eng 118,  119 

Newport 377,  383 

North  Hampton 235,  411,  497 

North  Monadnock  (Dublin) 246,  289 

437,  439 

North  am  (Dover) 53,  54 

Nottingham 217,  222,  340,  386,  573 

Number  1 (Mason) 246,  289,  413,  420 

437,  590 

Number  1 (Warner) 523 

Number  2 (Wilton) 246,  289,  420,  437 

Number  5 (Hopkinton) .231,  235,  236,  416 

Number  6 (Henniker) 231,  247,  521 

Number  7 (Hillsborough).  . .231,  236,  237 

247 

Number  8 (Washington)  246,  247,  289,  541 

Old  Salisbury,  Mass 150,  169 

Ossipee. . .339,  349,  565,  568,  587,  593,  604 
607,  613,  625,  627,  633,  638,  640,  641 

Ossipee  Gore 623 

Ossipee  Lake 592,  614 

Ossipee  River 552 

Oyster  River  99 

Packersfield  (Nelson) 339 

Pascassock  River 41 

Pelham 562 

Pembroke 595 

(Suncook) 237 

Pemigewasset  River 413,  454,  457 

Penacook  (Concord) 133,  236 


Perrystown  (Sutton) ...  .312,  339,  542-544 

546 

Peterborough 231,246,  247,  338,  418 

420,  439,  449,  453,  455,  467,  563,  639 

Peterborough  Slip 246,  289,  339,  353 

437,  466,  507,  576 


Piscataqua  (Portsmouth) . . .41,  48,  50,  51 
54,  97,  134-137,  163,  164,  180,  265 
Piscataqua  Harbor.  ..41,  44,  60,  68,  65,  67 
70,  86,  148,  159,  167,  168,  179,  200 
202,  206,  207,  211,  250,  264,  292 
Piscataqua  River. . . .30,  52-55,  97,  99,  100 
125,  129,  138,  157,  164,  179,  189,  194 
214,  215,  226,  228,  241,  250,  264,  275 
285,  291,  292,  308,  526,  620,  648 

Piscataquog  River 409 

Plymouth,  Eng 3-7,  10,  19,  24,  29,  33 

39,  59,  62,  67,  85,  86,  109,  110,  120 
172,  178,  189,  264,  265,  268,  290-292 
294,  313,  315,  316,  324,  325,  327,  329 

351,  651,  652 

Port  Royal,  N.  S 137,  267 

Portsmouth.  .53,  54,  96,  124,  127,  128,  134 
135,  142,  144,  150,  153,  158,  162,  165 
166,  169,  180,  185-187,  198,  200,  202 
203,  205-207,  211-214,  216,  217,  222 
226,  231,  235,  247,  249,  261,  266,  274 
275,  278,  279,  297,  301,  303-306,  309 
311,  312,  316,  322,  326,  330,  341,  343 
344,  346,  351,  356,  372,  374,  375,  382 
385,  403,  404,  406,  408-410,  414,  416 
422-424,  429,  431,  433,  440,  451,  457- 
460,  462,  470-474,  479,  480,  487,  488 
490,  491,  495,  496,  498,  503,  504,  508 
511,  513,  517,  520-522,  526,  540,  541 
546,  564,  565,  568,  573,  575,  578,  580 
595,  604,  609.  623,  627,  629,  631,  634 

636,  642,  643 

(Piscataqua) 41,  48,  50,  51,  54,  97 

134-137,  163,  164,  180,  265 


(Strawberry  Bank) 48,  135-137 

Portsmouth,  Eng 88 

Preston,  Eng 301 

Reading,  Mass 150,  169 

Red  Hill 394 

Rendezvous  (Little  Harbor) 52,  157 

Rindge 339,  381,  507 

(Monadnock  No.  1) 442,  464 

(Rowley  Canada).  . .233,  280,  384,  464 

(South  Monadnock) 437,  442 

Rochester 217,  222,  237,  243,  244,  263 

415,  416 

Rowley,  Mass 150,  169,  538 

Rowley  Canada  (Rindge). . . .233,  280,  384 

464 

Rumford  (Concord). . . .236,  468,  536,  546 
Rye 235 

Saco,  Me 58 

Sagadahock  River.  . .25,  34,  60,  63,  65,  67 
70,  86,  92,  97,  149,  150,  160,  168,  179 
Salem 246,  489 


Salem  Canada  (Lyndeborougli) . .231,  236 

247,  439,  449,  453 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PLACES. 


665 


Salem  River 264 

Salisbury 339,  425,  485,  522,  626 

(Balcerstown) 237 

Salisbury,  Mass.... 150,  169,  190-192,  200 
203,  206,  208,  211,  315,  322,  325,  329 

Salisbury,  Old,  Mass 150,  1(59 

Salmon  Falls 125 

Salmon  Falls  River 415 

Sanbornton 417,  510,  522,  572,  608 

Sanders  Point 48,  51 

Sandwich 528 

Saville  (Sunapee) 544 

Ships: 

Bethel 253 

John 45 

Pied  Cow 44,  45,  58 

Wilmington 286,  287 

Society  Land.  .455,  460,  538,  564,  571,  579 

630,  638 

Somer  Islands 71 

Somersworth.  .214,  216,  226,  236,  275,  279 
Souliegan  East  (Bedford). . ..236,  409,  427 

Souliegan  River 237,  311,  558 

Souliegan  West  (Amherst).  .231,  234-237 

246,  423,  485 

Souhegannock  River 138 

South  Monadnock  (Rindge) 437,  442 

Staniels’s  Creek.  . . . ^ 130 

Starkstown  (Dunbarton). . . .231,  246,  486 

518 

Stoddard.  .339,  378,  380-382,  384,  507,  524 

(Monadnock  No.  7) 246,  289,  449 

453,  454,  457,  458,  539,  547 
Strath  am . .200,  203,  206,  207,  211,  235,  236 
Strawberry  Bank  (Portsmouth) . .48,  135- 

137 

Sudbury,  Mass 150,  169 

Sukuos  Island 466 

Sunapee  (Saville) 544 

Sunapee  Lake 380,  383,  384 

Sunapee  Mountain 384,  385 

Suncook  (Pembroke) 237 

Suncook  River. 452,  456,  483,  484,  500,  595 

Sutton 426,  443.  446,  522,  557,  572 

(Perrystown) . ..312,  339,  542-544,  546 

Swampscott  Falls 53 

Tamworth 528,  537 

Temple 339 

Thornton 381,  384 


Townshend,  Mass 233 

Tuftonborough 440,  536,  537,  542,  543 

568,  604,  623,  638 
Tyngstown  (Manchester) 436,  438 

Unity 376,  377,  379 

Upper  Ashuelot  (Keene) 307 

Wakefield 339,  419,  522,  532,  572 

(Easttown) 387,  390 

Walpole  (Bellowstown) 307 

Warner 430,  524,  581 

(Almsbury) 236,  312 

(New  Almsbury) 312 

(Number  1) 523 

Washington  . . .339,  376-380,  382,  385,  507 
526,  552,  556,  57 1 , 579 

(Camden) 376,  379,  555,  617 

(Monadnock  No.  8) 457,  475 

(New  Concord) 246,  289,  475,  541 

(Number  8) 246,  247,  289,  541 

Watertown,  Mass 456 

Weare 310,  339,  348-350,  423,  517,  522 

564,  572,  610,  611 
(Halestown).. . .231,  236,  237,  247,  415 

419,  564 

(Wearestown) 449,  453,  521 

Weare  Gore 348 

Wenham,  Mass 150,  169 

Wequash  Brook 397 

Westminster,  Eng. . .19,  24,  28,  33,  59,  64 
71,  85,  88,  100,  138,  145,  147,  155,  157 

284,  300 

Wheelwright’s  Creek 53 

Wilton '.507,  558,  576,  590 

(Number  2) 246,  289,  420.  437 

Windsor 583 

(Campbell’s  Gore).. 339,  361,  550,  555 
571,  575,  581,  605,  617 
Winnipiseogee  Lake.,.  .138,  139,  235,  236 
238,  257,  415,  416,  439,  449,  465,  497 
498,  503,  505,  506,  509,  515,  553,  568 
580,  582-586,  616 

Winnipiseogee  River 235 

Winter  Harbor 568 

Woburn,  Mass 150,  169 

Wolfeborough 246,  339,  354,  356-358 

360,  398,  491,  501,  516,  530,  534,  536 
537,  553,  554,  568,  623 
Wonomenock  Pond 307 


INDEX  OF  NAMES  OF  PERSONS 


Abbott,  John 564 

Joseph 386,  390 

Adams,  288 

John 2S2,  283,  286 

Nathaniel 18,  158,  302 

Addington,  Isaac 162 

Adrian,  Thomas 147 

Aiken, 306 

James 306 

William 306 

Akers,  John 468,  531 

Albemarle,  Duke  of 141 

Alcock,  Elizabeth 185 

Allard,  David 388 

Job 385,  387,  389 

Shadracli 388 

Allen,  James 468 

Mrs 282,  283,  286,  288 

Samuel  . . . .107,  121,  135-137,  142-146 
148,  152,  156-167,  169,  170,  172,  175 
180,  254,  269-274,  281-288,  295-297 
313-316,  319-329,  333,  335,  337,  345- 

348,  350,  610 

Thomas....  167,  169-171,  175,' 176,  271 
285,  286,  297,  298,  314,  323,  324,  328 

Alley,  Richard 392,  393 

Ambrose,  Nathaniel 391,  393 

Amsden,  Joseph  589 

Andros,  Sir  Edmund 184,  232 

Apsley,  Sir  Allen 6,  7 

Apthorp,  Henry 356,  501,  505 

Argali,  John 6,  7 

Arundell,  Lord 141 

Thomas,  Earl  of . ..6,  7,  19,  24,  29,  33 

39 

Assips,  Thomas 89 

Atkins,  William 391,  392,  468 

Atkinson, 488 

Captain 313 

George 573,  587,  593,  598,  600 

Joseph 530 

Nathaniel 530,  531 

Theodore.  ..18,  96,  107,  121,  129,  193- 
196,  199,  206,  207,  212,  214-219,  221 
223,  224,  226,  234,  255,  275,  276,  279 
283,  289,  302,  304,  305,  311,  312,  346 
349,  403-412,  421,  422,  424,  429,  432 
441,  442,  451,  459,  461,  462,  465.  471 
472,  474,  479,  481,  487,  490,  493,  496 
499,  504,  508,  511,  514,  518,  523,  528 
537,  540,  541,  545,  558,  564,  566,  568 
583,  584,  586,  616,  640,  641 


Atwood,  John 538 

Auclimuty,  Robert 178,  181 

Avery,  Jeremiah 397,  398 

Ayer,  see  Eyre. 

James 493 

Baclieller,  Samuel 488,  489 

Bacon,  Jeremiah. . .376,  378,  380,  382,  383 

Badger,  Joseph 387 

Bailey,  Samuel 468 

Baker, 307 

Baldwin,  Beatrice 88 

David 289,  456 

Baltimore,  Cecil  Calvert,  Baron  of...  .71 

Barefoot,  Walter 126,  127,  132,  135 

Barnard,  Jonathan 523,  533,  534 

Barr,  Captain 236 

Barrett,  Charles 589,  604 

Bartlett,  Enoch 546,  599 

Josiah 335,  597,  599 

Nathaniel 236 

Thomas 340-342,  654,  655,  657 

Basford,  James 236 

Batchelder,  see  Baclieller. 

Abraham 489 

Bath,  William,  Earl  of 6,  7 

Batson,  Stephen 533,  534 

Beal,  Roger 87 

Samuel 133 

Bean,  David 392,  393 

George 395 

Samuel 302 

Beaufort,  Duke  of 141 

Beckwith,  Jabez 335 

Belcher,  Jonathan.  177,  183,  187,  197,  238 

Bell, 220 

Thomas 230,  465 

Bellomont,  Earl  of 158,  295 

Berry,  Benjamin 388 

James 388 

Thomas 189,  191-193,  197,  233 

Widow 388 

Bethel, 252 

Betton,  James 579,  615 

Bickford,  Ebenezer 388 

Biles,  Stephen 99 

Bingham,  Vina 376,  378,  383 

Bird,  Benjamin 530 

Blair,  Alexander 602 

Blaisdell,  Jacob 592 

Blake,  Benjamin 398 

Ebenezer 391,  392 


668 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


Blanchard,  Eleazer 590 

James 561 

Jonathan  539 

Joseph  ...  .231-234,  249,  275,  276,  279 
289,  307,  311,  334,  346,  375,  376,  378 
380,  381,  383-385,  412,  419,  420,  422 
423,  426-428,  436-438,  441-444,  448 
453-457,  462,  464-467,  474,  475,  482 
500,  534,  571,  590,  616,  625,  641 

Mrs 311 

Blath waite,  William 108 

Blodgett,  Captain 249 

Oliver 307,  381 

Seth 249 

Bohanan,  Andrew 538 

Borland,  Francis 466,  467 

Boulter,  Nathaniel.  ...129,  135,  136,  267 

Bourcliier,  Henry 6,  7 

Sir  John 6,  7 

Boyes,  Robert 276 

Boynton,  John 394,  396 

Brackett,  Joshua 373,  599,  608 

Bradley,  Matthew 87 

Brenton, 139 

Brewster,  Charles  W 642 

Bridgeman,  William 142 

Bright, 56,  58 

Brooks,  Sir  John 6,  7 

Samuel 162,  172,  183-188,  418 

Broughton.  George 124-126 

Brown,  Daniel 640 

Edmund 246,  413,  457 

Jacob . .626,  632,  633 

John 594 

Josiah 307,  381 

William 640 

Browning,  John 145-147 

Bryant,  James 385,  387,  389 

Robert 396 

Bryent,  Walter 465,  500,  509,  515,  521 

535,  541 


Buckingham,  George,  Marquis.. 6,  7,  19 

24,  29,  33,  39 


Budd,  James 145 

Bulkley,  Peter 112,  122 

Bunce,  James 106 

Bunker,  George 197 

Burton,  Henry 88 

Buswell,  William,  3d 301,  302 

Butler,  Jacob 617 

Butman,  Asa 629 

Butterfield,  John 445 

Samuel 307,  381 

Buzzell,  William 385,  389 


Caldwell,  John 602 

Calvert,  Cecil 71 

Cammock,  Thomas 43 

Campbell,  James 235,  454 


Canfield,  Samuel 335 

Carter,  Edward 128 

Cary, 376,  379 

Catchmay,  Sir  Richard t 6,  7 

Chadbourne,  James 125,  126 

Chamberlain,  Ebenezer 395 

Richard  . . . .85,  120,  123,  124,  126-128 

131,  132,  135-137 

Chandler, 392 

David 558,  559 

John 197,  468 

Joseph 376 

Sanborn 394 

Chase,  Ezekiel 308 

Stephen 257 

Cheney,  Nicholas 468 

Chesley,  Captain 237 

Jonathan 246,  416 

Choate,  Jonathan 391,  394 

Chudleigh,  George 6,  7 

Clark,  John 389 

Samuel 128 

Thomas 52 

William 96,  385,  389,  615 

Zephaniah 376 

Clements,  Timothy 302-305 

Clifford,  Joseph 302 

Lemuel 399 

Thiel 399 

Coates,  Will 164 

Cochran,  James 431,  455,  484,  595 

John 455 

Coffin,  Joseph 468 

Peter.. 158 

Cogswell,  Thomas 347,  350,  351,  616 

Coker,  Benjamin 530 

Colburn,  Thomas 237 

Colby,  Ebenezer 626 

Collins,  Henry 486 

Connor,  Joseph 396 

Cook,  Benjamin 640 

Elisha 173-175 

Joseph 388 

Cooley, 399 

John 5S7 

Cooper,  William 51 

Copp,  David 386,  390 

Costello,  John 569 

Cotton,  John 39-45,  55,  56 

William 55 

Coventry,  H 112 

Cragin,  Benjamin 341 

Cram,  Captain 386 

Cranfield,  Edward.. 87,  120,  121,  123,  124 
126,  127,  132,  144,  269,  294,  647-649 

Craven,  Earl  of 141 

Creighton,  George 235 

Cressy,  Richard 622 

Critcliett,  Elias 389 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


669 


Crockett,  Thomas 52 

William 395 


Cross,  Noah 388 

Stephen 529 

Crowne,  Henry 131 

Cummings,  Elisha 395 

Cushing,  James.... 493 

Thomas 189,  191,  192,  197 

Cutt  or  Cutts,  Joanna 188 

John 137,  173,  268 

Richard.. 135,  137,  183-185,  188 

Cutter,  Ammi  Ruhamah. . ..346,  347,  356 

505 


Dane,  N 373 

Danforth,  Jonathan 133 

Thomas 395 

Darnit,  William 51 

Dartmouth,  Lord 141 

Davis,  Thomas 131 

Day, 313 

Dearborn,  398 

Doctor 398 

Ebenezer 236 

James 397 

John 425 

Simeon 386.  390 

Dennett,  177 

Diggs,  Sir  Dudley 6,  7 

Dole,  Stephen 477 

Dover,  Lord 141 

Dow,  Henry 158,  591 

Downs,  Gershom 246 

Drake,  Captain 397 

John 6,  7 

Drew,  Aaron 385,  388 

Isaac 385,  387,  390 

John 385,  388 

Dudley, 175 

John 568,  604,  623 

Joseph 271,  297 

Nicholas . .387 

Samuel 130 

Stephen 387 

Trueworthy 391 

William...  .183,  184,  189,  191-193,  197 

409 

Duncan,  John 237,  377,  380 

Durham,  Lord  Bishop  of 141,  300 

Dustin,  Asa 619 

Samuel 236 

William 611,  613 

Dwight,  Joseph 197 


Eaton,  Jacob 396 

Moses '. 617 

Eeton,  John 106 

Edgcumbe,  Sir  Richard 6,  7 

Edgerly,  Joshua 390 


Edisbury,  John 152 

Elkins,  William 389 

Elliot,  185 

Benjamin 161,  162 

Ellis,  Ephraim 388 

Emery,  Edward 529 

Noah. .216,  217,  251,  277,  345,  415,  458 

Stephen 468 

Endicott,  John 99 

Evans,  Ezekiel 523 

Eyre,  Eleazer 39-43,  55 

Thomas 38-43,  45,  47,  48,  55 


Falker,  Michael 209,  210 

Fane,  Francis .299 

Farnsworth, 382 

Farwell,  Jonathan 307,  308,  381 

Joseph 385 

Fauconberg,  Viscount 141 

Favor,  Willoughby 468 

Fazakerley,  Nicholas .300,  301 

Ferrett,  J 96 

Fisher,  John.  ..346-348,  350,  541-544,  546 

550,  552 

Flagg,  Ebenezer 237 

Flanders,  Jesse 531 

Fletcher,  Robert.  ..308,  381,  382,  492,  537 

542,  543 

Fogg,  Abner,  Jr . .398 

Joseph 626,  632,  633 

Seth 397 

Follansby, 256 

Captain .249 

Folsom,  Abraham 395 

Benjamin 399 

Nathaniel 565,  566 

Nicholas  Carr 396 

Foss,  Thomas 531 

Fowler,  John 476 

Samuel 469 

Fox,  Richard 106 

French,  256,  389 

John 478 

Frink,  Elijah 334,  335 

Frost,  386 

Aaron 398 

Fryer,  Nathaniel 127 

Fuller,  Timothy 420,  463 

Fullerton,  Moses 398 


Gage,  Amos 617 

Captain 225 

John.  .213,  219,  223,  236,  391,  415,  416 

465 

Gains,  George 373,  627-629,  634,  635 

Ruth 276 

Gambling,  Benjamin 108,  120 

Gardner,  Ilenry 39-45,  47,  48,  55 

William 344 


670 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS 


Garland,  John 391,  394 

Garvin,  James 391 

Gates,  Sir  Thomas 3,  6,  7 

Gedney,  Bartholomew 141 

Gee 164 

Ralph 51 

Geer,  Thomas 89 

George,  Thomas  397 

Gerrish,  Henry 530,  581,  594,  626 

John 158 

Joseph 468,  530 

Joseph,  Jr 468 

Moses  469 

Sally 350 

Samuel 172,  530 

Samuel,  Jr 467-470 

Stephen 502,  503 

Getchell,  Jeremiah 468 

Gibbons,  Ambrose.  ..23,  38,  47-49,  51,  52 

55-57,  59,  66,  96,  98,  99 

Gibbs,  John 47,  51 

Gibson,  28S 

Giddings,  Zebulon 213,  218 

Gilbert,  Raleigh 3,  6,  7 

Giles,  Sir  Edward 6,  7 

William 45 

Gilman,  Andrew 390,  391 

Anti  pas 387 

Captain . 219,  220 

Daniel 391,  393 

Israel 213,  225 

J.  P 342,  373 

Jeremiah 385,  390 

John 385,  390,  391 

John,  Jr 386,  391 

John  Taylor 375 

Jonathan 387,  390 

Joshua 216,  217 

Major 252 

Peter .219-221,  223-225,  230 

Glines,  Israel 391,  393 

Godfrey,  Edward 38,  48,  55,  105,  106 

Goffe,  John. . ..231,  234,  236,  237,  249,  414 

419,  427,  466,  494 

Gold, 237 

Goodridge,  Abel 384 

Gookin,  Daniel 134 

Nathaniel 246,  506,  521 

Gordon,  John . 605 

Gorges,  Edward,  Lord 6,  7 

Sir  Ferdinando  4,  6,  7,  19,  23-29,  33- 

45,  54-56,  85-87,  96,  97,  100,  104 

109,  111,  112,  115,  116,  268,  291 

Robert 28 

Gould,  Ambrose 477 

Graves,  William 129 

Greaves,  Thomas 197 

Green,  587,  588 

Henry 127 


Green,  Joseph 

Joshua 

Peter 

Greenleaf,  Benjamin 

John 

Greenough,  Robert.. 
Gridley,  Jeremiah. . . 

Griffith,  George 

Gunnison,  Samuel. . . 

Guppy,  Joshua 

Guy,  Edwin 


275,  276,  311,  534 
88 

347,  350,  351,  616 

587,  588 

587,  588 

477 

455 

39-45,  48,  55 

.376-380,  382,  383 

388 

39-43,  45 


Hackett,  Ephraim 562 

W.  II.  Y 642,  643 


Haines,  see  Haynes. 

Hale,  Robert.. 419 

Samuel 503,  580 

Sir  Warwick 6,  7 

Halifax,  Dunk 299 

Lord 252 

Hall,  Daniel ,. 391 

Samuel 129 

Samuel,  2d 391 

Stephen,  Jr 418 

Willard 438 

Hamilton,  James,  Marquis 6,  7,  19,  24 

29,  33,  39 

Hammond,  Captain 225 

Thomas 3,  6,  7 

Hancock,  John 346-348,  350 

Hanson,  Timothy 389 

Harrington,  Robert 589,  590 

Harrison,  William 141 

Hart,  Richard 217 

Hartwell, 374 

Harvey,  Ann 276 

Esther 276 

Haven,  Nathaniel  Appleton 346-348 

350,  614,  615,  618,  624,  625,  627- 

630,  632,  633,  635,  636,  638-641 

Hawkins,  Sir  Richard 6,  7 

Xavius 97 

Hayes,  John  L 642 

Haynes,  David 399 

William 399 

Hazzen,  Richard 493 

Heald,  Ephraim 560,  561 

Heath,  Robert 6,  7 

Herbert,  47,  51 

Hern,  Joseph 158 

Hersey,  James 398,  565,  591,  613,  623 

Jonathan 399 

Hervey,  Richard 479,  480 

Hill.  John 418 

Nathaniel 164 

Hilliard,  Benjamin 235,  391,  392 

Hills,  James 236 

Hilton,  Andrew 397 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS 


671 


Hilton,  Benjamin 397,  398 

Charles 129,  388 

Colonel 386 

Edward 41 

Samuel 129 

William 129 

Hinckes,  John 158 

Hines,  Thomas 484 

Hobby,  Sir  Charles.. 167,  170,  171,  173-176 
285,  286,  298,  314,  323,  324,  328 

John 175-177,  282,  283,  286 

Hodsdon,  Jeremiah 128 

Holt,  Joshua 564 

Horn,  Andrew 388 

Benjamin 386,  391 

John 386,  391 

William,  Jr 389 

Horney,  Ann 497 

Hannah  497 

Hosmer,  Nathaniel 589 

Stephen,  Jr 475 

Houghton,  Rowland 193 

Hubbard,  Richard 193,  235,  468 

Humphreys,  334 

Daniel  346,  347,  362,  364-367,  369,  370 

608,  610,  611,  617 

Hunt,  Hugh 145,  206,  209,  210 

Huntington,  Earl  of 141 

Huntley,  Nathan. . . .' 335 

Huske,  John 253 

Hussey,  Richard 390 

Hutchinson,  Edward  232 

Israel 373 

Thomas 189,  191,  192 

Thomas,  Jr 193 


Ilsley,  William 477,  478 

Indians: 

Passaconaway 132 

Wonolancet 132-134 

Ingalls,  Moses 591 

Innis,  John 392,  394 

Jackman,  George 476,  477 

Richard 477 


Jackson,  Clement.  ..247,  249,  251,  274,  276 

516,  534 

Jaffrey,  George.  18,  96.  107,  121,  129,  136, 
148,  153,  157,  163,  177,  193-196,  226 
227,  229,  246,  263,  275,  276,  278,  : 79 
303-306,  311,  313,  338,  340,  341.  343- 
348,350,  351,  362,  363,  366,  367,  369 
371-374,  405,  421-423,  425-436,  438- 
475,  478-480,  482,  483,  485-533,  535- 
577,  579,  580,  582-584,  586-607,  609- 
627,  641. 

George,  Jr 135,  137,  142,  143,  158 

163,  164,  214-218,  221,  223,  226 
230,  231,  237,  403-407,  409-420 


Jaquish,  Stephen 477 

Jeffries,  John 628,  635 

Jeffry,  James 177 

Jenkins,  L 123 

Jenness,  Captain 224 

Francis 235 

Richard 235,  246 

Jewett,  Jedediali 538 

Jocelyn,  Henry.. 43,  54-56,  58,  66,  97,  134 

163 

Johnson,  99 

Edward 112 

Gideon 389 

Susanna 154,  187,  287 

Tom 98,  99 

Jones,  Caleb 311,  558 

Deborah 182,  183 

William 278,  432,  435 

Sir  William 108,  109,  179,  268,  293 

Judkins,  Job 395 

Keais,  Samuel 165 

Keeling,  William 248 

Kelly,  Richard. . 476 

William 188 

Kendall,  John 307,  308,  381 

Kenney,  Icliabod 391 

Ivenniston,  John 385,  389 

Kent, 502 

Richard \ 468 

Keyes,  453 

Kidder,  Isaiah 378,  382 

Reuben 555,  589 

Stephen 52 

Kielle,  James.. . 277 

Kimball,  Benjamin 393 

John 391 

Noah 386,  390 

Samuel 395 

King, 46 

George 567 

Kingsbury,  Henry 468 

Knight,  Daniel 468 

John 413 

Josep  h 476,  478 

Moses 478 

Roger 51 

Knill,  Charles 50-52 


Ladd,  Alexander 643 

John 235 

Lambert,  Edward 88 

Lane, 134 

Sampson 135,  137,  163,  164 

Langdon,  John 336,  655,  657 

Woodbury 305,  372,  373,  567,  568 

578,  587,  593,  597,  610,  622,  623 

Langeson,  William 386 

Langster,  Henry 157,  267 

Laskin,  Timothy 486 


672 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


Lauchlen,  Samuel 320,  347,  350,  616 

Laud, 157 

Lawrence,  David 107,  143,  15S,  396 

William 420,  590 

Leach,  James 128 

James,  Jr 128 

Leader,  Richard. 99 

Leary,  Cornelius 130 

Joseph 398 

Leathers,  Edward 129 

Leavitt,  Captain 219 

Moses 187 

Samuel 158 

Lennox,  Ludovick,  Duke  of 6,  7,  19 

24,  29,  33,  39 

Leverett,  Governor 112 

John 104 

Lewis, 56 

Eber 335 

John 128 

Libhey,  George 304 

J eremiah 62S-631 , 634-637 

Reuben 399 


Lidgett,  Charles. . . 

138-140 

Daniel 

Lindsev,  William. 

145,  152 

Linforth, . . . 

488 

Little,  George 

David 

John 

Ephraim. . . 

Richard 

529 

Josiah 

Samuel 

529 

Reuben 

Tristram 

Reuben,  Jr 

Livermore,  Edward  St.  Loe 619,  620 

Samuel. . . . 

Matthew 

.247,  249,  251,  274,  276 

Theodore.  . 

374,  404,  433, 

434,  457.  458,  535,  574 

Thomas 

Samuel. 

William.  . . 

Lock, 

Martin,  Ann. . . 

McDuffee,  John 335,  59T 

Macgregore,  James 350,  351,  446,  447 

Me  Hard,  James 302-305,  486,  502 

521 

McMillan,  Andrew 536 

McMurphy, 230 

Alexander 444 

Archibald .335,  340-342,  597,  654 

John 246,  452 

McNeil,  Daniel 602 

Magoon,  Saunders 391,  394 

Manfield,  Mary 181,  182 

Mansfield,  Sir  Robert 6,  7 

Manuel.  Joel 477 

March.  Clement 220,  224,  230,  236,  275 

276,  279,  306,  346-350,  415,  456,  457 

465,  484,  492,  500,  540,  583,  584,  586 

641 

Joseph 346-348,  350 

Paul 275,  276,  534 

Stephen 346-350 

Marden,  Daniel 373- 

Marston,  246 


580 


.396 


John 129 

Lodge,  John 145 

Long,  Edward  B 346-348 

Mary 346-348,  350 

Pierse 216,  218 

Lovell,  Captain 397 

Lovett,  John 234,  235,  411 

Jonathan 235 

Love  well. 2. 


.zo  < 


Lucas,  James 398 

James,  Jr 399 

Thomas 395,  399,  4S1,  483 

Lund, 466 

Jonathan 308,  309 

Lunt,  Cutting 476 

Luscomb,  Humphrey 141 

Lyford,  Francis 129,  130 

Lynde,  Benjamin 197 

Benjamin,  Jr 189,  191-193 

McCarty,  Tliaddeus 138-140 

McCrillis,  Robert 391 


Henry 96 

Joshua 602 

Nathaniel 602 

Susanna 185,  186 

Thomas.. . .340,  346-348,  602,  612,  615 
617,  618,  620.  625,  628 

Mason,  Ann 89-91,  93,  94,  96,  98.  99 

164,  173,  178,  180,  194 

Anna  Elizabeth  215,216 

Anna  Elizabeth  Tufton.216,  276,  277 

Elizabeth  Tufton 144,  153,  154 

173,  182,  188 

James 391,  392 

John.  . .19-23,  25-28,  30-45,  47,  48,  50 
54-57,  59,  62-70,  72-75,  77-88,  95- 
100,  105,  107,  108,  115,  122,  134-137 
140,  146,  151,  157,  164,  172,  173,  178 
-180,  189,  190,  194, 198,  214,  245.  264 
-268,  270-274,  279,  281,  283,  284.  286 
290-293,  295.  298,  313,  314,  316,  320- 
322,  324-330,  336,  345,  351,  374,  597 

650-652 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


678 


Mason,  cont. 

John  Tufton 140,  143-14S,  151- 

154,  156,  167,  160,  170,  172,  173,  177 
178,  180-182,  184-205,  208-210,  212- 
216,  218-230,  232,  237.  230,  244,  247- 
249,  251,  253-263,  269,  273-281,  283 
284,  2^6-288,  290,  301,  303,  305,  307- 
309,  311-335,  338,  340-342,  344-346 
348,  349,  351,  358,  360,  363,  372-374 
376,  378,  380-384,  403-408,  410-412 
414,419,  422-424,  428,  429,  431,  439- 
441,  443,  444,  451,  455,  459-462,  465 
470-474,  479-481,  487,  488,  490,  493- 
496,  498,  504,  505,  508,  510-514,  517 
518,  523,  525,  528,  529,  536,  540,  549 
558,  565-568,  573,  574,  578,  581-584 
586,  503,  594,  596-598,  6u0,  602,  603 
606,  607,  610,  616,  623,  625-629,  634- 
637,  641,  642,  654,  655 

Joseph 99,  100,  103,  164 

Katherine  Tufton..  153,  154,  182,  186 

Mary  Tufton 361 

Matthew 96 

Robert...  .88,  93,  94,  100,  104-109,  111 
112,  116,  117,  119-124,  127,  128,  131 
132,  135,  142,  143,  179,  1*0,  183,  191 
266-270,  273,  281,  282,  287,  290,  293- 
206,  298,  647-651 

Robert  Tufton 125,  126,  129-131 

138-141,  143-148,  151-156,  162,  166 
167,  169,  170,  173,  180-188,  190,  194 
214,  232,  269,  314,  321,  324,  327,  328 
345,  648,  649,  651-653 


Stephen 391,  392 

Susanna  Tufton 172,  185 

Thomas 89 

Thomas  Tufton 173 


Matthews,  Benjamin 129 

Francis 97 

Mead,  William 396 

Melfort,  Earl  of 141 

Mellen,  Henry 246,  416 

Meloon,  Joseph 386,  391 

Nathaniel  476 

Menzies,  James 148,  157,  158,  161,  162 

Merrill, 313 

Meserve,  George 533,  534 

Nathaniel 214-218,  221,  223,  226 

275,  276,  278,  279,  346,  350,  403,  404 
406-408,  410,  411,  414,  422,  424,  426 
432,  441,  459,  461,  462,  465,  472,  474 
475,  482,  484,  493,  500,  533,  534,  583 
584,  586,  595,  596,  616,  625,  641 

Meservy, 399 

Metlin,  Samuel 276 

Middleton,  Earl  of 141 

Miles,  see  Myles. 

Hobby 172 

Miller,  Ebenezer 236,  409 

Minot,  Jonas 313,  354,  541-543,  545 


43 


Minot,  Jonas,  cont. 

551,  576,  590 

Mitchell,  George 301 

James 550 

Samuel 485,  486 

Moffatt,  John.  214-218,  221,  223,  226,  275 
276,  279,  303-305,  346,  403,  404,  406- 
411,  414,  421,  422,  424,429,  432,  441 
451,  459-462,  465,  471,  472,  474,  479 
481,  486,  487,  490-492,  496,  499,  502 
504,  508,  521,  527,  537,  540,  543 
566-568,  573,  582-584,  586,  625,  636 

637,  641 

Samuel 511,  514,  518,  523 

Mompesson,  Sir  Giles 6,  7 

Montague,  Edward 196 

Moody,  Stephen 529,  530 

Mooney, 388 

Moore,  Dorothy 88 

John 87 

Mary 275,  276,  345,  346,  348,  349 

465,  493,  583,  584,  586,  616,  625,  641 
Samuel. . . .214-218,  221,  223,  226,  403 

406-408,  412 

William 207,  386,  390 

Morrice,  Sir  William 107 

Morrill,  Abraham 592 

James 523 

Morrison,  Daniel 395 

Morse,  Joseph 468 

Thomas 589 

Moulton,  387 

Ezekiel 391,  392 

Jonathan 392-394,  505,  527,  536 

Murray,  Earl  of 141 

Musgrave,  Philip 143 

Myles,  see  Miles. 

Jo 106 


Neal,  Hubartus 382,  570,  571,  617 

John 341,342 

Walter. . . .32,  41,  45,  47-52,  54,  56-59 

157,  163,  164 

Nelson,  Richard  L 312 

Nesmith,  James,  Jr 581 

Newmarcli,  Joseph 248 

Noel,  Thomas 96 

Nortliy,  Sir  Edward 271 

Norton,  Francis.  .55,  98,  134,  136,  137,  163 

164,  267 

Nottingham,  Earl  of 141 

Noyes,  Isaac 529 

Jacob 476 

John 417 

Oliver 173-17 

Nutter, 13  2 

Odiorne,  Jotham..  .223,  224,  275,  276,  278 


279,  346,  349,  406-411,  414,  422,  424 
429,  432,  465,  492,  540,  588,  584,  586 

616,  625,  641 


I 


674 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


Odiorne,  cont. 

Jotkam,  Jr.. 214-218,  221,  223,  226, 403 

Mehitable 566,  573 

Odlin,  Dudley 340-342,  654 

Ordway,  313 


James 

Ormond,  Duke  of 

Orr,  William 

Oswald,  James. . 
Otis,  Richard.  . . . 

Stephen  

Otterson,  George 
Oxford,  Earl  of. . 


301,  302 
141 


445-447 

....299 


120,  125,  126 

129 

306 

141 


Packer,  Thomas.  ...207,  212,  214-218,  221 
223,  226,  246,  247,  275,  276,  279,  310 
346,  361,  403,  404,  406,  407,  409,  410 
422,424,  429-432,  436,  441,451,  452 
455,  457,  459,  461,  462,  465,  471,  472 
474,  475,  479,  4*1-484,  487,  490,  493 
496,  499,  500,  504,  508,  511,  512,  514 
518,  534,  538,  540,  583,  584,  586,  595 

625,  640,  641 

Page,  Caleb.. 546 

Colonel 389 

Jeremiah 594 

Palmer,  246 

Barnabas 391 

Christopher 129 

Sir  Geoffrey 106,  107,  268,  293 

Joseph 397 

Samuel 425,  505,  537,  574 

Thomas 183,  186 

Parker,  Captain 399 

John 603,  604 

Nathaniel 375 

Thomas.  . .128,  231,  417,  418,  438,  445 

447 

William.  . .201,  205,  247,  249,  251,  274 
276,  304,  305,  345,  433,  434,  457,  458 

535,  574 

Parkliurst,  237 

Parsons,  Thomas 397,  522 

Partridge,  Richard 107,  108,  129,  142 

143,  153,  157,  192 

Pastree,  Margaret 184,  232 

Patch,  Isaac 307,  381 

Patten,  Matthew 444 

Peabody,  Nathaniel.  . .347,  350,  351,  616 

Oliver 372 

Pearne,  William 566,  567,  571,  573 

Pearse,  Mary 346-348,  350 

Peter 310,  346-348,  532,  534-544 

546-549,  551 

Pearson,  Joseph  336,  354, 356, 363,  655,657 
Thomas 468 


Pecker,  James 493 

Peirce,  Daniel 199,  201,  205,  216,  218 

221,  227,  248,  275-281,  283,  289,  303 


Peirce,  Daniel,  cont. 

-306,  311,  312,  345,  346,  348,  349,  381 
399,  412!,  415,  419,  422,  426,  428,  429 
432,  438,  441,  442,  447,  451,  459,  461 
462,  465,  471,  472,  474,  479,  481,  486 
487,  490,  493,  496,  499,  504,  508,  509 
511,  512,  514,  518,  521,  524,  526,  530 
540,  543,  545,  546,  549,  551,  583,  584 
586,  616,  625,  641 


Eleazer 538 

George 602 


John 340-344,  346-348,  350,  361- 

363,  366,  367,  375,  376,  382,  385,  561 
566,  567,  570,  571,  575,  577,  578,  587 
592,  593,  597-601,  603,  604,  606,  607 
609-614,  617,  618,  621,  624,  625 

627-630,  632,  633,  635,  636,  638,  640 

Jonathan 363 

Joseph 207,  346-348,  350,  362 

364-367,  369 

Joshua.... 131,  214-218,  221,  223,  226 
275,  276,  279,  345,  346.  349,  403,  4u4 
406-410,  422,  424,  429,  432,  436,  441 
451,  452,  455,  457,  459,  461,  462,  465 
474,  482,  493,  516,  583,  584,  586,  616 

625,  641 


Joshua  W 642-644 

Nathaniel 458 

Thomas 477 

Thomas,  Jr 304 

Pembroke,  William,  Earl  of 6,  7 

Penhallow, 310 


John 346-348,  350,  362,  366,  369 

383,  533,  535-541,  543,  544,  546-549^ 
551,  553,  557,  561,  563,  564,  566-579 
581,  586-593,  596,  602,  604,  612-615 
618,  621,  625,  627-636.  638,  639 
Samuel. . . .162,  174,  340,  346,  347,  637 


Penniman, 382 

Penny,  Captain 287 

Henry 18,  96 

Pepperell,  William 183-185 

Perkins,  Benjamin 386,  390 

Ebenezer 389 

Joseph .• 391 

Thomas 386,  390 

Perry, 306 

Abraham 246 

Micajah 171 

Michael 141 

Obadiah 236 

Perryman,  Nicholas 416 

Peterborough,  Earl  of 141 

Philbrick,  Jedediali 235 

Phillips,  Captain 286,  287 

J 172 

Pickering,  Benjamin 391 

John 310,  607 

Pierce,  Benjamin 377,  380 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


675 


Pike,  Jacob 390,  397 

Robert 163,  164,  267 

Piper,  Mrs 386 

Thomas 398 

Pitman,  Ebenezer . . . .396 

Plaisted,  John 158 

Plumer,  William 363,  371 

Plummer,  John  477 

Jonathan 531 

Plymouth,  Earl  of 141 

Pollexfen,  Henry 145,  147,  156 

Poor,  Daniel 236 

John 538 

Popham,  Sir  Francis 6,  7 

Povey,  Richard 87 

Thomas 106 

Powell,  John 156 

Powers,  Peter 420,  590 

Powis,  Earl  of 141 

Pratt,  Benjamin 277,  278 

Prentice,  John 375 

Presbury,  Joseph 619 

Nathaniel 619,  620 

William 559,  619 

Prescott,  197 

Benjamin 189,  191,  192 

Peter 475 

Samuel 235 

Preston,  Viscount 141 

Prust,  Sarah... 247,  403-408,  410,  412-425 

Purmort,  Joseph 128 

Putney,  237 

John 560 


Quigley,  John 306,  309,  310,  535,  538 


Quimby,  Eliplialet 386,  391 

James 396 

Quincy,  Edmund  H 347,  350 

J 197 


Ramsey,  James.. . . 

William 

Rand,  

Elizabeth 

John 

Randolph,  Edward 

Rankin,  

Rawson,  Edward. . 

Ray,  William 

Raymond,  

John 

Read,  John 

Robert 

Thomas 

William 

Redford,  William.  . 

Redman,  John 

Rendell,  James. . . . 
Rich,  Sir  Nathaniel 


613 

613,  638,  639 

....  237,  370,  3S7,  466 

494 

129 

112,  114,  141 

236 

99 

396 

375 

.44,  45,  48,  49,  51,  52 
178,  181,  189,  191-193 

249 

420 

249 

155 

129,  135,  136,  267 

128 

6,  7 


Richardson,  Bradbury 392,  393 

Joseph 391,  393 

Samuel 391,  393 

William 196 

Richey,  James 306 

Riddan,  John ..486 

Rindge,  Daniel 340-344,  346-348,  350 

363,  364,  601,  606,  608,  625 

Tenon  P\^)A 

John  .*  .193-196,'  *198,'  199,  255.’ 345,’  346 
348,  459,  461,  462,  465,  471,  472,  474 
479,  481,  482,  487,  490,  493,  496,  504 
508,  511,  518,  540,  583,  584,  586,  595 

616,  625,  641 


Jotham 385,  398 

Roberts,  John 389 

Joseph 396 

Robertson,  Josial) 397 

Nathaniel 396 

Robinson,  James 128 

Thomas 619,  620 

Roby,  Henry 129 

Ichabod 246,  489,  492 

Roe,  Sir  Thomas 6,  7 

Rogers,  Charles 399 

Daniel.. 346-348,  362,  532-539,  541-546 
548,  549,  551,  554,  565-567,  573,  574 

579,  604,  621 

James 237 

John 99 

Mehitable 346-348,  350 

Richard 98,  99 

Rokeby,  Thomas 156 

Rolfe,  Benjamin 478 

Enoch 477 

Henry 478 

John 478 

Rollins,  Joseph 235 

Roswell,  Sir  Henry 190,  265 

Ross,  Captain 253 

Round,  John 58 

Roy  all, 252 

Ruck,  John . 232 

Russell,  Henry 128 

Salisbury,  William,  Earl  of 6,  7 

Samford,  288 

Sampson,  Jonathan 469 

Sanborn, 213,  225 

Amos 391,  394 

Daniel 608,  609 

John 235,  246,  413,  425 

Josiah 537 

Stephen 391,  394 

Sanderson,  John 392,  394 

Sargent,  B 87 

Sawyer,  R 649 

.Sir  Robert 127 

Scadgel,  Jacob 399 


676 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


Seavey,  John 128 

William 112 

Secomb,  Rachel 494 

Widow 466 

Senter,  Lieutenant 395 

Sewall,  David 356,  399,  505 

Edward 129 

Seymour,  Sir  Edward 6,  7 

Sharpe, 252,  281,  286 

Shaw,  Jonathan , 425 

Slieafe,  James 628 

Sampson 157,  199,  218,  219,  223 

Sheffield,  Edmund,  Lord 6,  7 

Shepard,  Amos 375 

John 237,  249,  312,  420,  463 

John,  Jr 310,  311 

Sherburne,  Captain 252 

Henry 154,  1S6,  187,  287 

Heory,  Jr 219,  221,  223,  230 

John  Samuel 361-363,  624,  625 

Joseph 186,  287 

Joseph,  Jr 186 

Samuel . . . .345,  386,  390,  391,  636,  637 

Sarah 154,  186,  187,  287 

Sherlock,  James 127 

Shortridge,  Richard 128 

Shove,  Seth 478 

Sliute,  Samuel 298 

Simonds, 249 

Simpson,  Joseph. . .182,  183,  187,  188,  301 

Sinclair,  John 395,  399 

Slayton.  Ann.. 405,  425-433,  435,  436,  439- 

467,  469-476,  479 

Small,  Francis 136,  137,  267 

Smith,  Daniel 618 

Ebenezer 237,  396,  537,  604,  618 

Jeremiah 374,  396 

John .. 615 

Jonathan 395 

Jonathan,  Jr 342,  351 

Nathaniel 236 

Samuel 223 

William 278,  306,  351,  387 

Snow,  Jonathan 307,  381 

Solly,  Samuel... 200-205,  207,  208,  210-212 

218,  219,  223,  237,  275,  276,  279,  346 

349,  411,  412,  414,  459,  461,  462,  465 

492,  500,  583,  584,  586,  641 

Somers,  Sir  George 3 

Southampton,  Henry,  Earl  of 6,  7 

Southwell,  Sir  Robert 108 

Sparliawk,  G 369 

George  King 346-348,  350 

John 337 

Spencer,  Humphrey 128 

Staniels, 130 

Stanley,  John 619 

William 626 

Stark,  231,  235,  236,  414 


Stark,  cont. 

Archibald 602 

Samuel 602 

William 518,  519 

Stearns,  383 

• John 307,381,384,385 

Steele,  Captain 285 

Clement 385,  390 

Stephenson,  William 44 

Sterling,  Hugh 602 

Stevens,  413 

Ebenezer.  .226,  227,  229,  235,  246,  302 

413 

Jonathan 397 

Nathaniel 390 

Stickney, 374 

Stileman,  Elias 123,  649,  653 

Stoddard,  Anthony 183,  186,  197 

Sampson 231,  246,  445,  539,  547 

Stoodly,  James. . . .480-483,  485-499,  502- 

541,  543-565 

Storer,  John 305 

Story,  Charles 148,  157,  163,  165 

Stoughton,  William 112,  122 

Sullivan,  John 310,  320,  336,  338,  347 

350,  351,  616 

Sunderland,  Duke  of 115,  118,  119 

Sutcliffe,  Matthew 6,  7 

Swain,  Abraham 396 

Sweet,  Samuel,  Jr 468 

Sweit,  G 106 

Swett,  Josiah 605 

Samuel 477 

Symes,  William 454 

Tash,  John 389 

Taylor,  Edward 125 

John 398 

Thomas 398 

Timothy 384,  385 

Teague,  John 193 

Tempest, 147 

Thanet,  Earl  of 251,  252 

Thaxter,  Samuel 183,  186 

Thomas,  Thomas 237 


Tliomlinson,  John..  193,  195,  197-199,  212 
213,  219,  222,  225,  229,  238-240,  252 
258,  263,  275,  276,  280,  281,  283,  288 
289,  302,  304-306,  316,  317,  330,  345 
346,  349,  425,  465,  493,  574,  583,  584 
586,  616,  625,  641 


Thornton,  Matthew 354 

Tibbetts,  Samuel 398,  399 

Titcomb,  James 397 

Todd,  Andrew 237,  452 

Captain .236 

Tolford,  John 354,  457,  519 

Joshua 354,  519 

Tom,  Captain 133 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


677 


Toppan,  Joseph 476,  477 

Torry,  Captain 399 

Samuel 396 


Towle,  Ebenezer 

Towle.  Jonathan .... 

Levi 

Paul 

William 

Townsliend,  Charles. 

Traill,  Robert 

Treadwell,  Mehitable 
William  Earl. 


376,  377,  383 

...235 

397 

376 

392 

299 

279 

346-348,  350 

346,  356,  501,  505 


Treby,  George 157 

Trefethen,  Martha 182 

Trevis, 98 

Triggs,  Thomas 398 


Tufton,  Ann.  . .89,  91,  92,  94,  95,  173,  178- 


180,  194,  266 


John.. 89,  93-95,  140, 178,  180,  190,  194 
266,  283,  284,  293,  298,  314.  324,  327 

Joseph 94,  173,  178,  266,  293 

Mary 89,  94,  95,  178,  180,  266 

Robert. . ..89,  92-95,  141,  178-180,  190 
266,  284,  293,  314,  324,  327 

Tyng,  Edward 141 

Jonathan 132,  133 

Tyrconnel,  Earl  of 141 


Usher,  John. ..  .138-140,  155,  159,  161,  285 

325 


Valentine, 175 

Van  Brugh,  Carlton 169-171,  285 

Varney,  David 385,  388 

Ebenezer 246,  531 

Hezekiah 385,  388 

James 476 

Nathaniel 385,  388 

Silas 385,  38S 


Vaughan,  George..  . .45,  47,  49,  51,  52,  59 

96,  97 

William...  120,  124,  127,  128,  135,  141- 
143,  158,  172,  173,  269 


Veasey,  Captain 413 

George 235 

Jeremiah 235 

Ventriss,  Peyton 156 

Vetern,  William 392,  394 

Vines,  Richard 54,  97 


Wainwright,  John 478 

Wait,  John 529 

Waldron,  Richard ..  121,  124,  128,  134-137 
142,  148,  157,  158,  162,  164,  172-175 
177,  187,  270,  271,  295,  297 


William 
Walker,  — 
James. . 
Seth  . . . 


137 

234! 

419,  466 
627,  629 


Walker,  cont. 

Timothy 237 

William 631 

Wallace,  see  Wallis. 

Robert 589 


Wallingford,  Thomas. . .214-218,  221,  223 
226,  275,  276,  279,  346,  383,  403,  406 
.411,  422,  441,  459,  461,  462,  465,  471 
472,  475,  481,  482,  490,  492,  496,  499 
540,  566,  573,  583,  584,  586,  638,  639 

641 


Wallis,  Henry 278,  432,  435 

Walton,  George. . . .134,  135,  184,  267,  285 

Mrs 285 

Shadrach.  .128,  182-184,  187,  188,  287 

Wannerton,  Thomas 39-43,  45,  48,  51 

55-58,  97,  135,  137,  164,  267 

Warner,  Daniel 207 

Jonathan 528,  540,  545,  566,  573 

Warren,  Sir  Peter 252 

Warwick,  Robert,  Earl  of 6,  7,  19,  24 

29,  33,  39,  54 

Watkins,  Abner 626 

Watson,  David 395 

Isaac 388 

Robert 129 

Weare, 651 

Meshech. . .213,  219,  220,  223,  224,  230 
235,  301,  415,  436,  439,  497,  580 

Nathaniel 123,  128,  142 

Webb,  Richard 128 

Samuel .-.398 

Webster,  John 236 

Stephen 392,  393 

Thomas 469 

Weed,  Flanders 387 

Weeks,  Walter 236 

Welch,  Jacob 386,  390 

Wells,  Samuel 189,  191-193 

Wentworth,  Benning. . ..193-196,  198,  252 

281  316 

Elizabeth 340,  346-348,350 

George,  Jr 345 

Hugh  Hall 516,  534 


Hunkins:. . .206,  207,  210,  212,  235,  251 
John.. .174,  175,  202-205,  207-212,  235 
346,  372,  373,  386,  390,  398,  403,  408 
410,  422,  424,  429,  432,  441,  451,  459 
461,  462,  471,  472,  474,  481,  487,  495 
500,  516,  520,  553,  583,  584,  586,  641 
John,  Jr. . ..214-218,  221,  223,  226,  272 

276,  279,  407,  465 

Joshua 343,  344 

Mark  Ilunking 214-218,  221,  223 

226,  275,  276,  279,  345,  346,  348,  403 
406-408,  410,  422,  424,  429,  432,  441 
447,  451,  459,  461,  462,  465,  471,  472 
474,  475,  479,  481,  482,  487,  490,  491 
493,  496,  499,  502,  504,  508,  511,  514 


678 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS. 


Wentworth,  Mark  Hunking,  cont. 

518,  526,  527,  532,  540,  566,  568,  573 
582-584,  586,  616,  625,  640,  641 

Michael 372 

Nathaniel 385,  389 

Samuel 128 

Thomas 389 

William 388 

West,  Benjamin 599,  600 

Wharton,  William 171 

Wheeler,  John 146,  147 

Nehemiah 309 

Wheelwright, 53 

Whichcote,  Charles 171 

Whipple,  Katherine 637 

William..  ..312,  543-549,  551,  561,  566 
573,  575,  577,  578,  587,  592,  593,  621 

622 

Whitcomb,  Reuben 621 

White,  Edward 236,  237,  409 

John 409 

Nicholas . 236 

Whitehouse,  Moses ...  .388 

Whitney,  James 307,  381 

Whittemore,  Ebenezer 237 

Wibird.  Richard. ..  .177,  200-205,  207.  208 
210-212,  214-218.  221,  223,  226,  275 
276,  279,  345,  346,  348,  403,  406-408 
410,  411,  414,  422-424,  428-430,  441 
451,  459,  461,  462,  465,  471-474,  479- 
4S1.  483,  484,  487,  488,  490-492,  496 
499,  504,  508,509,  511.  514,  540,  582- 
584,  586,  616,  625,  640,  641 

Thomas 277,  279,  280 

Wiggin, - . 132 

Andrew 193-196.  398 


Wiggin,  cont. 

Captain 236 

Katherine 173,  182,  184-188 

Susan 154 

Thomas 52,  54,  59 

Wilks,  Francis 192,  193 

Willard,  Josiali 134,  183,  193,  197 

Major 560 

Simon 133 

William 193 

Willey,  Allen 335 

Samuel 3S6,  390 

Williams,  Thomas 96 

Wilson,  Samuel 145,  152 

Wilton,  Richard 152 

Wingate,  John 391 

Winnington,  Sir  Francis.  . ..108,  109,  179 

268,  293 

Withers,  Daniel 152 

Wollaston,  John.. 59-62,  66-69,  88-95,  179 

265,  266 

Wood,  John  475 

Woodbridge,  Joseph 164 

Woodess,  George 398 

Samuel 398 

Worth,  Sir  Thomas 6,  7 

York,  Benjamin 389 

John 388 

Nicholas 391 

Young,  Andrew 153 

Daniel 235,  621,  622 

Dudley 387 

Jonathan 235 

Zouch,  Edward,  Lord 6,  7 

Sir  Edward 6,  7 


Date  Due 

• 

■Hill 

THIS  BOOK  MAY  NOT  BE 
TAKEN  FROM  THIS  ROOM 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


9031 


34681 


172217 


Chestnut  Hill  67.  Mass. 

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